Cleanliness And Maintaining A Property | Ray White Property Management

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A key topic that often comes up for landlords is ensuring your property meets the cleanliness standards outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act within your state. Cleanliness is a crucial aspect of maintaining your rental property and ensuring a positive relationship with your tenants.

Step 1: Understanding cleanliness requirements

First, let’s talk about what the law says. Under the relevant tenancies act, landlords are required to ensure that the property is in a clean condition at the start of a tenancy. But what does clean actually mean? The term isn’t just about having a spotless home; it’s about meeting a community standard of cleanliness that ensures the property is safe and habitable.

Step 2: Key areas of focus

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s expected:

• Kitchen: Cooking appliances like ovens and stovetops should be free of grease, oil, and food stains. The dishwasher, if provided, should be clean and free from food scraps and odours

• Bathrooms: Sinks, toilets, and showers should be clean, with no soap scum, mould, or dirt

• Floors and carpets: Floors should be washed, and carpets should be free from stains, pet hair, and strong odours

• Windows and blinds: Windows, including ground-floor external ones, should be free from smears, dirt, and dust. Blinds and curtains should be clean and stain-free

• Outdoor areas: Lawns should be mowed, and garden beds should be neat and weed-free unless specified otherwise in the rental agreement

Step 3: The importance of the condition report

The condition report plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity between you and your tenant. Before your tenant moves in, provide them with a detailed condition report that outlines the state of the property. This document will serve as a reference at the end of the tenancy, helping both parties agree on what “ clean” looks like based on the starting condition of the property.

Step 4: Professional cleaning clauses

Another important point is around professional cleaning. In most states, you can’t require professional cleaning upon vacating, even if the property was professionally cleaned before they moved in and you informed them of this. However, remember it is still advisable to ensure the property is properly cleaned and set the standard for the end of the tenancy.

Step 5: Resolving disputes and keeping standards

If any disputes arise about cleanliness at the end of the tenancy, the condition report and any photographs taken at the start will be crucial. Remember, cleanliness isn’t about achieving a pristine condition but rather ensuring the property is left in a state that matches how it was provided, accounting for fair wear and tear.

We hope this guide helps clarify the cleanliness standards expected for rental properties. By understanding these requirements and keeping detailed records, you can maintain a positive relationship with your renters and ensure your property is well-maintained throughout the tenancy.

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