Renter shocks as landlord tries to keep $1,400 for ‘dirty’ carpets
- Replies 5
Moving house is stressful enough without having to fight tooth and nail to get your bond back.
For many Aussie renters, the end-of-lease clean is a dreaded ritual—scrubbing, vacuuming, and polishing every nook and cranny, all in the hope of a smooth handover and a full bond refund.
But as some recent stories show, even the most diligent tenants can find themselves in a standoff with landlords over what’s 'clean enough'—especially when it comes to carpets.
One Sydney renter recently shared her frustrating experience online, and it’s a scenario that will sound all too familiar to many.
After moving out of her four-bedroom, two-storey home, she paid a professional cleaner $700 to ensure the place was spotless—including the carpets.
But when the landlord inspected, he wasn’t satisfied with the carpet’s condition despite there being no visible damage or excessive wear and tear.
Not wanting to risk her bond, the tenant forked out another $560 for a second professional carpet cleaning.
Still, the landlord wasn’t happy. He arranged his own cleaner, declared himself finally satisfied, and then announced he’d be keeping $1,400 from her $3,500 bond to cover the costs.
'What do I do?' she asked, echoing the frustration of countless renters who feel powerless in these situations.
The Sydney renter’s post quickly attracted a flood of responses.
Many urged her to immediately lodge a bond return application, while others—landlords included—were shocked by the landlord’s behaviour.
One experienced landlord chimed in: 'In 23 years of being a landlord, I have never retained any bond.'
He advised the tenant to provide invoices for the professional cleans and to put everything in writing, warning the landlord that she would dispute any unfair deductions at the tribunal.
And it’s not just Sydney renters who are facing these issues.
A Victorian tenant shared a similar story: after two years in a property, their landlord wanted to deduct $600 from the bond for a small piece of lifted carpet near the ensuite.
The tenant pointed out that the carpet can lift due to normal wear and tear, moisture, or poor installation—none of which are the tenant’s fault.
Other renters called the $600 charge 'outrageous' and 'an absolute joke.'
One even shared that after challenging a similar claim, their agent returned the full bond within 24 hours.
One of the most significant sources of conflict at the end of a lease is the difference between 'damage' and 'fair wear and tear.'
According to tenancy laws across Australia, landlords can’t charge tenants for the normal deterioration over time—like faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, or minor scuffs on walls.
What counts as 'normal' wear and tear can be subjective, and some landlords may try to stretch the definition.
As a general guide, fair wear and tear includes things like faded curtains, worn carpet from everyday use, minor scuffs or marks, and loose door handles.
On the other hand, tenants are responsible for damage such as carpet stains or burns, holes in walls, broken windows, and pet-related issues.
If you’ve done your best to clean the property and there’s no actual damage, you shouldn’t be penalised for things that are simply the result of living in a home.
If you're getting ready to move out, there are a few steps you can take to help avoid disputes and protect your bond.
Start by documenting the property's condition with detailed photos and videos when you move in and out, and keep copies of cleaning invoices and any correspondence.
Make sure you understand your rights, as tenancy laws and bond authorities vary by state and territory.
If your landlord makes an unreasonable claim, you can apply directly to your state’s bond authority for the return of your bond—it's then up to the landlord to justify any deductions.
If you can’t reach an agreement, you have the right to challenge the claim through your local tenancy tribunal, using all the evidence you've gathered.
And finally, always communicate in writing so you have a clear record of what's been said and agreed.
It’s easy to feel intimidated when a landlord threatens to withhold your bond but remember: the bond is your money, and you have rights.
If you’ve done the right thing, don’t be afraid to push back, lodge a dispute, and let the authorities decide.
Useful Resources for Renters:
We know many of our members have been through the end-of-lease wringer. Have you ever had a landlord try to keep your bond for questionable reasons? Did you fight back and win? Share your stories, tips, and advice in the comments below—your experience could help another member avoid a costly mistake!
For many Aussie renters, the end-of-lease clean is a dreaded ritual—scrubbing, vacuuming, and polishing every nook and cranny, all in the hope of a smooth handover and a full bond refund.
But as some recent stories show, even the most diligent tenants can find themselves in a standoff with landlords over what’s 'clean enough'—especially when it comes to carpets.
One Sydney renter recently shared her frustrating experience online, and it’s a scenario that will sound all too familiar to many.
After moving out of her four-bedroom, two-storey home, she paid a professional cleaner $700 to ensure the place was spotless—including the carpets.
But when the landlord inspected, he wasn’t satisfied with the carpet’s condition despite there being no visible damage or excessive wear and tear.
Ongoing challenges with end-of-lease cleaning are being faced by renters, particularly over carpet condition when properties are vacated. Credit: Sky Kim / iStock
Not wanting to risk her bond, the tenant forked out another $560 for a second professional carpet cleaning.
Still, the landlord wasn’t happy. He arranged his own cleaner, declared himself finally satisfied, and then announced he’d be keeping $1,400 from her $3,500 bond to cover the costs.
'What do I do?' she asked, echoing the frustration of countless renters who feel powerless in these situations.
The Sydney renter’s post quickly attracted a flood of responses.
Many urged her to immediately lodge a bond return application, while others—landlords included—were shocked by the landlord’s behaviour.
One experienced landlord chimed in: 'In 23 years of being a landlord, I have never retained any bond.'
He advised the tenant to provide invoices for the professional cleans and to put everything in writing, warning the landlord that she would dispute any unfair deductions at the tribunal.
And it’s not just Sydney renters who are facing these issues.
A Victorian tenant shared a similar story: after two years in a property, their landlord wanted to deduct $600 from the bond for a small piece of lifted carpet near the ensuite.
Other renters called the $600 charge 'outrageous' and 'an absolute joke.'
One even shared that after challenging a similar claim, their agent returned the full bond within 24 hours.
One of the most significant sources of conflict at the end of a lease is the difference between 'damage' and 'fair wear and tear.'
According to tenancy laws across Australia, landlords can’t charge tenants for the normal deterioration over time—like faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, or minor scuffs on walls.
What counts as 'normal' wear and tear can be subjective, and some landlords may try to stretch the definition.
On the other hand, tenants are responsible for damage such as carpet stains or burns, holes in walls, broken windows, and pet-related issues.
If you’ve done your best to clean the property and there’s no actual damage, you shouldn’t be penalised for things that are simply the result of living in a home.
If you're getting ready to move out, there are a few steps you can take to help avoid disputes and protect your bond.
Start by documenting the property's condition with detailed photos and videos when you move in and out, and keep copies of cleaning invoices and any correspondence.
Make sure you understand your rights, as tenancy laws and bond authorities vary by state and territory.
If you can’t reach an agreement, you have the right to challenge the claim through your local tenancy tribunal, using all the evidence you've gathered.
And finally, always communicate in writing so you have a clear record of what's been said and agreed.
It’s easy to feel intimidated when a landlord threatens to withhold your bond but remember: the bond is your money, and you have rights.
If you’ve done the right thing, don’t be afraid to push back, lodge a dispute, and let the authorities decide.
Useful Resources for Renters:
- NSW Fair Trading: Bond Claims and Disputes
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Bonds
- Tenants’ Union of NSW: End of Tenancy Checklist
- Renting Advice for Over 60s: Seniors Rights Service
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