As a landlord, you know the importance of finding good tenants to occupy your rental property. When it comes to the end of a tenancy agreement, however, there's one task that all tenants must complete: end of tenancy cleaning.
End of tenancy cleaning is a critical part of the rental process, as it ensures that the property is in top condition for the next tenant. However, getting your tenants to clean the property to a high standard is not always an easy task.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the end of tenancy cleaning so that your tenants leave the property in the best possible condition.
What Is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
The goal of end of tenancy cleaning is to make the property look as close to its original condition as possible, taking care of any damage or wear and tear that may have occurred during the tenancy so that it is ready to rent out to new tenants.
End of tenancy cleaning is often included in the lease agreement as a cleaning fee clause, as it is the tenant's responsibility to ensure that the property is cleaned to the required standard before moving out.
Tips for Ensuring a High Standard End of Tenancy Cleaning
Here are some tips that can help landlords ensure that their tenants leave the rental property in the best possible condition:
- Provide clear instructions: Make sure that you provide clear and detailed instructions on what is expected of the tenant when it comes to end of tenancy cleaning. This can include a thorough checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed.
- Conduct a pre-move-out inspection: Conduct a pre-move-out inspection of the property with your tenant, so that you can point out any areas that need extra attention. This can help to avoid any disputes over cleaning once the tenant has left.
- Using the security deposit to hire a professional cleaning company: Your tenant has the option to use their seecurity deposit to hire a cleaning company, should they not want to do it themselves.
- Provide cleaning supplies: Should the tenant clean the untit themselves, make sure to provide them with cleaning supplies, such as a vacuum cleaner, cleaning products, and a mop, to make the cleaning process easier and more efficient.
How Clean Is Clean?
While the property should be cleaned to a high standard, it's important to remember that it does not need to be left in a brand new condition.
Fair wear and tear is a common issue in rental properties, and it's expected that there will be some signs of use on the property.
With that said, you will want to ensure that the property is hygienic and returned as close to the original condition as possible. This means that all surfaces, floors, and appliances should be cleaned to a high standard, and any marks, stains, or damage should be addressed before the end of the tenancy.
Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant for End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Yes, a landlord may choose to charge a tenant for end of tenancy cleaning if the property is not returned to a satisfactory condition.
However, you must provide evidence of the need for cleaning, and that the cost of the cleaning must be reasonable. The tenant should also be given the opportunity to dispute any deductions made from the deposit.
What Should an End of Tenancy Clean Include?
An end of tenancy clean should include a thorough cleaning of all areas of the property, including the following:
- Living Room - The living room should be cleaned from top to bottom, including dusting all surfaces, vacuuming the carpets or rugs, and wiping down any mirrors or windows. If the property has curtains, these should be cleaned, or at the very least, dusted and wiped down. Any sofas or chairs should be vacuumed, and any stains or marks should be addressed.
- Kitchen - The kitchen is one of the most important areas of the property. This should include cleaning all appliances, such as the oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, and washing machine. Any cupboards or drawers should be emptied and wiped down, and the sink should be cleaned and polished.
- Bedrooms - All bedrooms should be cleaned thoroughly, including dusting all surfaces, vacuuming or sweeping the floors, and changing any bed linen if required. Any wardrobes or cupboards should be emptied and wiped down, and any marks or stains on the walls should be addressed.
- Hallways and Staircases - Hallways and staircases are often overlooked during end of tenancy cleaning but are important areas that should be cleaned. This should include vacuuming or sweeping the floors, dusting all surfaces, and wiping down any mirrors or windows.
- Bathroom- The bathroom is another essential area. This should include cleaning the bath, shower, sink, and toilet, as well as any tiles or grouting. Any mirrors or windows should be wiped down, and any shower heads should be descaled and polished.
Conclusion
As a landlord, ensuring that your rental property is clean and presentable is essential for attracting and retaining good tenants. You must also ensure that you do not have any holdover tenants in order to keep the property clean before renting it out.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can save yourself time and money in the long run, and increase the value and appeal of your rental property.
At Windermere Property Management, we offer cleaning services to ensure that your rental property is returned to a high standard in case your tenant fails to do so. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your end of tenancy cleaning needs.