Understanding Bond Cleaning Laws in Queensland

The Gold Coast is touted as Australia’s sixth largest and most vibrant city situated in South East Queensland. Home to beautiful beaches, lush, green spaces, buoyant atmosphere, high end amenities and an eclectic nightlife scene, the city has something for everyone. It has emerged as one of the key places to live, work and study for everyone.

Families with kids and working professionals are more inclined towards rented homes as they offer more flexibility and affordability compared to homeownership. Suburbs like Coomera, where the average rent for a three bedroom house is just $675 per week, or Pimpama, a beautiful suburb where the median rent is $650 per week.

Since residential rental properties are high in demand, landlords/property managers adhere to strict standards when it comes to passing the rental inspection. They must ensure the property is clean to attract potential renters. That’s where bond cleaning laws come in. These laws clearly define the cleaning related duties, roles, rights and responsibilities of both parties to prevent disputes and unnecessary penalties. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding bond cleaning laws in QLD. These are the most updated laws outlined under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, QLD (RTRA Act).

Let’s Get Started!

1. What is the Bond Cleaning Obligation under the RTRA Act, QLD?

According to the residential tenancy laws in QLD, tenants/renters are responsible for restoring the original condition of the rental property as it was at the start of the lease (beyond fair wear and tear). Bond cleaning is more detailed, precise and requires expertise to banish dirt and grime from every cranny.

The process involves deep dusting of hard surfaces, vacuuming blinds, door tracks and carpets, scrubbing stubborn stains, deep cleaning kitchen surfaces, disinfecting bathroom fixtures and fittings, and mopping floors. Leaving the dirt or dust behind may allow landlords to withhold a part of your bond money. If you want to get through your rental inspection, consider professional bond cleaners Gold Coast. They follow a pre-approved checklist and can meet the landlord’s cleaning expectations with ease.

2. Referring to Entry Condition Report : Save it as Evidence

Under the rental laws in Queensland, tenants are required to refer to the entry condition report to prevent bond disputes and deductions. The entry condition report outlines the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy. Filling out this report, including videos/photos, will help avoid future disagreements over property maintenance and cleaning. Before signing the agreement, thoroughly inspect the property (including walls, windows, and kitchen appliances), check for existing dirt, pest attacks and damage, and fill out the PCR.

You can use the same report to compare the current condition and conduct bond cleaning accordingly. This will help you achieve spotless results with ease. The best part is that you can use it as Evidence if you face any disagreement over cleaning.

3. Understanding Fair Wear & Tear Vs Property Damage

Tenants are required to return the property in a reasonably clean condition beyond normal wear and tear. In QLD, wear refers to the deterioration that occurs during normal use of the property. The walls, floors, and other surfaces can also deteriorate over time due to regular use or exposure to the environment. However, buildup dust, grease, and damage are not considered normal wear and tear. In fact, it happens due to the negligence of tenants. Therefore, they are required to fix it before the final move out. Let’s understand what comes under fair wear and tear, vs serious damage:

Fair Wear and Tear

Cracked pane due to old warped frames, paint fading, plaster cracks, worn carpets, loose door frames, etc. You are not liable to fix these issues.

Damage Beyond Normal Wear and Tear

If something is damaged by you during your lease, you must repair it before the final inspection, such as paint discolouration, holes in walls, pencil marks on walls, accidentally broken windows, scratches on kitchen appliances, plaster chipped by nails, clogged drains, etc. It is often a result of irresponsibility or negligence during the lease period. Ensure you fix it before hiring bond cleaners Gold Coast experts for detailed sprucing.

4. Prioritising ‘Reasonably Clean’ Condition

Landlords or property managers can’t unfairly deduct your bond money. They can’t demand ‘better’ than the original property’s condition. They can only expect cleanliness and hygiene comparable to move in condition. The premises must be returned in a reasonably clean state to prevent rental disputes. It is good to read your lease agreement to understand specific cleaning clauses, such as professional carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning. This will help you meet your landlord’s pre determined expectations without a hint of stress.

5. Understanding Bond Cleaning Inclusions to Prevent Disputes

When preparing your rental property at the end of your lease, make sure you inspect room by room and spruce up these areas to secure your bond money:

• Ceiling fans, air vents and walls
• Light fixtures and fittings
• Interior and exterior Window cleaning, and vaccuming blinds
• Cupboards, drawers and shelves, inside, outside and the top
• Door tracks and skirting boards
• Kitchen cabinets, rangehood, its filters, oven, microwave, fridge, sink and faucets
• Bathroom fixtures and fittings, including showerhead, glass doors, tiles and grout lines, bathtub, toilet seat, counters, etc.
• Carpets and floors
• Patio and garage area

6. Hiring a Professional is Not Mandatory, but Beneficial

In Queensland, professional cleaning is not mandatory for tenants. They may choose to engage an experienced company for a guaranteed bond cleaning Gold Coast. They offer a bond back guarantee (T’s and C’s apply) to help you secure your hard earned deposited security. Some even offer a free reclean within 72 hours if your landlord is unhappy with the results. Not mandatory, but hiring experts can streamline your move out experience while passing your rental inspection.

7. Resolving Bond Cleaning Disputes

If your landlord holds back part of your bond for cleaning, you have the right to lodge a dispute with the RTA. This is the right time to provide all the necessary evidence, such as photos and videos of your current property. If both parties fail to agree, the dispute can be raised to QCAT. Tenants can secure bond money if they understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the lease.

Infographic: Guide to Your Bond Cleaning Rights in Queensland

Wrapping Up

Bond cleaning laws in Queensland serve as a roadmap, ensuring a successful retrieval of your bond money. It helps tenants to understand their responsibilities and return a rental property in a pristine condition for the next occupant.