A rental bond is a security deposit lodged with
the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) by a rental provider. Tenants in Brisbane pay this sum at the start of a tenancy, and it can be up to four weeks of rent. You can claim the entire deposit if the rental property is reasonably clean and undamaged (excluding fair wear and tear).
However, it is easier said than done. Keeping and leaving a rental property clean is challenging, and many tenants fail, costing them their rental bond money partially or entirely.
One way to ensure you get 100% of your bond refund is to hire professional
bond cleaners Brisbane. Additionally, follow this 7-step guide to get your rental bond back without stress or hassle.
1. Re-read the Rental Agreement & Notify Landlord
Before ending a tenancy, re-reading the rental agreement will help refresh your memory regarding your responsibilities to vacate the property without dispute. You must read the clauses regarding giving notice to the rental provider and how to do it.
Usually, the notice is a written and signed document presented to the property owner or manager.
It is best to notify at least eight weeks before the tenancy ends. This way, you have ample time to meet your obligations, find bond cleaners in Brisbane, hire removalists and manage other important tasks.
2. Refer to the Original Condition Report
When you pay a rental bond, the rental provider shares a copy of the original condition report outlining the state of the property at the start of the rental agreement. You must check the property and edit the report if anything is excluded.
At the end of your tenancy, refer to this report to clean and repair the house/unit. According to the residential tenancy law, you must return the property in the same condition it was in at the start of a tenancy. Therefore, you don’t have to return it in a better state.
If you hire professionals for bond cleaning in Brisbane, share the report with them. Additionally, create an exit condition report to show before and after pictures, videos and documentation to claim your bond money without deductions.
3. Create a Bond Cleaning Checklist
Bond cleaning differs from regular house cleaning, and rental providers expect certain things to be done. Therefore, you must ask your property manager or owner for a bond cleaning checklist. Additionally, research before creating the list to ensure you outline every task included in a bond clean.
This step is necessary even if you hire professional bond cleaners in Brisbane. It gives you an idea about your requirement and book cleaners accordingly. The professionals will share cleaning inclusions and exclusions before confirming a booking, and you must go through it to ensure whatever is expected from your bond clean is listed. If something is missing, inquire if the professionals can perform it and what are the additional charges.
4. Hire Professional Bond Cleaners
Legally, a rental provider cannot ask you to book a specific bond cleaning service in Brisbane or any professional cleaners.
However, if they or a previous renter had the property professionally cleaned, then you must do the same to get your rental bond back. You must confirm what the professionals did and whether additional services are necessary. Ask your landlord to share the service receipt from the professionals as proof and reference.
Also, remember that if you have a pet, you are responsible for damages caused by the pet. Also, your landlord can put a reasonable condition for professional carpet cleaning and pest control according to recent rental law changes applicable from 1st October 2022. Once the requirements are clear, search for local bond cleaners in Brisbane to meet them.
5. Clear Rental Dues
Non-payment of rent is a serious issue, as the landlord has the right to serve a notice to remedy breach of contract if a tenant falls seven days behind on rent or fails to pay it on the due date. If you have a weekly or monthly rental payment due, clear it before vacating the property. If you don’t, your rental provider can deduct the amount from the bond money, and you cannot claim it entirely.
6. Manage Repairs & Vacate Property Before Bond Cleaning
You have to pay for damages caused due to neglect or intention. Some repairs are the landlord’s responsibility, and you can know what they are from the rental agreement. Keep in mind minor things like pain chips, wearing of floors from use, discolouration caused by sun exposure etc., are fair wear and tear. They are expected to happen during a tenancy, and you don’t have to pay for them.
Once the repairs are done, vacate the property on the date mentioned on the notice. Ensure the property is empty on the day bond cleaners arrive.
7. Perform Bond Clean
After assessing your circumstance and rental agreement, you can either perform the cleaning yourself or have to hire professional bond cleaners in Brisbane. It is one of the most important steps because you must clean the property before claiming the rental bond.
Most people hire professionals because they have the expertise, experience and equipment. They can help get your rental bond back without deductions or disputes.
Additionally, they help save your time, energy and money. Whatever you choose to do, ensure the bond clean meets industry standards and is performed well enough to clear the final inspection without a hitch.
Endnote
Ending a tenancy is stressful because you must vacate and clean the rental property reasonably. If you don’t, your landlord can keep the entire rental bond or return it with deductions.
Therefore, follow this seven-step guide to help get your rental bond back. Additionally, don’t hesitate to take the assistance of professional bond cleaners in Brisbane; it can reduce your burden and stress.