Victoria

Victoria · VIC

Bond Cleaning Checklist VIC — Get 100% of Your Bond Back in Victoria

Our free bond cleaning checklist is built for Victorian tenants ending a lease. Whether you're renting in Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo or the Mornington Peninsula, Victorian tenancy law requires you to keep and leave the premises 'reasonably clean' under section 64 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic). This page explains what 'reasonably clean' means in Victoria, what agents check at a VIC exit inspection, and how to claim your bond back from the RTBA — or dispute a cleaning deduction at VCAT.

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What 'reasonably clean' means in Victoria

In Victoria, the law requires the premises be left 'reasonably clean' — measured against the Condition Report you completed and signed at the start of the tenancy. Fair wear and tear already recorded at entry is not your responsibility at exit. Keep your signed Condition Report and dated entry photos as evidence of the property's starting state.

What VIC property managers check at exit inspections

  • Kitchen oven, rangehood filters and behind/under the fridge
  • Bathroom mould in grout and silicone, shower screen and exhaust fan
  • Window tracks, skirting boards, light switches and power points
  • Cobwebs in eaves, corners and under verandahs
  • Carpet stains, wardrobe tracks and tops of cupboards
  • Laundry lint filters, detergent drawers and behind the washing machine

Bond authority

Consumer Affairs Victoria

Governing law

Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic)

Time limit

Apply to VCAT within 6 months of the tenancy ending for bond disputes.

How to claim your bond back in Victoria

To claim your bond back in Victoria, lodge a bond claim form with the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority) signed by tenant and landlord. If the landlord disputes the refund, Consumer Affairs Victoria can refer you to the Dispute Settlement Centre Victoria (DSCV) for free conciliation. If unresolved, apply to VCAT's Residential Tenancies List within 6 months of the tenancy ending.

Consumer Affairs Victoria VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

Areas we cover across Victoria

Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Werribee

Ready to get your bond back in VIC?

Open the full room-by-room checklist and tick off every task your VIC agent will inspect.

Start the checklist

General information, not legal advice. Verify current forms, fees and time limits on the official Consumer Affairs Victoria and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal websites.