Tenant vs Landlord Cleaning Duties in NSW: Understanding Fair Wear & Tear

The capital of New South Wales has been ranked as the best city in Australia for quality of life and the 10^th best worldwide. Home to renowned universities, top notch healthcare facilities, high end infrastructural developments, diverse food scenes and vibrant culture, Sydney offers everything to enjoy a high standard of living. The Residential Rental market is also experiencing a boom with increasing demand for clean and well maintained rental properties in major areas and suburbs of NSW. It is affordable to live in a rental house compared to buying a new home. That’s one of the key reasons why vacancy rates are low across the state.

Despite increased occupancy and rental demand, bond deduction and dispute rates remain elevated. The property’s cleanliness and overall condition are the two main reasons behind disputes between tenants and landlords in NSW. No clarity on cleaning duties, inspection standards and fair wear and tear are common in rental conflicts.

If you are wondering who is responsible for what or how to differentiate between fair wear and tear vs actual damage, this guide is for you. The following guide will help you understand tenant vs landlord cleaning duties in NSW and fair wear and tear in NSW to ensure hassle free bond retrieval at the end of a tenancy. This also helps landlords to maintain a spotless property for consistent rental income. In fact, tenants can easily find a reliable end of lease cleaning Sydney team for a bond refund.

1. What are the Tenant’s Cleaning Duties in NSW

Under the Residential Tenancies Laws in NSW, tenants/renters are expected to maintain a tidy, organised and well maintained property during the lease. They must regularly remove accumulated dirt, dust, stains, food splatters, soap scum and germs from all rooms to maintain a healthy and hygienic living environment. Common cleaning duties during a lease include:

• Dusting hard surfaces like walls, fans and shelves
• Vacuuming carpets, blinds and upholstery
• Cleaning kitchen surfaces, appliances and garbage disposal
• Maintain a clean and hygienic bathroom fixtures, fittings and toilets
• Cleaning windows and skirting boards
• Sweeping and mopping the floor

At the end of a tenancy, the renter is responsible for leaving the rental property in the same condition as when they moved in, except for normal wear and tear. Since landlords follow strict cleaning standards, make sure you hire experts for a top quality end of lease cleaning Sydney. They come equipped with all the necessary supplies and a pre-approved checklist to cover every minor detail for bond refund.

2. Landlord’s Cleaning Duties in NSW

In NSW, landlords and property agents are obligated to provide a rental property that meets minimum standards and maintain the property in a reasonably clean and habitable condition. They must deep clean every nook and cranny of the property, including fans, windows, ovens, microwaves and hard to reach areas.

Removing mould and mildew infestations and identifying sanitisation issues is essential before leasing a property. They are also expected to respond in a reasonable time to repair requests made by tenants. Landlords even conduct routine inspections to check the condition of the property and its structural integrity, including roofing, plumbing, and smoke alarms.

3. Understanding Fair Wear and Tear Vs. Damage in NSW

The term fair or normal wear and tear is one of the most confusing aspects when preparing a property for the final rental inspection. It becomes the prime reason for rental disputes. Before understanding the property maintenance and repair responsibilities, ensure you understand the key difference between fair wear and tear and major damage.

Fair Wear and Tear

It means the normal deterioration of the property that occurs over time from daily usage. This includes:

• Faded curtains or frayed cords
• Scuffed up wooden floors
• Traffic marks on carpets
• Chipped, faded and cracked wall paint
• Worn kitchen benchtop
• loose hinges and door handles
• Worn sliding tracks
• Water marks on carpets due to rain through the leaking

Major Property Damage

It refers to major damaged caused to the property that is beyond normal wear and tear. It is often caused by the owner’s/landlord’s act, like harsh scrubbing or cleaning negligence. This includes:

• Torn or missing curtains
• Burn marks or stubborn stains on carpets
• Poorly scratched or damaged wooden floors
• Cuts or burn marks in the bench top
• Broken window and door glass
• Damage to the wall paint, caused by removing adhesive posters.

It is good to create a simple maintenance routine to avoid hefty repairs and remedial expenses.

4. Who is Responsible for Doing Repairs?

The Residential Tenancy Laws clearly define that a rental property should be returned in a spotless condition except for fair wear and tear. That means major damage to the property needs to be fixed. When it comes to repairs, both parties share responsibilities.

Tenants are responsible for fixing damage caused by them during their lease. They can seek permission from the landlord and fix the issue. Landlords or property managers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing structural repairs and other serious matters. They are liable for fixing plumbing leaks, damaged roofs and decks, etc. If the tenant fails to do necessary repairs, landlords have the right to deduct the bond money to cover repair costs.

5. Tenant’s Responsibility: End of Lease Cleaning for Bond Retrieval

Apart from fixing major damages, tenants are also responsible for returning the property to a clean condition. This means the chances of losing bond money are always feasible due to stringent cleaning standards.

First things first! Thoroughly read your rental agreement and entry condition report to prevent unfair bond deductions. It is also crucial because landlords compare the current property’s condition to the original report. That’s where professional end of lease cleaning Sydney comes in. They clean nooks and crannies according to the pre-approved checklist, leaving no signs of dirt behind. From dusting ceiling fans and walls to washing windows and restoring bathroom fixtures and fittings, they do it all using proven methods and quality products. They clean even the most overlooked, hard to reach and frequently touched areas of the property to remove dirt and grime effectively.

Make sure you ask necessary questions, compare final quotes and choose the one that offers a bond back guarantee (Ts and Cs apply) with a free re clean in case of missed spots. They can help you pass the final inspection.

6. How to Avoid Rental Disputes in NSW

Below are some important tips to help you secure a full bond and avoid unnecessary disputes:

• Review the initial condition report and understand your rights as a tenant
• Check the outlined specific cleaning clauses in the agreement, such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning
• Take photos of the property and show it as proof
• Pay special attention to hard to reach spots
• Be present during the inspection
• Remove all rubbish and clean the outdoor area

If a dispute arises, both parties can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for resolution. You can present photos and videos as evidence to claim your bond back, especially if the landlord deducts your money after cleaning and necessary repairs.

Infographic: NSW Rental Guide: Understanding Cleaning Rules and Fair Wear and Tear

Wrapping up

It is important to understanding cleaning duties and fair wear and tear for both tenants and landlords to maintain a positive rental relationship. In NSW, tenants are required to maintain and return the property in a clean condition, excluding fair wear and tear, while landlords must provide a clean and habitable property at the start of a tenancy. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth bond retrieval process.