Indian Community in Australia

What to make sure when you rent house or unit in Australia:

One of my friends recently had to pay $650 for a small mistake. I want to share his story with you today so you won’t get caught in this type of trap. Before that let me explain how renting system works in Australia.

When you rent a house in Australia through real estate agent you need to pay bond (usually 4 weeks rent) and 2 weeks advance rent. You have already paid 2 weeks rent in advance so your rent will start after 2 weeks. Bond money will be used if you have left property damaged or left dirty or uncleaned at the end of tenancy. When you sign a lease real estate agent gives you property inspection report. You need to fill that report and return to real estate agent within 14 days. At the end of tenancy, the real estate agent comes with the report and match property condition as per report and deduct money from the bond if something is damaged. So, property inspection report is very important.

One of my friends rent a house through real estate agent. The house was old but ok to live with big garden. When he rent house, the garden was dirty and grass was about 1-meter high. Looked like previous tenant did not cut grass for almost 6 months. My friend called the property manager and requested her to send someone to cut the grass. The agent advised him to cut the grass by himself and at the end of tenancy he can return garden in bad condition (Same as now). My friend agreed and paid someone $150 to cut the grass. He cleaned the garden himself after that.

Now real drama stated at the end of tenancy. When my friend vacant the property, the real estate agent came with initial inspection report. She found couple of issue such as little mould in the bathroom (Mould was already there when he rented the house), dish washer was not properly cleaned,  garden was not cleaned and grass not cut properly. She advised my friend $650 will be deducted from his bond.

Obviously, my friend opposed and said he already complained about this at the start of tenancy. She said she has property inspection report with both of their signature and nothing was mentioned about dirty garden or mould in the report. She said she cannot remember their phone conversation as she manages lot of properties and can’t remember everything.

She asked my friend to present any written proof he has. After lot of discussion, he ended up paying $600 (got $50 discount, good on the agent. hmmmm). So basically, my friend had to pay $600 only because he did not mention anything about that in the report.

Below are some guides so you don’t get caught in this type of situation:

– Make sure you check initial property inspection report properly
– Make sure to check each room and write down even small issue (example: mark on the wall)
– If house has garden and grass is not cut or garden is dirty make sure you mention in the report
– Check blinds and windows and make sure you clearly mention any fault or if it is dirty
– Kitchen exhaust fan make sure you check  it is not oily or dirty
– Check all lights are working (it is tenant responsibility to return home as it was in original condition)
– Make sure to check carpet is professionally cleaned
– Take photos of all defects and send by an email to the agent (If it is via email you have proof)

In inspection report always make sure you mention every small fault or issues. At the end of tenancy ask agent to call you when they will do final inspection so you can discuss with them at that time. If you cannot reach to solution make sure to call fair trading department with your bond number and ask them to freeze bond. Once bond is frozen not you or agent can access that money till you both reach the solution.

Now you can lodge a claim to tribunal. You need to pay $45 to lodge a claim. Once case is lodge agent and you both will get notice with date. You all, the agent, owner and tenant need to go to tribunal court and present all proofs in font of magistrate. Magistrate makes the final decision. So, in sort always make sure you fill up inspection report properly as well as take photos and send to the agent by an email.

Please share with your friends so they don’t get caught in this type of situation.