Office of Fair Trading cleans up dodgy bond cleaner

On 6 April 2023 the Brisbane District Court granted a temporary injunction against Australia Bond Cleaning Services, Karunesh Kathuria and Amandeep Kaur banning them from operating.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) commenced proceedings seeking an interim injunction or a temporary ban against Australia Bond Cleaning after receiving around 215 complaints about the business from consumers in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Australia Bond Cleaning Services, Karunesh Kathuria and Amandeep Kaur subsequently agreed to the orders sought by OFT subjecting them to an interim injunction.

The interim injunction order also requires the removal of the website for Australia Bond Cleaning Services.

The OFT alleges property owners and tenants were left out of pocket after the cleaning business failed to complete bond cleans, carpet cleaning and pest control on rental properties across south east Queensland.

Importantly, this business is not licenced to undertake pest control services.

The OFT advised the court of numerous allegations where the trader quoted for a complete bond clean but once on site added extra charges for services expected to have been included in the initial quote amount.

Queensland consumers have reported losses totalling almost $100,000 to this business. The injunction aims to prevent any further consumer detriment by prohibiting the business from operating.

This interim ban will remain in place while the OFT seeks orders to permanently ban the owners from operating any other cleaning business and to recoup the losses to consumers.

Quotes attributed to Acting Fair Trading Commissioner David McKarzel:

“This is one of the worst cases of deceitful trading practices that Fair Trading has seen in recent years,” Mr McKarzel said.

“The OFT will take action against businesses that don’t abide by the law and if necessary, close them down and seek compensation for consumers.

“Queenslanders deserve to get what they pay for – and this business has repeatedly failed to deliver on its promises.

“My advice is, if you are looking to engage a bond cleaner, do your research and ask your property manager, family or friends for recommendations.

“If the cleaner is offering pest control services check the business is licensed to offer this and be wary if you are being asked to pay for a service in full before they start the work.”

Business details:

• The Trustee for Australia Bond Cleaning Services Trust, ABN 89 268 415 460, trading as Australia Bond Cleaning Services and Mr Kuranesh (Caran) Kathuria

Any consumers who have had unsatisfactory dealings with Australia Bond Cleaning Services can lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading. Visit www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading, or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).