Practical Ways To Negotiate Bond Deductions With Your Landlord In Perth

Nothing is more stressful than vacating a rental home for the first time. Since landlords in Western Australia conduct rigorous final rental inspections, most tenants often lose their hard earned bond money. Most of the time, they fail to return the property in a reasonably clean condition, which means leaving visible dust, dirt and grime behind.

The good news is that you can negotiate your bond deductions with the landlord if you have any disagreements. The Residential Tenancy Laws in WA allow tenants to raise a dispute in case of unfair bond deductions. They can even communicate with the landlord and fix the issues before moving out. Many professional vacate cleaning Perth companies offer a bond back guarantee with a free re clean service in case you are not happy with the cleaning.

Let’s unveil practical ways to negotiate bond deductions with your landlord in Perth and make informed decisions. Ensure you refer to the initial property condition report (PCR) to avoid unfair deductions.

1. What Does Bond Deduction Mean?

A rental bond is a security deposit, paid at the beginning of your lease. It is equal to four weeks’ rent (unless the rent is over $ 1,200 per week). The landlord has the right to withhold a part or all of the rental bond to cover costs when the tenant moves out. This may include the costs for repair of damage caused by the tenant, unpaid bills, outstanding payments and cleaning fees.

Tenants in WA often lose their bond money due to substandard cleaning. According to the laws, the property must be returned in the same condition as tenants first moved in.

2. Why Do Landlords Deduct Bond Money In Perth?

Before negotiating, you must know the key reasons for bond deductions. This will help you prepare better. So, common reasons are:

Substandard Cleaning:

This is one of the main reasons for bond deductions. Tenants don’t understand the cleaning project and leave dirt, grime, cooking grease and bad odours behind. Landlords conduct thorough inspections and check every nook and cranny to hold back your bond.

They usually lose bond due to crayon marks on walls, filthy kitchen appliances, overlooked high ceilings, dust laden and stained carpets, greasy cabinets, rusty bathroom fixtures and fittings, dull and streaky windows and dirty floors.

Property Damage:

The landlord has the right to withhold your bond in case of property damage beyond fair wear and tear. This could be due to broken windows and doors, holes in the walls, visible scratches, damaged door handles, burnt marks on carpets, broken tiles, or other damage due to negligence. They deduct the money to cover repair costs.

Outstanding Rents and Bills:

If you fail to pay your utility bills and rent, the landlord may file a claim to recover these expenses from your security deposit.

Missing Keys and Other Items Owned by Landlord:

Landlords may claim your bond if you end up missing keys, furnishings, remote controls and appliances.

Re letting Fees:

If you break your lease before the final move out date, you are liable for proportional break lease and advertising costs for reletting.

3. Negotiate Unfair Bond Deductions using the PCR

Once you know the reason, you can negotiate a bond claim using the most powerful evidence you have, i.e., an initial property condition report. When comparing the actual condition of your rental home with the report, look for the following aspects:

The pre existing damage that was mentioned in the initial condition report

• Existing stains
• Worn carpets
• Condition of appliances
• Bathroom fixtures and fittings

You are not liable for pre existing damage or dirt when moving out. On those bases, you can claim your bond back. Even vacate cleaning Perth experts also refer to the PCR before creating a pre-approved cleaning checklist.

4. Time Stamped Photographs Can Protect Your Bond

Believe it or not! Time stamped photos before and after the cleaning can make a world of difference. You should take proper photos of all rooms, bathrooms, appliances, cabinets and hidden spots when moving into a property. Cover all the interior and exterior parts to provide proof in case of unfair bond deductions.

5. Communicate with Your Landlord

Landlords thoroughly check the property before failing your property inspection. In that case, make sure you establish effective communication and request that they provide you with the list of issues they have before making any adjustment. An itemised statement should cover:

• What they are claiming for the bond deduction
• The actual cost of repair and cleaning
• Photos of dirty or damaged areas
• Invoice for cleaning services

Understanding your rights as a responsible tenant can help you prevent unfair bond deductions and disputes. If they have issues, they can express and resolve all the problems.

6. Ask Your Cleaning Company for a Free Re Clean

If the final cleaning was conducted by professional cleaners, contact them again and ask about their re clean policy.

Many reliable companies offer a bond back guarantee with terms and conditions, along with a free re clean for 72 hours. If dirt and debris are left behind, they will revisit to fix the issues and help you get your full bond back.

7. Stay Calm and Composed

Did you know majority of bond disputes escalate due to aggression and foul language with your landlord? So, stay calm and polity put your version of the story. Always focus on clear communication and use photos and videos as evidence to re claim your bond.

If nothing works, you can also apply to the Magistrates’ Court with all the necessary proofs to prevent unfair bond deductions. You can also collect a clean receipt from the top quality vacate cleaning Perth company for a stress free experience.

Infographic For Bond Deduction Negotiation Tips for Tenants

Wrapping Up

A bond deduction negotiation is a smooth and seamless process when done correctly. Make sure you have prepared everything well with all the necessary evidence to negotiate your bond. Having a fair process with the inspection manager can help you secure your deposited security with ease.