End of tenancy cleaning: the essential checklist

All of us are well aware of the need to stay on positive terms with your landlord. One of the biggest headaches that you may come across as a tenant is that of ensuring that a property is clean at the end of the tenancy agreement. Most rental properties require at least a month’s deposit from which deductions can be made for any damages and for cleaning.

The no. 1 cause of disputes

Even if you love cleaning and are a responsible and conscientious person, your cleaning standards may not be up to the standard required. In fact, cleaning is the biggest cause of disputes between landlords and their tenants. Most shorthold tenancy agreements (AST) now require that a professional company be used to clean the property in between tenancy agreements.

What can tenants do to protect themselves?

Before moving in to a property, you should always make sure you have an AST agreement in place with an agreed inventory listing all fixtures and fittings and the condition thereof. Taking photos of anything that may be scratched etc can also help ensure that you do not end up having to pay for damages incurred before your arrival. Talking to your letting agent or landlord as and when problems arise is also really important so that there are no hidden surprises such as a leaky roof at the end.

What’s the difference between deep vs regular cleaning?

There is a big difference between regular and deep cleaning. A deep clean will include fixtures and fittings such as inside cupboards, light sockets, door and window frames and skirting boards as well as the standard dusting, mopping, cleaning and hoovering included in a regular clean.

Therefore, having a reliable, professional cleaning company in place to manage the exit is crucial to ensuring that the transition goes as smoothly as possible so that you can get your deposit back and leave on a positive note with your landlord.

What are the benefits offered by end of tenancy cleaning companies?

A professional cleaning company will provide a thorough service provided by specialist cleaning teams. This service also includes oven cleaning.

Other benefits include:

• A five-page checklist to which cleaning operatives must follow in order to ensure a high standard of service.
• They will collaborate with inventory clerks, landlords and estate agents to ensure that industry requirements are met.
• They use professional equipment and high-grade cleaning materials which are not available to buy in the shops. This enables a professional finish which can’t be emulated by supermarket bought products. This enables you to leave the property for inspection in its best light.
• A three-day cleaning guarantee is offered- in which the property will be re-cleaned free of charge if the inventory clerk or landlord is not happy with the standard of cleaning or if the work was incomplete.

To sum up, a professional cleaning company can save you a lot of time and energy and help you avoid the embarrassment, stress and potential financial hardship caused by disputes and deposits being withheld.