Did you know that over 65% of rental bond disputes in Australia are due to lingering smoke or pet odours, especially in metro suburbs like Melbourne and Sydney?”
Is your landlord complaining about a stubborn smoke smell or pet odour even after you’ve cleaned? Here’s how to professionally eliminate it and protect your bond.
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If you’re a pet owner, you know how much joy your furry friend can bring to your home. However, when moving out of a rental property, pet-related damages can sometimes lead to pet damage bond deduction. While odors and stains are commonly discussed, there are other surprising types of pet damage that could cost you your bond. Scratched wooden doors and floors, torn window blinds, and damage to garden areas are often overlooked but can be costly to repair.
In this blog, we’ll explore these less obvious pet-related damages and offer solutions on how to prevent or fix them before your final inspection to ensure you get your full bond back.
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1. remove Pet odor end of lease Scratched Wooden Doors and Floors from Pet Claws
One of the most common and frustrating types of pet damage bond deduction is scratched wooden floors or doors. Pets, especially dogs and cats, tend to scratch surfaces in their attempt to play, mark their territory, or simply due to their natural instincts. These scratches can ruin the look of wooden floors or doors, and in severe cases, the damage might require sanding or replacement.
How Scratches Can Affect Your Bond:
- Visible damage: Scratches on wooden floors or doors can significantly affect the aesthetics of the property, which is one of the factors landlords assess during the final inspection.
- Costly repairs: If the damage is extensive, your landlord may need to sand and refinish the floor or replace doors, resulting in significant repair costs that could be deducted from your bond.
Solutions:
- Use furniture pads or rugs: Prevent scratches by placing furniture pads or area rugs in high-traffic areas where your pet tends to scratch. This will protect the floors and prevent unnecessary damage.
- Trim your pet’s claws regularly: Keeping your pet’s claws trimmed will reduce the risk of scratches on floors and doors. If your pet has a habit of scratching specific areas, consider providing a scratching post to divert their attention.
- Repair minor scratches: For minor scratches, you can use wood filler to fill in the damage. Sand the area smooth and apply a matching wood stain or varnish to restore the finish.
If the damage is extensive and the floor or door cannot be repaired, you might need to replace the affected sections. It’s a good idea to fix these issues before the final inspection to avoid bond deductions.
Common Cleaning Challenges
When you’re moving out of a rental property, cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming—it’s about getting every detail perfect. Unfortunately, that’s where most tenants hit a wall.
⏰ Time Constraints
Between packing, paperwork, and handing over keys, there’s barely enough time left to deal with deep cleaning. Let’s be real—scrubbing carpets for hours isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun send-off.
💢 Difficult-to-Remove Stains & Odours
Tried airing out the place or masking pet odours with air freshener? That usually backfires. Lingering smells like pet urine or cigarette smoke can seep into carpets, curtains, and even walls—making it nearly impossible to fix without professional help.
Anecdote:
One of our clients in Chadstone had a sweet but smelly Labrador. Despite hours of DIY cleaning, the wet-dog scent stayed strong. Our team stepped in with pet-safe odour neutralizers and deep steam cleaning—and just like that, the bond was secured!
🧼 Specialized Cleaning Needs
BBQ grills, fabric couches, rugs, and even mattress stains—these aren’t your standard mop-and-bucket jobs. These tasks require the right products, tools, and techniques to avoid damage or extra charges from your landlord.
✅ The Solution? Let Professionals Handle It
Our expert team at Dirt2Tidy knows exactly what landlords and property managers look for during final inspections. From deep-cleaning your carpets to removing even the most stubborn pet odours, we’ve got you covered.
Struggling with stubborn stains or pet smells? Book a professional cleaning with Dirt2Tidy today!
📞 Call Now: 1300 789 178
🌐 Book Online: dirt2tidy.com.au/quote-now
2. Torn Window Blinds from Pets Climbing
Pets, especially cats, love to climb windowsills, and this can lead to torn or damaged window blinds. Whether it’s from scratching at the blinds or simply from climbing and pulling them down, this type of damage can often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
How Torn Window Blinds Can Affect Your Bond:
- Visible damage: Torn or frayed blinds can make a room look unkempt and reduce the overall appeal of the property during inspection.
- Replacement costs: If the blinds are damaged beyond repair, the landlord may deduct the cost of replacing them from your bond.
Solutions:
- Install protective covers: Consider installing protective covers or screens on windowsills to prevent pets from damaging the blinds. Alternatively, use pet-safe window blinds or shutters that are more durable.
- Provide an alternative: If your pet is prone to climbing or scratching, provide them with alternative climbing options such as pet trees or shelves designed for climbing.
- Fix minor damage: For small tears, you can attempt to repair the blinds by using fabric glue or adhesive strips. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the blinds before the final inspection.
Taking steps to repair or replace damaged blinds before the final inspection can save you from pet damage bond deduction and ensure the property is returned in good condition.
3. Damage to Garden Areas from Digging
Pets, particularly dogs, often dig in gardens, leaving behind unsightly holes or destroyed plants. Whether they’re digging to bury something or just having fun, pets can wreak havoc on your garden, which can be a significant issue for landlords who expect well-maintained outdoor spaces.
How Garden Damage Can Affect Your Bond:
- Aesthetic damage: A garden with large holes, uprooted plants, or trampled areas can look messy and neglected, leading to bond deductions.
- Repair costs: Depending on the extent of the damage, the landlord may need to replace plants, reseed the lawn, or fill in holes, which can be expensive.
Solutions:
- Create a designated play area: If your pet enjoys digging, consider creating a specific area in the garden where they are allowed to dig. Use sand or soil that’s easy to replace and monitor their digging habits.
- Train your pet: Training your pet not to dig in certain areas of the garden can be a long-term solution to preventing damage. You can train them by providing positive reinforcement when they avoid digging.
- Repair garden damage: If digging has occurred, fill in the holes with soil and reseed any areas where grass or plants were damaged. For any destroyed plants, consider replacing them with similar species before your final inspection.
4. General Tips for Preventing Pet-Related Damage Before Moving Out
Beyond dealing with specific issues like scratched floors or damaged blinds, there are several general tips you can follow to prevent pet damage bond deductions and ensure that your rental property is returned in good condition:
4.1. Clean Thoroughly
Pets can leave behind more than just visible damage. Their fur, dander, and odours can be a problem, especially for renters who may have allergies. Thorough cleaning of all surfaces, carpets, and furniture will help avoid these issues.
- Vacuum and steam clean: Make sure to vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floors thoroughly. Consider hiring a professional steam cleaning service if necessary to remove stubborn pet hair or odors.
- Odour removal: If pet odours persist, use deodorizing products specifically designed for pet smells or hire professional cleaners who offer pet odour removal services.
4.2. Address Any Holes or Scratches Immediately
Small damages like holes in the walls or scratches on the floor should be addressed as soon as possible. Use fillers and touch-up paint for walls, and replace or repair damaged flooring before the inspection.
4.3. Fix Any Pet-Induced Damage Early
Don’t wait until the final inspection to fix pet-related damage. The sooner you address issues like torn blinds, scratched doors, or damaged garden areas, the easier it will be to repair them before your landlord notices.
5. Why Professional End of Lease Cleaning Can Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of fixing pet damage bond deductions, hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service can take a lot of stress off your plate. Professional cleaners specialize in ensuring every part of the property, including those affected by pets, is cleaned and restored to its original condition.
Benefits of Professional Help:
- Expert cleaning and repair: Professionals can handle not only the cleaning but also minor repairs such as fixing small scratches, cleaning upholstery, and replacing damaged filters.
- Comprehensive services: Many end of lease cleaning services offer additional services like pet damage repair and odor removal, which can help ensure the property is returned in top condition.
- Bond-back guarantee: Many professional cleaning services offer a bond-back guarantee, meaning if the landlord isn’t satisfied with the work, the cleaners will return to fix any issues at no extra cost.
Why Choose Dirt2Tidy?
Not all cleaning services are created equal—especially when it comes to end-of-lease cleans. Here’s how Dirt2Tidy stands out from the rest:
💼 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Dirt2Tidy ✅ | Other Cleaners ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Bond-back guarantee | ✔ Yes | ✖ Not always included |
| Pet & smoke odour removal | ✔ Specialised treatments | ✖ Often extra or unavailable |
| Eco-friendly, pet-safe products | ✔ Yes | ✖ Harsh chemicals used |
| Trained & verified staff | ✔ Police-checked & skilled | ✖ Varies with no vetting |
| Free re-clean if needed | ✔ Within 72 hours | ✖ Usually charged |
| Transparent pricing | ✔ No hidden fees | ✖ Last-minute surcharges |
Ready for a spotless home? Schedule your cleaning service with Dirt2Tidy today!
📞 Call Now: 1300 789 178
🌐 Book Online: dirt2tidy.com.au/quote-now
Conclusion: Fix Pet-Related Damage Before the Final Inspection
Preventing or addressing pet damage bond deduction issues before your final inspection is essential to ensure you get your full bond back. Whether it’s fixing scratched wooden floors, torn window blinds, or garden damage from digging, taking the time to repair or clean these areas will save you from unwanted deductions. If you’re uncertain about fixing some of the issues yourself, consider hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service to ensure everything is taken care of before the inspection.
Book your professional end of lease cleaning today, and ensure your rental property is in top condition to avoid pet-related bond deductions!
