Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Common Cleaning Issues
Rental disputes are common in Hobart. Tasmania. While the city is known for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly community, disagreements between landlords and tenants can still happen. Cleaning is considered to be the main reason behind the conflict.
According to the residential tenancy laws in Tasmania, tenants must adhere to their cleaning responsibilities. They should return the property to its original condition (as they received it at the beginning of the lease). Leaving dust-laden or stained surfaces untreated can lead to bond deductions, causing tenant-landlord disputes. That’s why renters prefer hiring experts for a quality bond cleaning Hobart.
So, here is a comprehensive list of common cleaning issues that may lead to landlord-tenant disputes. The best part is that the Magistrates Court in Tasmania will hear the disagreement and make decisions based on real-time evidence like photos, videos, and contracts.
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]1. Misunderstanding of Routine Cleaning Responsibilities
Rental disputes can arise regarding who is responsible for routine cleaning of common areas during the tenancy. The tenancy agreement should mention the cleaning duties of hallways, courtyards, and stairways; otherwise, misunderstandings can occur, leading to bond deductions or serious disagreement.
Thus, it is good to outline these duties in the lease agreement. Tenants should also regularly clean their property to prevent dirt and grime buildup. This will also promote a healthy and hygienic indoor environment.
2. Disputes Over Bond Cleaning Expectations
Believe it or not! Landlords expect their property to be returned in a pristine condition at the end of a tenancy. This means regular house cleaning won’t be sufficient. A tenant should clean every nook and cranny of the premises to secure the bond money. Here are some cleaning issues that can cause rental disputes:
- Overlooking Hard-to-Reach Spots: Make sure you clean ceiling fans, air vents, crown mouldings, window and door tracks, behind the heavy furniture and grout lines to meet pre-approved cleaning expectations.
- Streaks on Windows: Make sure you clean windows using white vinegar solution and wipe down using a rubber squeegee. This won’t leave streaks behind.
- Greasy Appliances: Deep clean your oven, microwave, fridge and BBQ inside and outside and remove bad smells to pass the rental inspection
- Clogged Garbage Disposal: Use baking soda, followed by white vinegar and warm water to achieve sparkling results.
- Dirty Bathrooms: Leaving any spot dirty in the bathroom may lead to a rental dispute. Make sure you clean showers, tubs, glass doors, counters, cabinets, mirrors, tiles, and floors to keep dirt and allergens at bay.
As landlords expect professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy, hire end of lease cleaning Hobart experts. They strictly adhere to set cleaning standards and help you pass the rental inspection with ease.
3. Rental Bond Disputes for Cleaning
Landlords often deduct a part of bond money to cover the cleaning costs if the rental property is deemed dirty. According to the tenancy agreement, tenants must return the property reasonably clean. This means landlords can only make necessary deductions.
So, it is good to refer to the property condition report and clean the property accordingly. Ensure you return it in the same condition as at the beginning of your lease.
Tip: Click pictures and videos before signing the copy of the property condition report. You can use this as evidence in the Magistrate Court in case of any dispute.
4. Disputes Over Carpet and Rugs Maintenance
Disagreements may occur over whether the renter is responsible for carpets and rugs, especially if stains or damage happen during their tenancy. Therefore, it is important for landlords to clearly mention the cleaning responsibility of floor coverings in the agreement.
According to rental laws, tenants must restore the shine of carpets and rugs or even replace them if they are damaged during their tenancy. Failing to do so can lead to bond deductions and serious disputes.
Here is a complete guide to cleaning different types of carpets like a pro.
5. Pest Control Issues
The tenancy agreement should clearly mention who is responsible for dealing with pests. This includes mould, mildew, cockroaches, mice and termites. If it is already specified in the contract, tenants must take necessary precautions to prevent pests infestation by keeping the property clean, mould-free and organised.
They can also hire professional pest control services in Hobart to ensure a clean and hygienic indoor environment.
6. How to Resolve Bond Cleaning Disputes?
Here are some of the important tips to consider that can help you resolve rental disputes and smooth move-out.
- Communicate with Your Landlord: Do not hesitate to ask the reason for disagreement and know what landlords expect from you in terms of cleaning. If there is any issue related to cleaning or miscommunication over the cleaning responsibilities, clear everything in advance or before signing the agreement.
- Seek Professional Assistance: End of lease cleaning is more precise and detailed. A landlord thoroughly inspects every nook and cranny before handing over your bond money. If there are cleaning issues, book experts for a thorough bond cleaning Hobart. They follow a proven checklist to clean the entire premises to help you pass rental inspection without any dispute. If you have any doubt, gauge pros and cons of hiring professionals and make a well-informed decision.
- Mediate the Rental Dispute: If there is a rental dispute over cleaning, you can appeal to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner. They will help you resolve the disagreement. If you or the landlord doesn’t agree with their decision, you still have seven days to appeal to the Magistrates Court.
Avoiding Cleaning-Related Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants
Wrapping up
Preventing landlord-tenant disputes over cleaning is crucial to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free move-out. Ensure you understand all the pain points, read your rental agreement, communicate properly, and clear all your doubts to avoid conflicts.