Getting Your Bond Back in Western Australia: Fair Wear and Tear Explained
By the CleaningCrews Perth team · Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 3 min read
In Western Australia your bond is lodged with the Bond Administrator and returned when the tenancy ends, as long as the property is clean, undamaged and in the same condition as your property condition report, apart from fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear is the normal ageing of a property from everyday use, not damage or neglect.
How the bond works
When you start a tenancy in Western Australia, you usually pay a security bond. It is held by the Bond Administrator, not by your landlord or agent. At the end of the tenancy, you and the landlord (or agent) agree on how the bond is paid out, and both sign the form that releases it.
What is fair wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear is the gradual deterioration that happens when a home is lived in normally. A landlord cannot fairly deduct from your bond for it. Damage, mess or neglect is different, and that can come out of the bond.
| Usually fair wear and tear | Usually not fair wear and tear |
|---|---|
| Faded curtains or paint from sunlight | Holes in walls from poorly removed fixings |
| Light scuffs on walls and skirting | Large stains or burns on carpet |
| Carpet worn in walkways | Pet damage or odours left in the property |
| Loose door handles from regular use | Broken windows, doors or fittings |
| Minor grout discolouration with age | Heavy mould from poor ventilation or neglect |
Five steps to protect your bond
- Keep your property condition report from day one, along with any photos you took at the start.
- Report repairs in writing as they come up, and keep copies.
- Clean thoroughly before the final inspection, working room by room. Our end of lease checklist shows what agents look for.
- Take dated photos of every room once you have finished cleaning.
- Attend the inspection if you can, and ask for any concerns in writing so you can respond.
If you disagree about a deduction
Talk to your agent or landlord first and ask them to show the evidence, such as photos and the condition report. If you cannot agree, Consumer Protection WA offers information on the next steps for disputes. Keep every email and photo, because a clear record carries a lot of weight.
A professional clean does not guarantee a result, but it removes the most common reason for deductions. See how our end of lease cleaning works, including our free re-clean if we miss something.
Frequently asked questions
The bond is lodged with the Bond Administrator rather than kept by the landlord or agent, and it is released when both sides agree how it is paid out.
No. Normal wear and tear from everyday living is not a fair reason to deduct from the bond. Damage, cleaning that was not done, and unpaid rent can be.
It is a good idea. A receipt or booking confirmation, plus dated photos, helps show the property was left clean.
Contact your agent and ask for it, and look at Consumer Protection WA's guidance. Photos from the start of your tenancy can also help show the original condition.
Handing back the keys soon?
Let our crews take care of the clean. If we miss something, we come back and fix it for free.
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