Bond Clean Myths: What Tenants Get Wrong

A handful of persistent myths lead good tenants into avoidable bond disputes every year.

Myth: “If It Looks Clean, It Passes”

Property managers inspect against a specific re-letting checklist, not a general visual impression — areas that look fine can still fail on detail.

Myth: “Carpet Cleaning Is Optional If It Looks Okay”

Many leases specify professional carpet cleaning regardless of visible condition, since the requirement is about hygiene reset, not just appearance.

Myth: “The Agent Has to Prove It Wasn't Clean”

In practice, the burden often falls on the tenant to provide evidence of a proper clean — which is why receipts and photos matter more than tenants expect.