Can my landlord keep my bond for cleaning in the ACT?

Only if you caused damage beyond normal wear, owe rent, or another listed item. You can dispute it.

Your clock

• 3 working days (10 working days for damage): Landlord's form
• 2 weeks from notice: Your dispute
• Paid as claimed: No reply

The rule in the ACT

• Deductions: repairs for damage you caused (not fair wear and tear), keys, rent owing, fuel, some legal fees.
• The landlord must give a signed release form, reasons, and a repair estimate.
• No dispute in 2 weeks: paid as claimed. Dispute: ACAT decides.

Cleaning is not in the deductions list, but the lease says leave it as clean as you got it, and ACAT decides any dispute.

What to send

I do not agree to the claim of [amount]. It is fair wear and tear.

Who to call

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), (02) 6207 1740
• Access Canberra (Office of Rental Bonds), 13 22 81
• Legal Aid ACT Tenancy Advice Service, 1300 402 512

Where this comes from

• Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT) ss 31, 34, 34C, Sch 1 cl 64

General information, not legal advice on your situation.