One problem, made smaller

They found a mark.
You found the truth.

Use the facts you have to create a practical evidence plan, a calm written response and the correct Victorian pathway. This first version is built around a common carpet-mark dispute, but the plan adapts to your answers.

Help me with this ↓

The blue-dot scenario

1Agent says a blue carpet mark means the bond will be kept.
2Renter returns, wipes away shampoo residue and photographs the result.
3Agent still refuses and says, “Take it to VCAT.”

Your guided case check

Tell us what happened.
Keep it simple.

No uploads and no account. Your answers stay in this browser and are used only to build the plan on this page.

1First, the guardrailsThese answers decide whether this Victorian tool fits.

Where was the rental?Has the rental agreement ended?Is a hearing, direction or deadline already active?

2What happened to the mark?The difference between an allegation and the current condition matters.

It came off completelyThe area now looks as it did before.It improved, but something remainsThere may still be a visible difference.The mark remainsIt may need further cleaning or assessment.I have not checked it myselfI only have the agent's description.

3What can you prove right now?Tick only what you actually have or can obtain.

Photo before it was wipedPhoto/video after it was wipedCleaner receipt or confirmationEntry/exit condition reportsAgent's claim in writingDates and phone-call notes

4What is the agent relying on?This helps separate a supported claim from a phone-call assertion.

Have they itemised an amount?Have they sent photos, invoices or quotes?Any other bond claims?

This tool provides general information, not legal advice or a prediction of a VCAT result.

Your working view

You have a sensible basis to question the claim.

Preliminary signalWorth challengingNot an outcome guarantee

What helps

What is missing

Questions still open

Do this next

Your calm little action plan.

Phone call → paper trail

A reply you can make yours.

Read it carefully, add the dates and facts you can prove, and keep the full conversation.

Official next doors

If the agent still says no.

RTBA

If the agreement has ended, check the bond and consider starting the renter-initiated claim. The other parties generally have 14 days to contest it.

Open the official RTBA portal ↗

RDRV

Use the free Victorian dispute-resolution pathway for bond and compensation disputes. Bring the same short chronology and evidence pack.

Open myRDRV ↗

VCAT preparation

If the matter proceeds, organise the allegation, your response and the supporting document for each disputed item. Follow every current direction and date.

Read VCAT preparation guidance ↗

Why these rules appear

The law, connected to the facts.

Reasonably clean—not brand new

Section 63 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 requires the renter to keep the premises reasonably clean. For a removable shampoo residue, the current condition and reliable before/after evidence are directly relevant.

Damage claims exclude fair wear and tear

Section 419 identifies the grounds on which a rental provider may seek bond compensation, including damage other than fair wear and tear and a failure to leave the premises reasonably clean.

See every official source

Source set checked 13 August 2026. Victorian residential rental bonds only. This is general information; facts, evidence and procedural directions can change the correct next step.

RRental Bond Check

A calmer, clearer starting point for Victorian rental bond disputes.

hello@rentalbondcheck.com.au

General information only—not legal advice. Source set checked 13 August 2026.