Who pays for replacing bulbs

my tenant vacated after he finished his contract. The new tenant followed immediately after. To day I am getting my monthly statement from the property managers. I notice that a sum of 70 dollars being deducted as Cleaning Kitchen cupboards and replacing bulbs.
Now - shouldn't this be charged from the tenant who left? Should I (land lord) foot that bill?

 

Depends on what state the property is in, every state has different rules.

Here in SA light globes are landlords responsibility both during and after tenancy.

Cleaning should be a tenant responsibility - all states essentially say that a property should be "reasonably" clean and that its condition during the exit inspection should match that of the entry inspection. This is why we take so many photos. You can add the cleaning bill to the bond release, but be prepared to be able to defend your position.

 

At a guess I'd say your PM didn't do their job right, as in do a "thorough" final inspection, which no doubt they charged you for, new tenants moved in, noted it on their PCR, PM got it sorted, billed you for it.
No doubt the agency owner (PM's boss) isn't aware he/she has treated you, their client this way, perhaps give the boss a call.

 

Depending on state I know in QLD It is not specified in the act who is responsible for light bulbs. It is however common practice for the tenant to maintain the bulbs whilst in the premisis unless of course it is a specialist bulb that requires an electrician. If the bulbs were working when the tenant went in I would be requesting they be working when they go out. In respect to the cleaning definitely should have been discovered upon the exit review before bond was released.

 

The IP is in Victoria.
I also see an antenna socket (at the request of the new tenant ) has been fitted in the bed room and billed to me. In the first place they should get my authorization, isn't it? Can I refuse to pay this.

 

Light bulbs and cleaning - previous tenant. Although light bulbs isn't covered in the tenancies act, I say if they were working when they went in they need to replace.

Cleaning, as above. Reasonably clean is all that is required. However should further cleaning is required the previous tenant is to go back themselves/have the invoice settled from their bond.

TV antenna should've been requested from you, definitely. On top of that, if you were happy for the extra socket, the new tenant should pay. It's not required - if they want it, they can pay for it.

Sounds like your PM doesn't know the first thing about communication!

 

In vic, lightbulb and cleaning most certainly is the tenant. In regards to the antenna the tenant can not alter the property without your consent. Although check the fineprint on the application as some rental agencies have it signed into the agreement that they can make maintenance requests up to $200 without your approval. Although an extra antenna socket is not a repair and shouldn't be installed without your consent.

Consumer Affairs Victoria

 

Check with your pm and see if the previous tenant is paying for the works but the bond has not come in.

Otherwise reign in your PM and set them straight.

 

Also need to be wary of maintenance conducted just under this threshold as some tradies will under quote this number eg $190 as they know it will go straight through

 

Geez...

Cleaning should really be last tenants bill, unless say during inspection the place got dirty, or an animal got in or something....then it is your problem.

Bulbs I would expect the PM to look after or tell the tenant to look after, or hand them a bulb or two from the office if reqd...unless it was something special.

TV socket, no way, it is not a repair, not required & would not pay if it was not discussed and agreed too prior, PM is having a lend of you maybe.

 

in NSW, I was also charged for replacing the light bulbs around $70. per incident.