Most people are required to pay a security deposit besides the first month’s rent at the start of their tenancy. The rental bond will likely be returned to the renter at the end of the tenancy. However, there is a catch, i.e. in order to get the deposit back without deductions, individuals need to ensure the property is in the same condition as it was when the tenancy started. During the end, a thorough inspection will be conducted, and if any issues are found, there will be deductions.
Ensuring tenants get their security deposit back in full involves more than just sweeping and vacuuming the floor. They must fix damages and deep clean the entire property, which requires hiring professional end of lease cleaners Melbourne to ensure the best results. But, to eliminate any disputes later on, it is important to be aware of things that increase the chances of security deposit subtractions. Here are the common reasons for bond deductions. Avoid them to get the entire rental bond back.
1. Property Damage
One of the major reasons tenants do not get their bond back is the presence of property damages that were not there during the start of the tenancy. Causing damage and not fixing it is the easiest way to lose out on the money. Remember that such issues are very different from normal wear and tear. Here are a few examples of damage:
- Carpet stains
- Missing outlet covers
- Numerous large holes in the walls
- Water damage to the floors
- Cracks in the kitchen countertop
- Broken doors, windows, and bathroom vanity
It is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the home in good condition. Therefore, ensure there is no visible damage besides normal wear and tear. If there is, fix it as soon as possible.
2. The Rental Home is Unclean
Leaving the property without deep cleaning is another common way to guarantee rental bond deductions. In most cases, landlords will subtract some money from the security deposit, particularly if they need to hire professionals to get the property back into its original condition. Renters are unlikely to get their security deposit back if the property contains any of the following:
- Pet messes
- Pests
- Mould and mildew growth
- Stains
- A lot of dirt and dust
Even though just a little dust is unlikely to have any effect, too much of it can certainly reduce the chances of getting all the money back. Because some of the tasks are difficult, it is better to hire budget end of lease cleaners Melbourne.
3. Unpaid Utilities and Rent
An agreement is made at the start of the tenancy, i.e., the tenant will pay rent in exchange for living in the rental home. So, in case the renter has unpaid rent when moving out, the landlord can make deductions to the rental bond. Landlords who are permitted to charge additional fees due to late payment of the rent can deduct it from the deposit as well.
Similar to unpaid rent, unpaid utilities are also a common reason behind bond money deductions. Many tenants move out without paying their previous month’s electricity, water and gas bills. In such cases, landlords deduct money from the security deposit to cover the outstanding utility bills.
4. Unapproved Changes
Unapproved changes like painting are another reason behind bond deductions. Remember that landlords are required to repaint the property every few years for basic maintenance. In that case, they cannot deduct money from security deposits. However, if the tenant paints over the original colour without permission, then they won’t get their entire rental bond back.
Firstly, tenants must follow the terms outlined in the lease agreement. Breaking it is never recommended. If the agreement does not specify if they can repaint, it will be better to ask the landlord. This is because many landlords let individuals paint as long as they are ready to return the walls to the original colour before the tenancy ends. If they fail to do so, landlords will use the rental bond to get the walls repainted. In a few cases, property owners do not permit the renters to paint, and tenants should follow the rules to avoid any inconvenience.
Tip: Keeping the property clean is also a part of lease agreements, so hire expert end of lease cleaners Melbourne who use a checklist to deep clean a rental home.
5. Leaving Behind Large Items
Generally, tenants should take the items they brought when they moved in. Leaving one or two small items, such as kitchenware, is unlikely to have any effect. However, failing to move heavy stuff like furniture may result in substractions from the rental bond. This is because the landlords will need to hire a rental vehicle to remove these items, which is a major inconvenience and costs money. So, it is best that tenants sell, donate, or just move the large items. After that, do not forget to deep clean the property with the help of cheap end of lease cleaners Melbourne to get the bond money back in full.
Reasons for Bond Money Deductions and How to Avoid Them
Wrapping Up
In most cases, deductions will be unlikely if the tenants pay all the bills and rent and leave the properties in the same condition as they were during the start of the tenancy. Remember to focus primarily on the things mentioned in this article when preparing to move out.