End-of-tenancy cleaning is one of the most crucial components of keeping your property in the best condition. Before the next tenant moves in or when a renter vacates it's essential to have the property professionally cleaned and sanitized.
This helps you maintain the condition of the property over time, in addition to ensuring that it is in a clean state for the next tenant.
In this article, we'll go over the specifics of end-of-tenancy cleaning, why it's important for landlords, what goes into the cleaning process, and how Rent Easy can make your life as a landlord easier!
What is End-of-Tenancy Cleaning?
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a comprehensive cleaning procedure after a tenant's lease ends. This cleaning aims to ensure that the home is restored as close to its original condition as possible for the next renter moving in.
This kind of cleaning is much more thorough than ordinary cleaning and usually entails a deep cleaning of the entire house, including all rooms, appliances, and fixtures.
Can a Landlord Charge the Tenant for Cleaning at the End of the Lease?
Landlords are allowed to charge a tenant for end-of-tenancy cleaning, but only if it's written into the lease agreement.
If the lease agreement calls for end-of-tenancy cleaning, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized summary of the costs associated with the service, along with documentation attesting to the price of the work.
Is End-of-Lease Professional Cleaning Required?
Although it is not legally required, professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is recommended. While it is possible for landlords or tenants to handle the cleaning themselves, this can be both time-consuming and labor-intensive.
This is also more difficult if you are a long-distance landlord and cannot be there yourself to check that everything is up to standard. You will also need to buy deep cleaning supplies to ensure you get the job done properly.
A professional cleaning service can offer landlords a variety of benefits. A qualified cleaner will have the tools and knowledge required to clean the space thoroughly. The rental will appear and smell brand new, and they can remove even the toughest stains and grime.
A skilled cleaner will be able to finish the task swiftly and effectively, allowing the house to be re-rented as soon as possible. This can be particularly important for landlords with a tight turnaround time between tenants.
Hiring a professional cleaner can also help avoid property damage that can be brought on by inexperienced or careless cleaning and result in future expensive repairs.
End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
- Kitchen: Clean all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and drawers. Deep clean all appliances, including the oven, fridge, and dishwasher.
- Bathrooms: Clean the bathtub, shower, sink, surfaces, and the toilet. Clean all fixtures, including the mirrors and towel rails.
- Bedrooms: Scrub the walls, floors, and ceilings. Clean all wardrobes and drawers.
- Living areas: Again, clean the walls, floors, and ceilings. Don't forget light switches, moldings, and sockets.
- Windows and blinds: Wipe all windows and frames inside and outside, clean window sills, clean and dust blinds and curtains.
- Carpets and upholstery: Vacuum and steam clean carpets and upholstery to remove dirt and stains.
- Entrance and hallways: Clean all surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings. Clean all fixtures, including light switches and door handles.
- Outdoor areas: If applicable, clean any outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, or gardens. This includes removing any rubbish or debris.
Fair Wear and Tear
Fair wear and tear is an important factor for landlords to consider when it comes to end-of-tenancy cleaning. Fair wear and tear is the deterioration that occurs from day to day use over time. This includes things like small markings on appliances, worn carpets, and scuffs and scrapes on walls.
It's critical for landlords to understand that tenants are not responsible for fixing or paying for fair wear and tear. However, tenant-caused damage, such as broken appliances or holes in the walls, is not regarded as normal wear and use and may be the tenant's financial obligation.
How Clean is Clean?
The degree of cleanliness necessary for end-of-lease cleaning might vary depending on the size and condition of the property, the number of renters, and the length of the tenancy.
To ensure that your rental is in the best condition for the next tenant, you must set a high standard for cleanliness. Take into account any unique cleaning requirements your house might have.
Your goal should be to get the unit as close to new as possible. Any smells, stains, or broken furniture or appliances should all be dealt with. All surfaces, windows, and walls, and ceilings should be free of any dust or markings.
Conclusion
End-of-tenancy cleaning is an essential step for landlords. It helps safeguard the investment's long-term worth by ensuring the property is in good shape for the next tenant. If you're a landlord in need of professional end-of-tenancy cleaning services, Rent Easy can help.
We have a network of trusted cleaning specialists who can provide a comprehensive and efficient clean, leaving your property looking and smelling like new. They can offer various services to suit your needs, including carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and deep cleaning for appliances.
To find out more about how we can assist you with your end-of-tenancy cleaning needs, get in touch with us today!
