Moving Question

[RichieP]

Hi,
We've bought a house so are leaving the rental property that we've been in.
One of the things when leaving is that we need to get the carpet cleaned.

We were thinking of using the rugdoctor from the supermarket.
I figure we've been in the property for over 4 years and for what ever reason they don't decide to give us our bond back.
Getting the carpet professionally cleaned would bite into the bond big time.
The carpet is worn and it should be replaced.

The rental company were kind enough to send us a letter with what we should be doing. (including getting the carpet professionally cleaned)

Thoughts?

Thanks

[essence]

I figure we've been in the property for over 4 years and for what ever reason they don't decide to give us our bond back.

The length of the tenancy is no reflection on the amount of Bond you will get back. They must have a valid reason to deduct from the Bond.

The rental company were kind enough to send us a letter with what we should be doing. (including getting the carpet professionally cleaned)

So long as the property is left in a clean and reasonably tidy condition (see below) the LL can have no argument. It is hugely debatable as to what is considered "clean and reasonably tidy condition". It does not state that you MUST get the carpet cleaned. However, getting the carpet cleaned would certainly help get your Bond back.

40 Tenant’s responsibilities
(1) The tenant shall—
(e) on the termination of the tenancy,—
(iii) leave the premises in a reasonably clean and reasonably tidy condition, and remove or arrange for the removal from the premises of all rubbish;
(v) leave in or at the premises all other chattels provided by the landlord for the use of the tenant.

The carpet is worn and it should be replaced.

That has nothing to do with you. IF however, you have left grease marks, cut the carpet etc, then the LL would have a good reason to withhold some funds.

If you are unhappy about the amount that the LL is going to deduct from the Bond, don't countersign the Bond Refund Form and then pay $20 to go to Tenancy Services Mediation. They'll sort it out for you.

[RichieP]

ok thanks essense,

I guess the question should have been, are we ok to just get a rug doctor and clean the carpet ourselves or get the pro's in.

based on what you've pointed out. As long as we leave the premises clean & tidy we should be ok.

[essence]

Think of it this way. If the carpet smells good and an attempt has been made to clean it, then the LL can't really complain, can they??

As long as we leave the premises clean & tidy we should be ok.

Small things like cleaning the light switches and light shades, a quick dust or wet cloth on the skirting boards make all the difference to a general impression on the PM.

Clean the oven. If it was clean and tidy when you moved in, the PM can expect it to be in that condition when you move out. If it's not, they can get a professional in to clean the oven and deduct that from the Bond.

Vacuum the floor. Sounds silly but I've known tenants to do everything else and forget to do that!!

Clean obviously dirty windows and window sills.

Clean the toilet!!!!

Frankly, cleaning products are your friend.

Remove all rubbish, car parts, toys, nappies (yes, I have known of tenants to leave BAGS of dirty nappies behind!!!) etc from under the house and around the property. Leave lawns mowed.

Insist on a Final property inspection time that you can attend with the PM. Discuss the inspection as it's being completed. Take a camera and take photos of how you left the property, if there is a dispute later on you'll have evidence.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Xav]

based on what you've pointed out. As long as we leave the premises clean & tidy we should be ok.

That's the guts of it.

These clauses requiring the carpet to be professionally cleaned seem popular at the moment but as essence has pointed out aren't actually enforceable.

[PC]

Tenants clean something before moving out!!???
What is the world coming too?
I mean - why start something at the end?

[RichieP]

Tenants clean something before moving out!!???
What is the world coming too?
I mean - why start something at the end?

Sorry but we do keep the property clean. Just never cleaned the carpets as such.
Good point though. Why do it at the end when you won't be there to appreciate the cleanliness...

[drelly]

Hi Richie,

Check this web page on the Department of Building & Housing website.

What are examples of RTA breaches?
Landlords breach the RTA by writing clauses into tenancy agreements that conflict with the RTA, such as:

carpets must be professionally cleaned at the end of a tenancy
tenants will be liable for all debt collection costs
tenants must replace fittings such as stove elements, fuses and tap washers as they wear out or become unserviceable.

[Tan]

I would get the rug doctor. If you have really dirtied the carpet by having red wine parties, house training mulitple kittens and letting a toddler use it for art you may need the services of a professional. Otherwise the rug doctor will make it look and smell really good.

[RichieP]

Thanks drelly (really helpful & sent that off to the rental agency ) & thanks Tan, think thats what we're going to do and were planing on doing.

[drelly]

Richie, as long as the carpet comes up ok with a vacuum, then there's no need to get it cleaned. But if the PM needs to get it cleaned because it isn't up to scratch, they can still charge you for it.

[Devious0]

Don't get a rug doctor, it doesn't take all the water out of the carpet properly causing the carpet to be damp for days and rot

[revdev]

Don't get a rug doctor, it doesn't take all the water out of the carpet properly causing the carpet to be damp for days and rot

For that very reason we put this on our TA's;

If the carpets are to be cleaned we recommend using professionals (JAE etc) and not the DIY products available at local supermarkets. These have the potential to ruin carpets (and your bond!)