Can a Victorian landlord charge for new carpet or repainting?

Compare the entry and exit condition

Use dated entry and exit reports and photos of the same room or surface. Note any marks, wear or repairs already present when you moved in. Ordinary fair wear and tear is not a valid bond deduction under Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance.

Which repair is needed?

Ask whether cleaning, patching, local repair, partial replacement or full replacement was considered. A quote saying 'replace all carpet' describes proposed work; it doesn't by itself show that every section was damaged by the renter or that the entire charge is reasonable.

The original carpet's or paint's age and condition also matter. New-material costs may be different from the value of what was there before, and neither a damaged mark nor an old item creates an automatic payment formula.

If the cost still seems too high, you can get your own quote for cleaning, repairing or a comparable replacement. Keep it with the condition reports and photos to show why the claimed amount may be excessive. Source: Tenants Victoria's guide to disputing bond and compensation claims.

Four questions to send the rental provider

1. Which specific area was damaged, and what dated entry and exit evidence shows the change?

2. When was the carpet installed or the area last painted, and what was its recorded earlier condition?

3. What work is proposed, and why would cleaning, patching or a partial repair not be suitable?

4. Is the amount an estimate, an invoice for completed work or another loss assessment, and how was it calculated?

Next steps

For the general difference between damage and wear, see Fair wear and tear versus rental damage in Victoria. For disputing a bond deduction, see Bond deductions in Victoria: what evidence to ask for. Preparing evidence for a Victorian rental dispute has the full evidence checklist.