The legal obligations of landlords and tenants vary from state to state in Australia, but, all are governed by the current legislation - the Residential Tenancies Act of 1999.
Whether you are a landlord planning to rent out your property or a tenant about to take occupation, it is advisable to understand your rights and responsibilities clearly. Some landlords choose to manage the rental directly, while others use a management agency. Either way, the requirements remain the same.
Bax Clean is a professional cleaning service that will help you meet your window cleaning obligations, whether you are a landlord or a tenant. Contact Bax Clean here for more information.
The three stages of a tenancy
There are three stages of a tenancy, and there are different requirements for each one:
1. Entry
When entering into a new tenancy arrangement, both the landlord and the tenant have specific obligations. The onus for preparing the property for occupancy lies with the landlord. It is their responsibility to ensure that the property is safe, secure and clean. The landlord should repair broken appliances and windows to hand over the property in a clean and liveable state.
One of the safeguards for both landlord and tenant entering a new agreement is the “Condition Report.” This document seeks to describe the state of the property and highlight any existing conditions, which could be the cause of dispute later. It is in both their interests to comprehensively document the state of the property, including photos as appropriate.
The landlord may consider professional cleaning services to prepare the property for a tenant, including window cleaning.
2. During
During a tenancy, the relationship between a landlord and tenant is governed by the rental agreement, which lists the roles and responsibilities for the rental property. In general, the landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance with special emphasis on safety and emergency items.
The tenant is generally responsible for keeping the property in good condition, including cleaning. The rental agreement allows for inspections by the landlord as long as there is sufficient notice given.
Without any special provisions in the rental agreement, window cleaning would typically fall on the tenant. However, there may be circumstances where the landlord takes this responsibility. One example is where there are high windows that the tenant cannot reach without special equipment.
The tenant (or landlord if stipulated in the rental agreement) may opt for professional window cleaning during the rental period to meet their obligations.
3. Exit
When a tenant vacates a rental property, they must hand over the property in the same condition in which they received it. This includes a level of cleanliness and repair of any damages caused by the tenant. Should the tenant not fulfil their obligations in this regard, the landlord may register a claim on the bond set apart for this purpose.
The tenant may consider professional cleaning services to prepare the property for return to the landlord, including window cleaning.
The importance of the rental agreement
A rental agreement is a critical component of any landlord and tenant relationship. It is the primary document for stipulating their roles and responsibilities, and it serves as a reference point for any dispute between the parties.
Developing a rental agreement allows both parties to propose specific conditions regarding their respective roles. A tenant can motivate the landlord to take on some responsibilities (like window cleaning) if there is a reasonable justification for doing so. On the other hand, the landlord can also specify specific obligations for the tenant.
It is essential that the rental agreement is read and understood by both parties before signing. This is the best opportunity to clarify any points before the tenant takes occupation. Many disputes can be prevented by attention to detail when setting up a rental agreement.
The advantage of professional window cleaning
Professional window cleaning services offer more than a simple wash. Bax Clean starts with the removal of cobwebs and debris from the windows and frames. We remove flyscreens for a thorough clean, and our cleaners can even repair minor defects. BAX Clean can also replace screens if there is severe damage.
Our process includes cleaning and polishing the glass with microfibre applicators with a window cleaning solution. We use professional-grade squeegee rubber blades to dry the windows with a streak-free finish.
As an added service, Bax Clean can apply the EnduroShield surface protection to your windows. This specialised product makes the glass more resistant to grime and dirt. Using EnduroShield means less frequent cleaning and a lower risk of damage.
Contact Bax Clean
Bax Clean also offers other professional cleaning services — like roof cleaning, gutter cleaning and pressure washing of patios and other areas. Our reach extends over the entire broader Melbourne area and includes weekends and after hours.
