NSW Paying a Fee for Ending Lease Appropriately?

[Gai Gauci]

Hi,

My son has just been told he will be having some of his bond withheld.

Some is for cleaning (they agreed to an hour's cleaning due to him running out of time to finish the clean to their satisfaction); for roach infestation (which was always there - it's a large house that has been turned into a rabbit warren, sub-divided and added to for maximum rental units, with little natural air flow); and thirdly a $90 fee for "end of lease".

Both he and his flat mate gave notice 21days before moving. Their contract had long since run its course and they were going fortnight to fortnight. Why the charge for ending the lease appropriately?

Also, how can they charge for roach infestation when the infestation was there all along and the facilities are in such a state that any infestation would be impossible to control unless all units are done simultaneously as they are packed in like sardines? They have put up with the roaches and just been laying constant baits for the year they were there.

Any help appreciated. They are loosing $400 which is a lot for kids starting out and disgraceful given the effort they put into the place and the state it was in to start with.

Thanks

 

[Rod]

Your son may need to apply to NCAT to see if he can get his full bond back. Hopefully he has a condition report and lots of photos.

I'd be talking to the agent and suggesting if you cannot agree on a solution, then the matter needs to go to NCAT for resolution.

 

[Clancy]

Sounds like the buildings might not be up to standard? You should report it to local council.
If you do that, then the landlord might learn it is better not to aggravate ex tenants unnecessarily, and possibly not do these same things to other young people in the future.