How To Prevent Disputes At The End Of Lease?

Preparing a rental property for the final inspection is crucial during the end of the tenancy. Most tenants end up with a dispute due to miscommunication, breach of an agreement, and lack of cleanliness within the premises.According to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the complaints of rental disputes have increased in the past few years. And the majority of tenants lost their bond money due to cleaning conflicts.

Thus, it is good to hire professionals for an expert end of lease cleaning Melbourne. They will take care of your rented property and clean it according to the pre-approved checklist. It can help you pass the rental inspection without any issues.

Below is a complete guide on preventing potential disputes at the end of a lease period. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant for a seamless move-out.

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Here are some great hacks to help you avoid such situations when moving into a rental property in Melbourne.

Read Your Rental Agreement

As a tenant, your primary responsibility is to thoroughly read your agreement before signing the papers. A rental agreement is an official document that includes the details of a tenancy, your responsibilities as a tenant, cleanliness requirements, rental obligations, standards and duties. It may also outline the specific cleaning requirements set by your landlord. Therefore, carefully read it and clear your doubts if raised to avoid miscommunication later on.

Take Photos and Videos as Evidence

This is a crucial point that can protect you from disputes or losing your hard-earned bond money. Check the entry condition report before moving into the property. It is imperative to take videos and photos of a property and keep them as evidence in case of conflicts due to property repair and cleaning issues. This will help you determine damages, dirty areas and other key details. As per the rental laws, landlords can't hold back a part of bond money due to existing damages and normal wear and tear. You can show these photos as evidence in front of VCAT.

Constant Communication is a Must

There is no denying that miscommunication can lead to serious issues like disputes. Make sure you have a crystal clear communication set up regarding policies, rules, responsibilities and cleaning aspects. You can have a word with your landlord if case of any doubt during your tenancy. This will help build trust between both parties.

Maintain The Rental Property

Make sure you regularly maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your rented apartment or house. It is good to create a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule to keep dust, dirt, stains, spills and mould at bay. Take assistance from your family- be it kids and partners to clean all areas of the premises. This includes a kitchen, bathrooms, a living room, bedrooms, a patio area, lawn, etc. Also, vacuum your carpets and upholstery if you have pets at a rental property. Instead of using harsh chemicals, use natural solutions, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and hydrogen peroxide, for daily sprucing chores. Regular cleaning can help identify damages, water leakage issues and mould infestation on time and you can fix it before the situation goes out of control.

Pay Rent on Time and Clear All Outstanding Bills

According to the statistics, around 23.7 per cent of tenancy applications include rent issues like outstanding payments and disputes over rent increases. Make sure to pay your rent as per the lease agreement. Also, pay all the outstanding bills before moving out of a rental property to avoid disputes.

Do Necessary Repairs

Rental disputes can occur due to property damages. So, re-check your condition report and fix the issues that occurred during your lease period. This could include leaky faucets, damaged pipes, broken doors and windows, etc. Call the best handyman in Melbourne and do repairs before the rental inspection. Tip: Check and Replace the air filters of your HVAC systems to maintain the indoor air quality.

Hire Professional End of Lease Cleaners

Cleaning disputes are common because landlords can hold back a part or full deposited security. If you want to prevent disputes and want your bond back, book professionals for a detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne.

• They follow the pre-approved checklist, which covers everything, including:
• Dusting ceiling fans, walls and air filters
• Cleaning windows, blinds and curtains
• Wiping down cabinets, cupboards, shelves and picture frames
• Vacuuming Carpets
• Cleaning kitchen appliances
• De-greasing stovetops
• Cleaning and polishing sink faucets
• Thoroughly cleaning bathroom surfaces (showerhead, glass doors, bathtub, toilet and tiles)
• Patio cleaning
• Sweeping and mopping floors

The best part is that they are equipped with the latest gadgets and tried & tested products to tackle stubborn stains, grime and grease from almost all surfaces. It is good to resolve the dispute through mediation and protect your bond money. If nothing works, apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with all evidence materials. They will assess it and make the final decision. If everything goes in your favour, they will return your bond back within two weeks.

Tips on preventing potential disputes at the end of a lease period

Wrapping Up

These are key tips to help prevent rental disputes at the end of a tenancy. Make sure you return the property in a clean state, have clear communication with your landlord and pass the rental inspection without any disagreement.