Moving out of a rented property can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but before you even start, you need to first take care of the end-of-tenancy cleaning. But, is it mandatory and what does it involve? And what exactly happens if it’s not done correctly?
These are just some of the questions that tenants as well as landlords often ask themselves when they reach the same moment you now find yourself in. In this blog post, you’ll learn the answers to these questions, as well as some tips on how to choose a reliable end-of-tenancy cleaner.
So if:
you’re a tenant preparing to move out
or a landlord looking to ensure your property is in top condition
Keep on reading!
Is end of tenancy cleaning mandatory?
Whether professional cleaning is required at the end of a tenancy and if it is mandatory depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement. In some cases, the rental agreement may require the tenant to arrange for a professional cleaning service at the conclusion of the tenancy, while in other cases, the landlord may have the right to withhold the cost of cleaning from the tenant’s security deposit.
As a general rule, tenants are expected to leave the property the same way they found it, and this may require professional cleaning in some cases, particularly for carpets and upholstery. However, the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold the return of the security deposit or charge the tenant for cleaning beyond what is necessary.
If you are a tenant, then you can just check your tenancy agreement to see if it has any specific cleaning requirements. If you are still unsure, you should definitely consult with your landlord or letting agent on the matter.
If you are a landlord, on the other hand, ensure that your tenancy agreement is clear about any cleaning requirements and that you only charge tenants for cleaning what is necessary to restore the property’s original condition.
Some of the areas covered in an end-of-tenancy clean that are not normally covered in a regular domestic cleaning include:
Kitchen appliances: End-of-tenancy cleaning usually includes cleaning the oven, hob, extractor fan, fridge, and freezer. These appliances tend to accumulate grease and grime over time and become difficult to restore with regular cleaning.
Carpets:Professional carpet cleaning is often required at the end of a tenancy to remove any stains, dirt, and odours that have accumulated from everyday use.
Walls: End-of-tenancy cleaning may also include washing down the walls to remove any marks, scuffs, or stains.
Bathroom: It includes cleaning and descaling the toilet, sink, bath, shower, and tiles. This can be more thorough than a regular cleaning as it aims to remove any build-up of limescale or mould.
Important: The exact cleaning tasks included in an end-of-tenancy clean may vary depending on the specific requirements outlined in the tenancy agreement.
What happens if end-of-tenancy cleaning is not done?
If the end-of-tenancy cleaning is not done properly or not done at all, there could be several consequences for the tenant such as:
Deductions from deposit: One of the most common consequences is that the landlord may deduct the cost of cleaning from the tenant’s deposit. This can be costly, and tenants may end up losing a significant portion of their deposit, especially, if the property requires extensive cleaning.
Legal implications: If the tenant fails to clean the property up to standards, the landlord may take legal action against them to recover the costs of cleaning or repairs. This can result in legal fees, court costs, and additional expenses that can be very expensive for the tenant and also tarnish their reputation.
Health and safety concerns: If the property is not cleaned properly, there could be health and safety concerns for the new tenants. For example, if the property has not been cleaned and disinfected, there may be a risk of bacteria and germs spreading, which could cause illness or infection to the new renters.
The property is cleaned really well – Professional cleaners know how to clean everything in a fast and quality manner, plus they have the right tools and products.
Compliance with the tenancy agreement – Hiring a professional cleaner can help ensure that all the cleaning requirements in the contract are met and that the tenant is not in breach of the agreement.
Increases the chances of getting a full deposit back: Landlords can be very strict about the cleanliness of the property before returning the tenant’s deposit. Hiring a professional cleaner can significantly increase the chances of getting a full deposit back.
Saves time and effort for tenants: End of tenancy cleaning can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task so when you hire professional cleaners you can focus on other aspects of your move.
Quality cleaning: Professional cleaners use high-quality cleaning products and equipment to ensure that the property is cleaned up to standards.
With all said so far, you might feel better if you decide to hire cleaners instead of doing it all yourself. If that is the case though, consider these factors when choosing a reliable end-of-tenancy cleaner:
Experience: Choose a cleaner with years of experience in the field to ensure a thorough and professional clean.
Reputation: Look for a cleaning company with a good reputation and positive reviews from previous clients.
Insurance: Choose a cleaner with liability insurance to ensure that you are covered in case of any damages or accidents during the cleaning process.
Certification: Look for a cleaning company with certifications and accreditations that demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality service.
Customer service: Choose a cleaner with excellent customer service and a responsive team that can answer your questions and address any concerns.
Now that you know what to look for in a cleaner, here is how to actually find one:
Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have used end of tenancy cleaning services before. Often word of mouth works best.
Search online for cleaning companies with positive reviews and ratings on reputable review sites.
Check the company’s website to learn more about their services, experience, and certifications.
Request quotes from several cleaning companies and compare their prices and services.
Interview potential cleaning companies to learn more about their experience, methods, and customer service.
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Who carries out the end-of-tenancy cleaning depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement and is not necessarily mandatory for the tenant;
Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning entails cleaning all room interiors along with the items, as well as cleaning carpets professionally;
If the tenant fails to leave the premises in the same way as when they moved in, they will face retributions in the form of deductions from the deposit or even legal implications;
When you’re looking for an end of tenancy cleaning company look for good reputation, insurance, experience and certification.
Disclaimer: Every piece of information here is meant for informational and educational purposes only. So please, do not use this as a definitive legal basis. Fantastic Services encourages you to seek authority professional counsel before you decide to act upon what you have read. For more information, check our disclaimer.