Introduction
I am sure that you are aware that as a tenant, you are responsible for returning the rental property back to it’s original condition, which includes the cleaning. End of tenancy cleaning tends to be more thorough than your typical clean. There is a rather strict list of what you are expected to clean at the end of your tenancy. Make sure that you refer back to your rental agreement, as your landlord may have specific requirements for the clean, such as steam cleaning or appliance cleaning.
Contents
- Introduction
- What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
- Why do I need End of Tenancy Cleaning?
- What is Included in an End of Tenancy Cleaning Service?
Moving is an expensive process, and the last thing that you need is to lose your deposit for silly cleaning issues. Moving to a new house can be a huge challenge, from changing your address to packing up the very last sock, it is a big endeavour. When it comes to end of tenancy cleaning, there are often specific requirements that either your landlord or estate agents require.
What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End of tenancy cleaning also referred to as final cleaning is of extreme importance to both tenants and landlords and is essential in ensuring a successful end to the lease of a property. Employing the services of a fully trained end of tenancy cleaning team will ensure that you, either as a tenant or landlord, are left with a pristine property, ready for whatever your next step may be.
Tenants are usually required to do an end of tenancy cleaning when they move out as part of the letting agreement. The cleanliness (or lack of) of the property at the end of the tenancy is responsible for more than half of the deposit disputes. If the property has not been cleaned to an acceptable standard, then the landlords have the right to deduct the cost of hiring a cleaning company from the deposit.
End of tenancy cleaning should include a deep clean of the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Plus, all surfaces throughout the property: floors, tiles, carpets, walls, and windows. Dust and dirt will need to be removed and cobwebs cleared out of hard to reach places. All the appliances which are included in the tenancy such as dishwashers, cookers and washing machines will also need to be cleaned out to a high standard.
Why do I Need End of Tenancy Cleaning?
When you move into a new rental property, you must sign a rental agreement with the landlord or with the estate agents. This is a legally binding contract that details the condition that you must leave the property in upon the end of your tenancy.
he landlord of a property is responsible for offering a property that is up to the best standards in terms of cleaning and hygiene. There are thus many benefits that the landlord can gain from arranging a professional end of tenancy cleaning service. When looking from the landlord’s perspective, the end of tenancy clean will guarantee an increase in the property’s rental potential. Offering a well cleaned property to your client, chances are the property is much more likely to be rented or sold. Hiring a professional cleaning company is the best option that guarantees a deep clean of the property will be carried out.
When a tenant is about to hand over the keys of the property to their landlord, they face an extensive list of cleaning tasks which can be very hard work, time consuming and expensive. Should you carry out an end of tenancy clean yourself? Many people would agree with this statement, but on carrying out further research, tenants will realise that not anybody can perform a thorough end of tenancy clean, it is not as simple as it might first seem.
A deposit is usually always taken by the landlord and the specific amount depends on the agency, the size and price of the property or the landlord itself if its private rent. To ensure this deposit is earned back, the property must be in the condition it was found when moved in. Having a professional clean of the property can save the tenant a lot of money and it also usually forms part of the tenancy agreement which has been signed for.
What is Included in an End of Tenancy Cleaning Service?
In a typical end of tenancy cleaning service, the cleaners will be doing a plethora of jobs at the property to make sure that you receive your deposit back. Most end of tenancy cleaners will do the following jobs:
Bedrooms
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- Dust reachable surfaces – wardrobes, shelving, and cupboards
- Wipe accumulated dust and dirt from top of doors
- Wipe accumulated dust from top of picture frames
- Wipe dirt off curtain rails
- Properly vacuum and dust both sides of curtains and blinds
- Wipe and polish mirrors, pictures and other wall hangings
- Wipe off dust from skirting boards and decorations
- Dust off all light fittings and lampshades
- Clean and polish metal ornaments
- Wipe and polish switches
- Remove/repaint dirty marks from walls
- Carefully clean power sockets and extension cords
- Thoroughly vacuum all mattresses
- Mop hard floors and laminate
Bathrooms
Dirt and mildew are most visible and least tolerable in bathrooms. Toilets, showers, tiles, and baths should be cleaned and polished as well as possible.
- Clean basins, taps and fittings
- Remove hard water stains
- Remove limescale if present
- Scrub and rinse soap dispensers
- Wipe and polish radiators and towel rails
- Scrub and rinse toilet and bidet
- Clean plumbing behind toilet if reachable
- Wipe marks and stains from shower screens
- Scrub and rinse bath marks and signs of mildew
- Make sure to clean drains
- Wipe and polish mirrors and glass surfaces
- Descale, rinse and wipe showerheads, taps and metal surfaces
- Scrub and rinse accumulated dirt from the toothbrush area
- Clean extractor fans
- Wipe reachable bathroom tiles
Kitchen
Your kitchen is most likely to be the room that is used the most, and it will probably have the greatest accumulation of dirt.
- Wash and polish all worktops, countertops, and the sink area
- Clean inside cupboards, drawers, and shelving
- Throw leftover food and carrier bags away
- Wash and polish the sinks
- Polish and shine the taps
- Remove accumulated limescale
- De-grease and polish wall tiles
- Remove mould growth between grout
- Clean and de-grease ovens both internally and externally
- Clean the grime from extractors and hobs
- Scrub gas rings and gas control knobs if you have them
- Wipe the cooker top and buttons if you have them
- Clean any microwaves inside and out
- Clean out the fridge/freezer
- Clean the washing machine inside and out
- Clean the dishwasher inside and out
- Clean exterior of all appliances
- Sanitize the bins and remove rubbish
- Clean outside of cupboards and drawers
- Stack and arrange cutlery, utensils, and other dining accessories
- Clean inside of windows and wipe down sills, ledges, and frames
- Wipe dirt from woodwork (doors, handles, doorframes, furnishings, and skirting boards)
- Wipe down radiators if applicable and accessible
- Remove dust from plugs and light switches
- Vacuum, mop, and polish floors
Furnishings
Landlords or their letting agents will pick up dirty furnishings upon their inspections
- Wipe and polish tables, countertops, and other worktop surfaces
- Make sure you remove all fingerprints and marks
- Look out for any oil stains
- Take sofa cushions outside and pound them until the dust is removed
- Vacuum the sofa with and without it’s cushions on
- Move all furnishings to vacuum underneath
- Wipe and polish all wooden units
Carpets
Carpets always come under scrutiny from landlords/letting agents.
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpet edges
- Move furniture and vacuum underneath
- Steam clean, if possible
- Try hand-washing stains if a carpet cleaning machine is not available
Windows
Everything within your rental property should be subject to a thorough clean before you move out. Cleaning the inside of the windows is no exception.
- Remove any marks, fingerprints, and oily stains
- Wipe down to prevent streaks when drying
- Dust off and clean windowsills
- Wipe down frames
- Dust off blinds, curtains, and shades
Drawers, cupboards, and shelves
It’s quite common to forget to clear a drawer or cupboard that you don’t use often. Always inspect each drawer, cupboard, and shelf.
- Clear drawers inside and out
- Remove any unnecessary items or leftover goods
- Wipe down the inside and out
- Wipe around handles
Fridge/freezer
Check your tenancy agreement to see if your landlord wants the fridge/freezer turned on or off upon check-out.
- Remove dirt, mildew, and leftover food
- Wipe and polish handles
- Clean rubber seal
- Move it and clean underneath and behind
- Dismantle, wash and rinse slots, grills, and shelves inside
- Wipe and polish the exterior
Appliances
You will need to check your tenancy agreement regarding your responsibilities on cleaning appliances.
The dishwasher
- Clean the dishwasher of food and soap deposits
- Remove all dirt, mildew and food deposits
- Inspect and clean filters
- Wipe the rubber seal
- Move it and clean underneath and behind
- Wipe the soap dispenser drawer and remove marks and stains
- Wipe down handles
The washing machine
- Clean the drum from leftovers and stains
- Inspect and clean filters
- Inspect the rubber seal
- Move it and clean underneath and behind
- Wipe the soap dispenser drawer and remove marks and stains
- Clean handles
The tumble dryer
- Clean inside and out
- Inspect the rubber seal
- Clean the soap dispenser drawer
- Inspect and clean the filter
Ovens and microwaves
- Clean and de-grease oven, extractor fan, hob and grill
- Clean and de-grease the microwave
- Scrub off food deposits and grime
- Clean grill pan and oven racks
- Clean the inner of both the oven and microwave
- Inspect and wipe the rubber seals
- Inspect and wipe all buttons
- Clean exterior and remove stains and marks
The toaster
- Clean, wipe and polish the exterior
- Remove any food deposits and bread crumb leftovers
- Clean within as much as possible
- De-grease handles
- Remove grime
Smaller details
There are many smaller tasks that you’ll also have to remember in order to get your full deposit back. Remember to:
- Clean and dry all kitchen tiles
- Get rid of leftover rubbish
- Rinse out rubbish bins
- De-grease fans and extractors
