MOVING out of a rental property can often lead to disputes if the home is not left in an acceptable condition, according to Consumer Protection.
The agency has issued a reminder for tenants to take care when hiring vacate cleaners, following reports of renters paying for work that was not properly completed.
Some tenants have complained of cleaners failing to meet required standards, missing areas during cleaning, or refusing to return to fix issues once keys had been handed back.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) tenants are required to return a property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, apart from fair wear and tear.
This expectation has seen many tenants hire professional vacate cleaners to meet the standards expected by landlords and property managers.
Consumer Protection warned tenants to do their research before engaging any cleaning business.
It recommends confirming the company’s Australian business number, checking references, and inspecting the work before finalising payment.
The agency also advises keeping receipts for cleaning and maintenance services to help resolve potential bond disputes.
REIWA said a full clean generally includes kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows and accessible outdoor areas such as lawns and gardens.
Personal belongings and rubbish should also be removed before the final inspection.
Consumer Protection said the property condition report remains an essential reference for both tenants and landlords, recording the state of the property at the beginning of the lease.
The report can help clarify disputes about cleanliness or damage at the end of the tenancy.
Taking photographs of the property after cleaning can also provide evidence of its condition when keys are returned.
Consumer Protection said careful preparation and communication can help tenants recover their bond in full and make moving out less stressful.
More information about ending a tenancy and resolving rental issues is available on the Consumer Protection website at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au
