Agent backtracked on cleaning compensation after handing me a filthy rental
Just moved into a new rental and the property was handed to me in an unacceptable state, unclean, dust and food scraps all over, greasy kitchen, shit all over the floors, and generally it wasn't up to a reasonable standard.
To make it worse, the agent strongly proposed sending the previous tenant to come and clean after I've taken possession of the unit because they wanted to clean to protect their bond, I imagine it is the agent friend. I refused, flat out.
Here’s where it gets messy with the agent:
• Agent initially offered $200 compensation for the cleaning issue
• Then dropped it to $150 unprompted
• Previous tenant refused to consent to any bond deduction
• Owner refunded previous tenant’s bond in full
• Again agent drops it to $150 same day
• The agent then dropped it to $100
• Agent then came back offering only $50 because the previous tenant “purchased cleaning products”
• I rejected this, citing Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), and gave them a deadline to either pay $200 or arrange a professional clean
I’ve documented everything with timestamped photos, have the text chain showing the original $200 offer, and will lodge my ingoing condition report noting all issues.
My questions:
Is the agent liable to me for handing over an unclean property regardless of the bond situation.
How strong is my position going to Consumer Affairs Victoria given they’ve already offered $200 in writing?
Next step is Consumer Affairs if they don’t respond by my deadline. Any advice appreciated.