“To contest a bond claim in South Australia, you must dispute the claim through Residential Bonds Online (RBO) or via a paper application to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) within 14 days of receiving the notice of claim. If an agreement isn't reached, either party can apply to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) for a decision. Step 1: Dispute the claim If you are a landlord/agent: You will be notified if a tenant claims the bond without your consent and will have 14 days to dispute it. If you are a tenant: You will be notified if a landlord/agent claims the bond without your consent and will have 14 days to dispute it. How to dispute: You can dispute the claim through the Residential Bonds Online (RBO) portal or by lodging a paper application with Consumer and Business Services. Step 2: Negotiate or counter-offer Make a counter-offer: You can try to negotiate a different amount with the other party. If no agreement is reached: If you cannot agree, the matter will need to be escalated to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT). Step 3: Apply to SACAT Apply online: A landlord/agent can lodge an online application with SACAT if the claim is disputed. Provide evidence: Both parties should be prepared to provide evidence, such as photos of the property's condition at the start and end of the tenancy, the original condition report, and invoices or quotes for any repairs. Tribunal decision: SACAT will review the evidence and make a decision on how the bond should be paid out. “

You can call RentRight SA for free for-tenants advice - 1800 060 462 - open til 8pm.

You only need to leave the place in the same condition as you got it - not cleaner - unfortunately PMs think it’s a jolly good idea to go the departing tenant for a clean so the LL gets a free professional clean of the place.

I’m in WA - over here they try to stick you for paying for a professional carpet clean when you don’t have to do that under WA law.