Is it time to move out of your rented home? The pressure can be overwhelming, from packing your belongings to fulfilling your responsibilities as a tenant. But hold up!
Did you make sure to carry out the end-of-tenancy cleaning? This often overlooked aspect can cause discord between tenants and landlords if not handled appropriately. Now break down everything there is to know about it.
The Importance of End of Tenancy Cleaning
End of tenancy cleaning, also known by its abbreviation EOT cleaning, is an extensive cleanup undertaken before a tenant leaves a rental property. It’s more than a courtesy; it’s often required as part of your lease agreement. It can impact whether you receive your full deposit back or not.
Your landlord or letting agency usually expects the property to be as clean or cleaner than when you moved in. If the property is left in a poor state, the landlord may use some, or all, of your deposit for cleaning services to prepare the property for the next tenant.
Beyond monetary concerns, an insufficiently cleaned apartment could lead to poor references from your previous landlord, complicating the process of renting a new place. Moreover, professional end-of-tenancy cleanliness keeps the property in good condition for future tenants.
That’s why hiring professionals like Cleaner Cleaner could be beneficial, as they have expertise in providing superior cleaning services tailored to rented homes’ requirements.
Landlords’ Expectations for Cleaning
Landlords and letting agencies typically provide an extensive checklist that outlines what they expect from end of tenancy cleaning. These checklists will specify each area within the property that needs attention and indicate how it should be cleaned.
Many landlords will require professional EOT cleaning, which involves sanitising the property to a higher level than typical domestic cleaning. This includes deep cleaning corners and crevices, sanitising appliances, scrubbing tiles, and even cleaning windows inside and out.
Requirements may also often include rectifying any damage caused during the tenancy. Even minor issues such as nail holes in walls, or scuffs and scratches on floors can result in deductions from the deposit. Therefore understanding early what is expected of you can help plan your exit strategy.
Lastly, landlords generally expect tenants to remove all personal belongings and rubbish from the property. The idea is for the apartment to be ‘move-in ready’ for the next tenant.
Tenant Responsibilities Upon Lease End
When your lease draws to a close, it’s smart to review your rental agreement and understand your responsibilities well. Most contracts will mandate that you leave the property clean and damage-free – under normal wear and tear at least.
While definitions of “clean” can vary wildly, a good aim is to strive for the same level of cleanliness that was present when you moved in. Many tenants find it useful to take before-and-after pictures for comparison’s sake.
The guidance from most letting agencies or landlords however tends to be clear; failure to leave the property in an appropriate condition will result in some or all of the deposit being withheld. For some renters, this could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Always remember: If you cause damage beyond normal wear-and-tear, be aware that repair costs may come out of your security deposit too.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service
So should you hire a professional cleaning service for your end-of-tenancy clean? For many busy or overwhelmed tenants, the answer is a resounding yes. A thorough EOT cleaning is more than just a quick vacuum and dusting; it’s a deep cleaning that taps into years of accumulated grime and dirt.
Professional cleaners have specialised equipment allowing them to deliver a deeper clean in less time than it would take you. They also know exactly what landlords and letting agencies look out for during rental home inspections, ensuring every area gets the required attention.
Beyond efficiency and effectiveness, engaging professional end-of-tenancy cleaners brings peace of mind. You’re assured all requirements are met, leaving no cause for disputes over cleanliness with your landlord. Plus, having documentation from a reputable company like Cleaner Cleaner that indicates you hired professionals may hold weight if issues arise regarding the property’s cleanliness.
Ultimately, deciding between doing it yourself or hiring professionals comes down to the balance between your budget, time constraints, cleaning knowledge, and the value placed on avoiding disputes with your landlord at the end of your tenancy.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning Services
In contrast to DIY-cleaning, hiring professional end-of-tenancy cleaners offers several advantages. The first is efficiency and thoroughness. Professionals are trained to handle all kinds of cleaning tasks swiftly and can effectively tackle problem areas that non-professionals may miss or struggle with.
Professional cleaners come armed with high-grade cleaning equipment and potent but safe detergents capable of dealing with stubborn dirt and grime. This ensures you a deep clean that leaves no area untouched – from bathroom fixtures, carpets to hidden corners and crevices.
Another benefit is that professional cleaners are knowledgeable about landlords’ expectations and the standards set by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). They can guarantee a cleaning job that is aligned with these requirements, reducing chances of disputes.
Should your landlord contest the house’s cleanliness, having a receipt from a professional cleaning service serves as proof of fulfilling your obligation, helping resolve disagreements favourably. Often, companies also offer a re-cleaning service if your landlord isn’t satisfied, providing an extra layer of assurance.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
To ensure a thorough end of tenancy clean, here’s a checklist that you can follow whether you are going DIY or supervising professional cleaners:
Kitchen: De-grease oven and hob, clean the fridge and freezer, sanitise microwave, deep clean appliances like toaster and kettle, wipe down cupboards and countertops.
Bathroom: Scrub bath and shower area, descale taps and fittings, disinfect toilet bowl, polish mirrors and fixtures.
Living areas and bedrooms: Dust shelves and surfaces, vacuum carpets or polish floors, clean windows.
Your checklist may vary depending on specifics in your lease agreement. Always consult your lease document or ask your landlord if unsure. The goal is to return the property to its initial state – or even better!
Avoiding Disputes Over Deposit Refund
A common source of tension between tenants and landlords is the deposit refund. To avoid squabbles and ensure you get your full deposit back, ensure you take meticulous care while cleaning. Achieving this through hiring professionals could be deemed cost-effective when considering potential deposit deductions.
Take before-and-after pictures or even videos to document the cleanliness of your property, as visual proof might be required. Besides, ensure that any repairs required due to damage you caused during your tenancy are completed before moving out.
Adhering to the end of tenancy cleaning checklist and fulfilling other responsibilities in your rental agreement will put you in good stead to get your full deposit back without any fuss.
Maintaining Good Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Please note that EOT cleaning isn’t merely about safeguarding your deposit, but also about preserving a positive relationship with your landlord or letting agency. This is beneficial if you intend on renting again or need a favourable reference for future rentals.
Leaving the property in tiptop shape demonstrates respect for the space you’ve called home. By completing the necessary repairs and returning keys promptly, you further show an understanding of your obligation towards your landlord and consequently fostering goodwill.
In turn, your landlord is more likely to respond positively by giving a good reference when requested, which could help smoothen the transition to your next rental property.
Final Thoughts
EOT cleaning is an essential aspect of ending your rental agreement on a good note. Consider hiring professional help for the best results in order to maintain a positive relationship with your former landlord and secure that important deposit refund.
