What Bundaberg tenants should know about bond cleaning
The test at the end
Under section 188, the place goes back as far as possible in the condition it was in at the start, fair wear and tear excepted. Mostly that's a question of what your entry condition report shows.
Doing it yourself is fine
The RTA says you may do the cleaning yourself or engage a professional company. That choice stands unless a condition in your agreement covers a particular job.
Pet conditions
If a pet was allowed inside, a pet approval condition can require the carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end. If the pet can carry parasites, one can require professional fumigation.
Still your pick of business
Neither condition can make you use a particular person or business, and the RTA says an owner can't make you pay a set fee for carpet cleaning.
Other special terms
The RTA says whether a special term on professional carpet cleaning or pest control is appropriate depends on the case. It cites a 2019 QCAT appeal where one held up because the home had been fumigated and the carpets professionally cleaned at the start.
Mostly houses
In the 2021 Census, 69% of rented homes in the Bundaberg council area were separate houses. In a house with a pet, check the carpets room by room, the back door and wherever the pet slept.
Fumigation isn't part of a Bundaberg bond clean
Flea treatment and fumigation are pest control, a job for a licensed pest controller. They aren't part of a clean through Cleaner Scout, so book them separately.
If your Bundaberg rental went under in a flood
The Burnett River peaked at 9.53 metres in the flood after Cyclone Oswald. Where mould comes from a natural disaster, the RTA says the property manager or owner is responsible for addressing it, so raise it early rather than leaving it for the clean.
Carpets, invoices and terms: ask Bundaberg bond cleaners
- Do you steam clean the carpets yourselves, or bring someone in?
- Will the invoice show the carpets were cleaned?
- What's in the quote, and what's an extra?
- What are your re-clean terms, in writing?
- What's your ABN, and can I see your public liability certificate?
Your pet approval decides the Bundaberg bond cleaning list
Read your pet approval before you book anything. If it asks for professional carpet cleaning, tick carpet steam cleaning as an add-on and keep the invoice. If it asks for fumigation, book a licensed pest controller too, and ask them what order suits.