Maintaining your property's cleanliness is crucial to ensuring happy tenants and positive reviews. However, the cleaning process can feel like an overwhelming task when it comes to the end of a tenancy agreement.
Cleaning tasks must be completed by the time the tenant leaves the property with precision and attention to detail, in order to avoid any issues or disputes between tenant and landlord.
In this blog post, we will address all the essential aspects of end of tenancy cleaning from the basics such as dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors to dealing with stubborn stains and steam treatments.
Knowing What End of Tenancy Cleaning Is
End of tenancy cleaning is an essential part of the moving process, as it ensures the property is left clean and hygienic. If regular maintenance has been performed on the property, the end of tenancy cleaning should not be difficult. It involves deep cleaning every part of the unit, including all carpets and furniture, walls, appliances, and other hard surfaces.
Although the task takes considerable time and effort, it should not be avoided. Performing an end of tenancy cleaning is the best way to avoid disputes between tenants and landlords over the property's condition when it is returned.
The Importance of End of Tenancy Cleaning
Tenants need to know they are responsible for leaving the property clean and tidy when vacating. They should aim to leave the property in a condition that is at least equal to how it was when they first moved in. End of tenancy cleaning is essential to protect a tenant's security deposit.
If a tenant fails to clean the property properly and the unit is not returned in its original condition, the landlord may use the security deposit to pay for professional cleaning services and damage.
Normal Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear is the gradual damage to a property due to regular use. It can include scratches or scuffs on walls and floors, fading of paintwork, or slight discoloration from sunlight or rain. This damage is expected in rental properties, and landlords cannot hold tenants responsible for any costs associated with fair wear and tear.
However, tenants must take reasonable care of the property, and landlords can charge tenants for damage caused beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear. This could include any significant damage or alterations to fixtures or fittings, such as wall holes from hanging pictures without permission. In cases such as these, landlords can deduct the cost of damage from a tenant's deposit.
Levels of Cleanliness
Landlords can expect tenants to keep the rental property clean and in good condition when living there. This includes removing the trash, sweeping floors, vacuuming carpets, and wiping down surfaces regularly.
Tenants should also look after any furniture or appliances provided by the landlord and ensure that all areas of the property are kept tidy. Cleaning up messes as soon as they occur and not leaving them to linger can help to prevent any long-term damage.
Tenants should also follow any specific cleaning requirements outlined in the tenancy agreement. An inventory of appliances, or photos of the rooms before the tenant moves in can help document the property's condition.
Referring to this document during the end of tenancy cleaning will ensure that tenants meet the landlord's expectations and reduce the risk of losing their deposit.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
When it comes to the end of tenancy cleaning, the tenant must complete a few tasks in order to leave the property in the best condition possible. Here is a checklist to help guide you through the process:
Kitchen
- Remove all food items from the fridge and freezer
- Clean out all drawers, cabinets, and shelving units
- Deep clean countertops, appliances, backsplash, range hoods, sinks, and faucets
- Sweep and mop floors
Bathroom
- Clean and scrub the toilet, bathtub, shower walls, tiles, sink, and other fixtures
- Remove any soap scum or lime scale from taps and shower heads
- Scrub the walls & ceiling for mold and mildew build-up
- Sweep and mop the floors
Bedroom
- Vacuum the carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture
- Dust all surfaces, including window sills, baseboards, shelves, and ceiling fans
- Sweep and mop the floors
Living Areas
- Vacuum the carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture
- Dust all the surfaces, including window sills, baseboards, shelves, and ceiling fans
- Sweep and mop the floors
Windows and Carpets
- Clean all the windows inside and out
- Vacuum the carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture
- Wash and steam clean the carpets
- Wipe down the window sills and frames
- Polish all glass surfaces and mirrors
Other Areas
- Dust the light fixtures, fans and vents
- Wipe down all the surfaces, including switch plates, door frames, and baseboards
- Empty all trash cans and replace the liners
- Clean the air vents and filters
- Wash all the walls from top to bottom with a mild detergent solution
- Remove any cobwebs from the corners of each room
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your investment property is in the best condition for the next tenant. This will help you get back your deposit quickly and without hassle. However, remember to record your cleaning efforts and take photos of the property before you leave.
Hire a Property Manager
End of tenancy cleaning is an essential step in helping to ensure that the property is returned to its original condition after a tenant moves out. Following a detailed checklist will help tenants avoid deductions from their security deposit for any damage or messes left behind.
With these things in mind, tenants can make sure they leave the property in a satisfactory condition that meets the landlord's expectations. If you're looking for help, TE Johnson & Sons Property Management is the perfect choice. Contact us today for more information about our services!
