What Can A Landlord Deduct From A Security Deposit For Cleaning And Repairs?

A security deposit, also known as bond money, plays a pivotal role in rental agreements. It is hard-earned money that is paid by a tenant to a landlord at the start of the tenancy. According to the residential tenancy laws in Western Australia, landlords can deduct security deposits to pay for repairs and cleaning services due to damage and excessively dirty areas at the end of a lease. The whole objective is to restore the rented property to its original state, except a fair wear and tear. This will help you keep germs and allergens at bay-which is important for an indoor hygiene. If you want to become a responsible residential tenant and pass the final inspection smoothly , you should know what a landlord can deduct from deposited security for repairs and cleaning so that you can prep the property accordingly and leave it in a pristine state. Let’s Get Started!

Understanding Security Deposits or Bond Money

Landlords or property managers require tenants to pay a security deposit, also known as a bond, when signing the lease agreement. The amount is up to four weeks’ rent and is used to protect the landlord against outstanding rent, property damages, cleaning requirements and breach of the agreement. The state’s residential tenancy authority holds the amount, and will be returned at the end of a tenancy when you pass the final inspection. A landlord can withhold your bond amount if you fail to return the property to its original state. That’s why tenants look for cheap vacate cleaning Perth because professionals follow a proven checklist to achieve sparkling results.

What Can Be Deducted from a Security Deposit?

Here is a list of things that landlords could deduct from bond money for repairs and cleaning – that are beyond normal wear and tear:

• Broken tiles or fixtures in bathrooms
• Clogged toilet
• Broken walls
• Excessive holes in walls from wall hangings
• Mould, holes, tears and dirty carpets and curtains
• Broken windows, doors and window screens
• Filthy kitchen appliances, such as oven, refrigerator or microwave
• Pet stains on the carpet, upholstery furniture and mattress
• Greasy and grimy stovetop
• Clogged drains
• Mould infestation in bathroom
• Calcium deposits on bathtub and shower area
• Dirty floors
• Pest Infestation

You should know the dangers of mould and mildew in carpets and prevent them as soon as possible when moving out of your rented property.

What can’t be deducted from a Deposited Security?

Here is a list of things that can’t be deducted from bond money. However, it is good to read the proper tenancy laws in Western Australia and review the rental agreement for better clarity:

• Faded wall paint due to sunlight
• Rug wear and tear
• Furniture marks on carpet
• Warped doors caused by moisture and age
• Dusting
• Faded Curtains
• Dents in walls from door handles
• Existing Property damages

It is good to review the entry condition report and repair the property before the final inspection to get your full bond back. It is because you are not responsible for the existing damages. In such a scenario,

How to Protect Your Bond Money From Deductions?

Being a tenant, it is your responsibility to protect your hard-earned bond money from deductions at the end of your tenancy. Here are some quick tips that will make things easy for you:

1. Attention-to-Detail Move-in Inspection

As mentioned above, record the condition of your rented property before moving in. Fill out the entry condition report, inspect all areas and take photos of existing damages or dirty areas. This can help you prevent disputes and conflicts at the end of a tenancy.

2. Regularly Maintain the Property

It is important to spruce up and maintain the property during your tenancy regularly. Take time out of your busy schedules and check for issues, such as broken windows, cracked tiles, etc and fix the issue as soon as possible. With regular cleaning, you can keep the dirt, dust, stains, and grime at bay and help you protect your bond money.

3. Do Not Breach the Lease Agreement

Follow the lease agreement strictly to avoid deductions or conflicts. Read the terms and conditions related to pets, smoking, rent, alterations, cleaning, maintenance, etc and return the property in the same condition. You should read the agreement and know the end of lease cleaning responsibilities of landlords and tenants before getting into any conflict.

4. Pay Unpaid Rent and Outstanding Bills

Landlords have the right to hold back a part of bond money if they fail to pay the rent and bills. So, clear all your payments before the final move-out.

5. Hire Professionals for a Thorough Vacate Cleaning

Most of the rental disputes happen because of cleaning. Leaving the property in a dirty state allows the landlord to deduct your bond money. They can use that money and hire professionals for a thorough cleaning. Even half-baked cleaning can put your bond amount at risk. So, it is always good to do proper research and hire the best company for expert vacate cleaning in Perth. They will come to your place, inspect all areas, and spruce up according to the checklist to help you secure the full bond amount. If you are still in doubt, know the difference between DIY vs professionals and make a right decision.

Wrapping Up

It is important to have a clear understanding about the bond money deductions when moving out of a rented property. With the help of this guide, you can easily find out what can and cannot be deducted by a landlord from your security deposit. You can follow this and return the property in a clean and well-maintained state to avoid rental disputes.