A Tenant’s Guide: What Happens If You Fail A Bond Cleaning Inspection?

Vacating your rental property soon? It is one of the most stressful experiences for many tenants. In addition to preparing for a house move, you are also responsible for restoring the property to the same condition it was in at the start of the lease. Unfortunately, most renters fail their rental inspection due to cleaning issues. Neglecting a high standard of cleanliness can lead to unwanted bond deductions, awful disputes and penalties. This can be unsettling for many renters.

Worry not! This guide will help you understand what happens if you fail a rental inspection due to half-baked cleaning. With proper planning, a knack for dealing with potential consequences and an optimistic mindset, you can alleviate cleaning stress and unexpected costs. It can help you reclaim full bond money. It is good to hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Sydney to ensure a hassle free experience. They offer a bond back guarantee and a free re clean if the landlord is unsatisfied with the job. Always remember that knowing what to expect can prevent a financial setback while ensuring a smooth move out.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What is Bond Cleaning Inspection?

It is an intensive inspection of a rental property conducted by the property manager and landlord at the end of a tenancy. The primary objective is to check whether the house has been cleaned and maintained to a standard condition, as outlined in the tenancy agreement and the property condition report.

It should be in the same condition (except for fair wear and tear) as it was at the start of the lease. It is important for tenants to meet the cleaning obligations, return the keys, give prior notice and stay vigilant to pass your final rental inspection. This can help you secure full bond money.

2. What are the Consequences of Failing the Final Rental Inspection?

Unfortunately, failing bond cleaning inspection can be the most annoying thing for renters! Here’s what happens if you face such a scenario:

Losing Partial or Full Bond Money

This is one of the most obvious consequences of a failed bond cleaning inspection. The landlord or property manager has the right to withhold partial or full bond money if the property is in unkempt condition, except for fair wear and tear. This includes complete removal of dust, dirt, debris, oil splatters, soap scum, mould, mildew, bad odours and germs from every nook and cranny. It should meet the set cleanliness standards or unless landlords can lodge a claim against your security deposit with the NSW Fair Trading. The bond amount is equal to four week’s rent in Sydney.

Unwanted Rental Disputes and Delays

Failing a property inspection at the end of a tenancy often leads to awful conflicts between landlords and tenants. This can be stressful as well as time-consuming for everyone. Legal proceedings may also include tribunal hearings, making it difficult to move out effortlessly. You may even find difficulties in getting new rental properties in the same location.

Incurring Higher Cleaning Fees

If you fail to reclean the missed spots, the landlord may hire their own cleaners. They can deduct these expenses from your bond, leading to more financial setbacks. This may cost higher than what you would have paid initially.

Unwanted Stress and Inconvenience

Dealing with such a situation and arranging for recleaning can increase your stress while taking up your precious time, causing inconvenience. Thus, it is always better to choose the best company for a professional end of lease cleaning Sydney service who offer a guarantee and quality cleaning assurance.

Negative Impact on Your Rental History

Sometimes, a bond dispute over bond cleaning could create obstacles in getting references from your previous agents and landlords. This might impact the chances of securing future rental properties, especially in metropolitan cities like Sydney, NSW.

3. What are the Common Reasons for Failing Inspections?

Most tenants fail the final rental inspection because of missing important areas when cleaning the property. This may include ceiling fans, light fixtures and fittings, skirting boards, kitchen appliances, windows and venetian blinds, areas behind heavy appliances, showerheads, glass doors, toilets etc.

Landlords may also holdback a part of bond due to stained or dull carpets, neglected external areas like patio floors, garage walls and yards. Thus, it is important to pay attention to details and leave no traces of dust and grime behind when preparing your rental property for the final inspection.

That’s one of the reasons why renters hire professionals for a detailed end of lease cleaning Sydney. They come equipped with necessary supplies and follow a pre approved cleaning checklist, addressing all nooks and crannies to meet landlord’s expectations.

4. Tenant’s Rights: Things to Do If You Fail the Rental Inspection

Failing a final rental inspection can be overwhelming, but ensure you know your rights and take the necessary steps to resolve the situation. Here are a few things you can do:

• Request a Detail Report To Understand the Reason: The landlord must provide you with a complete condition report, outlining the key reasons for failure.
• Refer to the Entry Condition Report: Ensure you thoroughly compare the exit report with the initial one to identify pre-existing damages and other discrepancies.
• Communicate with Your Landlord: Don’t hesitate to discuss the failed inspection issues. Understand their perspective and explain your points, photos, and videos to avoid rental disputes.
• Consider Recleaning: If possible, reclean the missed spots pointed out by your landlord to reclaim your full bond money.
• Contact NSW Fair Trading: If you think that the landlord is unfair to you or breaching the tenancy laws, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading to resolve the dispute.
• Apply to NCAT: If you can’t resolve the dispute via negotiation, apply to NCAT for a hearing. They can make legal decisions on rental disputes, including bond refunds. To claim your points, provide evidence, such as photos, videos, etc.

5. How to Pass the Final Rental Inspection?

If you want to avoid the stress of rental inspection failure, create a proper plan for a hassle-free move-out. It is good to re-check the cleaning obligations in your lease agreement to know specific requirements. Ensure you follow a proper checklist to cover all nooks and crannies, including hard-to-reach spots, important areas and contaminated surfaces.

One of the best things to do is hiring professionals for an expert end of lease cleaning Sydney. They come equipped with advanced tools and chemical free products and understand local tenancy laws. Experienced cleaners can meet your landlord’s cleaning expectations while giving you peace of mind while ensuring full bond refund at the end of your tenancy. Some even also offer free re clean service in case of missed spots.

What Happens if You Fail a Final Rental Inspection?

Wrapping up

Failing the final rental inspection is a nightmare for tenants. However, with careful planning, you can overcome this awful situation and get your bond back. The tips and tricks mentioned above in the blog will ensure a smooth transition while helping you find the right way in case you fail the rental inspection.