cleaning fees
📖 What is cleaning fees? Meaning and definition
Cleaning fees are amounts that can be awarded to a landlord by the Tenancy Tribunal to cover the cost of cleaning a rental property after a tenancy has ended. These fees are typically sought when the landlord believes the tenant has not met their obligations to leave the property in a reasonably clean condition.
In practice, landlords apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation, which can include cleaning costs. The Tribunal then assesses the evidence provided by the landlord, such as invoices for cleaning services. If the Tribunal is satisfied that the cleaning costs are legitimate and the tenant is responsible, it will order the tenant to pay these fees.
These fees are often part of a larger claim by the landlord, which might also include rent arrears, water rates, or other repair costs. The total amount payable by the tenant is calculated, and any bond held may be used towards these costs, with the remaining balance to be paid by the tenant directly to the landlord.
📋 Requirements
- The tenancy has ended.
- The landlord has applied for compensation for cleaning.
- The landlord provides evidence of cleaning costs, such as invoices.
- The Tenancy Tribunal is satisfied that the cleaning costs are owed by the tenant.
📝 Procedure
- The landlord applies to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation following the end of the tenancy.
- The Tenancy Tribunal schedules a hearing and notifies both the landlord and tenant.
- The landlord attends the hearing and presents evidence, such as cleaning invoices.
- The Tenancy Tribunal assesses the evidence and determines if cleaning fees are owed.
- If successful, the Tribunal issues an order for the tenant to pay the specified cleaning fees to the landlord.
💡 Examples
- A tenant was ordered to pay $250.00 for general cleaning and an additional $100.00 for carpet cleaning after their tenancy ended.
- A landlord successfully claimed $181.13 in cleaning fees as part of a larger award that also included rent arrears and a filing fee.
- After a tenancy concluded on 13 January 2025, the landlord was awarded $225.00 for cleaning costs, which was factored into the total amount payable by the tenant.
- The Tenancy Tribunal considered a landlord's application for compensation, including cleaning, and ordered the tenant to pay the proven costs.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What are cleaning fees in a tenancy context?
Cleaning fees are charges a landlord can seek from a tenant to cover the cost of cleaning a rental property if it's not left in a reasonably clean state at the end of the tenancy.
When can a landlord claim cleaning fees?
A landlord can claim cleaning fees after the tenancy has ended, usually as part of an application to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation.
How does a landlord prove cleaning fees are owed?
Landlords typically prove cleaning fees by providing evidence such as invoices for professional cleaning services to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Can cleaning fees be part of a larger claim?
Yes, cleaning fees are often included in a landlord's application for compensation that may also cover other costs like rent arrears, water rates, or repairs.
What happens if I don't pay cleaning fees ordered by the Tribunal?
If the Tenancy Tribunal orders you to pay cleaning fees and you do not, the landlord can take steps to enforce the order, potentially through the District Court.
Will my bond cover cleaning fees?
Yes, if a bond is held, the Tenancy Tribunal may order that it be paid to the landlord to cover cleaning fees and other awarded costs, with any remaining balance to be paid by the tenant.