With renters staying on your property, a certain level of risk is always involved. When they move out, a lot of conflicts can occur, but performing an end-of-tenancy cleaning can resolve many issues.
What is an End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End-of-tenancy cleaning refers to in-depth cleaning that renters conduct before moving out of the property. They’re expected to clean up all the areas, from the interiors to the exteriors. This also involves cleaning the floors, furniture, and appliances, so the original condition of the rental spaces is achieved.
What is the Purpose of an End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Tenants who want to receive their security deposit in full may do well to do end-of-tenancy cleaning. This means ensuring that the rental state matches its moving-in appearance, minus any normal wear and tear.
If there were paint work done on the walls or any stains or scuff marks throughout the property, they must get it repainted or repaired. If the landlords check and see that it’s not returned to its original state and the place remains messy, then they can make deductions from the security deposit.
However, landlords can’t ask renters to pay for repairs resulting from normal wear and tear since this is their responsibility.
What Is Normal Wear and Tear?
The more tenants you welcome in your rental space, the higher the chance of damage from wear and tear. Throughout the tenancy, your unit will show signs of scratches, faded paint, and stains. This is understandable but renters shouldn’t be covering the repair expenses for them. You can only charge the occupants for repair fees from damages beyond wear and tear.
What’s Considered an Appropriate Degree of Cleanliness?
There may be disputes between landlords and renters regarding the definition of cleanliness. Everybody has different cleaning standards. But the landlords can only ask renters to return the unit to the condition it was found in. In other words, the end-of-tenancy cleaning should be fair and must not require the residents to exceed the level of cleanliness that the unit was under.
Landlords should take the time to conduct a walkthrough inspection before the tenant move-in so they can use photos and documentation to make it easy to guide renters through the end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Whether the renters decide to hire professional cleaners or do it themselves, they can simply use the pictures to determine the level of cleanliness required. Thus, the tenants have a greater possibility of receiving the bulk of their security deposit from the landlord.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Coverage
To make it easier for the renters to perform end-of-tenancy cleaning, they can follow a checklist that a landlord has prepared.
An inventory list can make the end-of-tenancy cleaning quick which leads to landlords entertaining property showing requests right away and reducing the length of time of the rental’s vacancy.
Before beginning the cleanup, it’s recommended that you remind the tenant to prepare all the cleaning equipment and tools. So having mops, microfiber cloths, cleaning products, and a vacuum cleaner ready is essential. Here’s a cleaning guide you can provide to tenants:
Walls, Doors, and Ceilings
When cleaning doors, walls, and ceilings:
- Evaluate the scuff marks on the walls, then decide if it needs paint retouching
- Clean the light switches and socket areas
- Use a clean rag to rub clean the surface areas of the doors and handles
- Get rid of cobwebs hanging from the ceiling
Fixtures and Furnishings
Address the following when cleaning fixtures and furnishings:
- Wipe the mirror’s top areas, picture frames, and the curtain rods
- Dust off lampshades and light bulbs
- Vacuum the sofa
- Declutter the insides of drawers and cupboards
- Wipe the surfaces of desks and tables
Bathrooms
Here’s what should be done when cleaning the bathroom:
- Remove hard water stains from the bathtubs
- Use a toilet brush, disinfectant, and rubber gloves to clean the toilet
- Remove mold stuck to the tile grouts with an old toothbrush
- Use vinegar or lemon juice to polish the sink and taps
Kitchens
Do the following when cleaning the kitchen:
- Wipe down the kitchen countertops
- Degrease the oven
- Empty out all the items from the refrigerator then clean the insides
- Remove the limescale from the kitchen taps and sink
- Dispose of the garbage and disinfect the receptacles after
- Mop the floors
- Cleanup small appliances such as blenders, toasters, and microwave ovens
- Clean the cutlery and other dishes before storing them properly in the drawers
- Clean large appliances, such as the dishwasher inside and out
Carpets
If your rental home’s carpets appear shabby, it can make the room unappealing so it’s vital to have it steam-cleaned. This can be done by either renting the machine or doing it yourself. Before doing this cleaning activity, vacuuming is required, and placing all the other items aside so the entire carpet is cleaned.
Proper steam cleaning can get rid of a lot of stains. Ensure that you allow enough time for the carpet to dry so it doesn’t absorb a foul smell.
Outside Areas
Since you market your rental property from the outside first, curb appeal is part of the end-of-tenancy cleaning. This means that there shouldn’t be any garbage lying about, the lawn is moved, and the weeds aren’t seen anywhere.
Bottom Line
With a spotless rental place, it will be quicker to advertise the space, increase the interest of more prospective renters, and land a consistent rental income that allows you to plan renovations to continue building value and inspire renters to stick around longer.
Are you seeking a trusted property manager to manage your rentals and tenants? If yes, contact Schambs Property Management today!