End Of Tenancy Cleaning: Landlord And Tenant Responsibilities

Lack of cleaning is one of the major causes of rental disputes between landlords/ property managers and tenants in Perth. There is no denying that the end-of-tenancy cleaning process is quite intimidating, but unwanted conflicts can be avoided if both parties know their roles and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, tenants and landlords are confused due to vague tenancy agreements, lack of communication, higher cleaning standards and lack of knowledge.

If you plan to move into a rental property in Western Australia, know your rights, roles, duties and cleaning responsibilities to avoid rental disputes and claim your hard-earned bond money back.

Here is a complete guide to help you know who is responsible for end-of-lease cleaning and how:

What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?

It is also known as bond cleaning or vacate cleaning, a process performed when a renter vacates a rented property in Western Australia.

It is crucial to ensure the property is left in a clean state and meets the landlord’s cleaning standard for the new tenant or the final rental inspection. According to the tenancy laws, tenants should perform this type of cleaning and secure the entire bond money.

If you leave the property dirty, a landlord can hold back a part of your deposited security. So, be careful and thoroughly clean your rented property before the final inspection.

Why is End of Lease Cleaning Important?

Here are some of the key reasons to help you know why it is important for both parties:

Secures the Bond Amount 

Tenants in Western Australia sign the rental agreement and pay a security deposit equal to three weeks’ rent for a property. It is the financial protection for the landlord against any damages, unpaid rent and breaches of the tenancy agreement by the renter.

If the property is dirty, this landlord can hold back a part of your bond. That’s why performing a thorough vacate cleaning and passing the rental inspection is important.

Maintains a Positive landlord-tenant Relationship

Leaving the property in a clean and organised state eliminates the chances of disputes, which helps maintain a positive relationship, and you can get good references for your next rental applications. It is good to follow a list of do’s and don’ts of vacate cleaning and impress your fussy landlord.

This can foster trust between both parties, allowing the landlord to give a positive rental reference for your future tenancies. Plus, when landlords see the dedication of tenants at the end of a tenancy, they will return the deposited security immediately without any dispute or conflict. So, make sure you follow all the tips and tricks when moving out of your rented property in Western Australia.

Easily Attracts New Tenants 

For landlords, presenting a well-maintained and sparkling property can help attract and secure new tenants quickly. A clean property reflects a healthy and hygienic indoor environment, which may increase the likelihood of finding genuine tenants.

Landlord Vs. Tenant: Who has the End of Lease Cleaning Responsibility?

In Western Australia, the responsibility for vacate cleaning Perth or end of lease cleaning falls on the tenant or renter. When moving out of a rental property, they are obliged to return it clean and well-maintained as they received it at the beginning of a tenancy.

While tenants are responsible for the cleaning, they always have the option to hire professional end-of-lease cleaners in Perth for sparkling outcomes.

Seasoned cleaners can thoroughly spruce up every nook and cranny and help you get the full bond money without dispute. It is good to ask important questions when hiring a professional cleaning company and make the right decision.

When it comes to the landlords and property managers, they are not required by the law to clean the rented property between tenants, but they are responsible for ensuring that the property is clean and habitable before a new tenant moves in.

So, they have to conduct a detailed rental inspection and address necessary repairs and maintenance tasks. This can help them attract and secure new tenants with ease.

However, cleaning responsibilities can vary depending on the tenancy agreement’s terms, local regulations and other key aspects. Here is a quick overview of the typical responsibilities of both parties:

Landlords/Property Managers

• The landlord is responsible for providing a clean and maintained property at the start of the tenancy. They should ensure that the property is in a clean state before the new tenant moves in. This includes cleaning living areas, windows, carpets, blinds, floors, kitchen appliances and general areas.
• Outlining cleaning requirements in the lease agreement. They should mention what they expect from their tenants regarding the cleaning aspect.
• The landlord is responsible for maintaining the premises clean and habitable throughout the lease. This includes fixing damages and issues that may occur during the rental period.
• They follow a complete rental inspection checklist to check the condition of the premises before returning the bond money. They have the right to withhold a part of bond money to cover damages except for normal wear and tear.

Tenants/Renters

• The tenant is responsible for maintaining the property clean and pristine during the tenancy. This includes regular cleaning of the entire premises.
• They should immediately report any damages or maintenance issues to the landlord to ensure they are addressed on time.
• At the end of a lease, the tenants are responsible for returning the property in a clean state as it was when they moved in. This includes removing dust, dirt, and carpet stains and sweeping and mopping surfaces.
• They are also responsible for making necessary property repairs and performing a thorough end of lease cleaning according to the REIWA-approved checklist to secure bond money.

Conclusion

It is imperative for both landlords and tenants to know their roles and responsibilities and document the property’s condition before and after the tenancy to avoid conflicts. It is also good to clear the guidelines and expectations in the agreement and ensure a smooth end of the tenancy procedure.