Mummy3

Just wondering if anyone had any advise when moving out...

there is a clause saying we must have the carpets cleaned if they were cleaned prior to moving in which I am sure they were not, can I insist that unless an invoice is produced I am not doing it?

Thanks

scotsista

Tricky one I think. In our experience, the rental agent/owners here try to get money from you in some way or other when you leave a property.

We rented a number of apartments in the UK and never had any issues with receiving back our full bond as the place was always spotless.

Here, it's been a different story - so so strict. The last owner came around with the agent and found fault with so many things, we had to go back to the property a couple of times to clean a bit here, pull out a weed there.... they actually ended up taking money from our bond as we refused to keep going back.

We are great tenants, always pay rent early and treat any property as if it's our own. Never come across such intense scrutiny in the past but that seems to be the way it is here with rentals.

RedDragon2008

Its pretty much a standard cost incurred by all in Melbourne when leaving a property. Sort of last thing after the main cleaning is completed.


Plus signals to those driving up and down whats just about to come on to the market.

roaringmouse

Probably a bit late now, would have been something to check before moving into the property. Unless you really want to push it (the return of bond) to VCAT, get those carpets cleaned.

Mummy3

Ok, will look for a cheap deal...

flip

Ours were immaculate when we arrived and immaculate when we left. We didn't have to show a receipt to say we'd had them cleaned because they were in such good condition... They did catch us for a scratch on the kitchen bench and dents in the wood floor from the bar stools though.

Mummy3

how much did they get from you?

flip

I think it was around $125 - we'd lost the will to argue by that point. Can't believe I'm having to join the rental market again - joy!

rasen78

Ask the rental agent which cleaning company they recommend and use them. Keep the receipt to show your rental agent if they have any issues with the exit clean.

Kelli28

I've always just got there cleaners to go in and I doubt you'd get out of cleaning the carpets. It's not very ethical but there's always the option to use up the bond money before hand ie: don't pay rent for a couple if weeks, I had to do it a number of yrs ago after one agent on inspection complained the roses had black spot! I knew from that moment she'd be a total cow about the bond.

RedDragon2008

Real Estate Agents generally are lazy and hate the idea of going to Vicat

Just keep to the legal requirements and ignore the BS and threats they use on retaining bond. Its not an entitlement to the landlord. Normal wear and tear is not cash in hand for them, but remember they are entitled to the property returned in clean and habitable state for next tenants.

The bond money is also not for rent

Jon77

I have moved from rentals on many occasions and never had cleaners in and always got the full bond back, and that is with having a young child around making a mess.

Just get some hot water in some buckets, some cleaning products and a bit of elbow grease.

Put in a hard shift and you won't have any issues.

People that don't get the full bond back either get in rubbish cleaners or are just lazy and cut corners.

The last house we left was totally spotless, my wife is in charge of the packing and I do the lifting and final clean down. Never understood the idea of paying someone to clean my rental / property. But then I don't like paying money out for a job I know I can do just as well.

We hired a lorry and did the full move ourselves last time as well. Handy man companies / cleaners are making a *****ing fortune out of basic jobs people can do themselves. Or maybe it is us blokes are now lazy and jobs we used to do around the place we no longer do.

RedDragon2008

Good on you

The OP is referring to the specific area of cleaning the carpets, using steam cleaning equipment which not everyone would own. Its also not an expensive exercise when you know its a cost you incur at the end of each tenancy.

In Victoria it appears well known by both tenants and landlords and its been in all contracts I have seen.

But back to the beginning you are absolute in a bit of elbow grease and you should be getting back your full bond.

Mummy3

Yes my OH is a fabulous cleaner, he is very fastidious so from that aspect not worried, we are hoping that all the gushing from the agent( which I have on email and letter) about how well we have looked after the property will help.

Buzzy--Bee

If you do this in Victoria you run the risk of being issued with a "notice to vacate", which will make renting in the future more difficult.

Do not do this - you will be breaking a legal contract.

BB