Tenants are required to arrange an end-of-tenancy cleaning before they can move out of a rental property. This is often a clause in the tenancy agreement to make sure the house is in excellent condition, the same as when the tenant/s moved in.
In this article, we will explain and discuss everything about end-of-tenancy cleaning and how to successfully conduct this to get the full security deposit.
Understanding End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
End-of-tenancy cleaning is also known as end-of-lease cleaning or even post-tenancy cleaning. All of which pertains to the cleaning service being arranged for when a tenant or the tenants move out of a rental property.
Why it’s essential for tenants
Aside from getting back your security deposits, there are other reasons why you as the tenant should conduct end-of-tenancy cleaning. By doing so…
- You reduce the risk of disputes with landlords that can lead to the deposit being forfeit and legal action.
- It shows that you are responsible and respectful. This leaves a good reference for future rentals.
- You help maintain the attractiveness of the place to potential renters.
- And you also make it easy for the next occupants to move into their new residence.
All of these four reasons go beyond just securing the deposit. It shows your accountability and how well you treat the home that has served you and your family during your stay.
The Do’s of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
a. Create a comprehensive cleaning checklist.
This is the first and foremost step. A checklist will help you note all the areas that need cleaning. If there’s anything that is missed by the professional cleaners, you can tell them so. This will guarantee that you get the full deposit because landlords and property agents will scrutinise the cleanliness of the space before giving the money back.
Not only that, having a checklist means the cleaning would be time-efficient. When you have a system, the cleaning is organised from an area to another. It also ensures that you and your cleaners don’t waste time double-checking the areas that have already been cleaned.
b. Start cleaning early and allocate sufficient time.
If you start the cleaning process early, you will have time to see if there are issues like damages and stains and address them properly. And when you start early, you also break the cleaning process into manageable chunks of tasks so you don’t have to complete everything in a short timeframe.
There are also unforeseen circumstances during the moving process that you should account for. Starting early provides a buffer for unexpected events that may need your attention so you still have ample time to complete the cleaning before the final move-out date.
c. Gather necessary cleaning supplies and equipment.
The cleaning checklist is not enough to be efficient before starting the cleaning. Whether you plan to do it yourself or have professional cleaners take charge, it is a must that you prepare the cleaning supplies and tools needed so that there is no room for interruption.
When you gather the correct cleaning products for the surfaces in the house, you avoid damaging them. Preparing gloves and face masks also protects you or the cleaners from exposure to chemicals and allergens.
d. Focus on high-priority areas.
High-priority areas, as its name implies, are the areas that you should pay the most attention to as they will be checked first. Examples of these areas are the following:
- In the kitchen, it includes appliances, countertops, sink, backsplash, and cabinets.
- For the bathrooms, you should prioritise toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, mirrors, and tiles.
- All floors should be vacuumed, mopped, and deep cleaned as needed.
- Remove all marks, scuffs, and stains on the walls and windows.
- The light fixtures and switches should be dusted and free of fingerprints and smudges.
e. Clean appliances inside out.
Cleaning isn’t confined to just sanitising floors, countertops, walls, windows, etc. You should not forget to clean the appliances, both inside and out. They are one of the most neglected surfaces; you may find food residue that has already hardened or there is dirt on top of them. Cleaning them thoroughly ensures that they remain in a good working condition.
As the tenant, you are also expected to have the house cleaned to a professional standard. This includes cleaning appliances inside and out. Don’t risk not having your security deposit back and go DIY if you miss cleaning these areas.
f. Wipe down all surfaces, including walls and skirting boards.
In your cleaning checklist, also list down all the surfaces that need cleaning. Don’t forget the skirting boards because, over time, they might have accumulated marks, scuffs, and stains from everyday wear and tear.
Wiping them down can be simply for removing the dust and cobwebs too, aside from the marks and stains, especially in the areas that are hard to reach. It also leaves an impression on the landlord/property manager that you make it easy for the next residents to move in.
g. Vacuum and mop floors thoroughly.
The floors are not necessarily the most important task but it certainly is an important part of end-of-tenancy cleaning. The main goal of this kind of cleaning is to restore the property to its condition before you move in. It will also leave a positive first impression, that you have taken good care of the rental during your stay.
So make sure that even the floors are clean and ready for the next tenant. Remove all the stuck-on dirt and grime to keep them looking clean and fresh and reduce the presence of allergens, bacteria, and other health hazards.
h. Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
Any impurities left on these surfaces are noticeable, so include this in your end-of-tenancy cleaning. It can make the house look unclean even if the most important areas have been cleaned well. Also, post-tenancy cleaning is expected to be thorough. It will give off an impression that you didn’t take the cleaning seriously.
Leave the property in the best possible condition so be sure to include these in your cleaning checklist.
i. Remove all personal belongings and check for forgotten items.
Double check if you have personal belongings that may be left behind or if there are personal items that may hamper the cleaning. It is best to have them removed for the cleaners to be able to do their job without obstruction.
Don’t forget this step to ensure a smooth transition between move-out and move-in tenants and that there are no additional costs for all parties involved.
The Don’ts of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
a. Don’t wait until the last minute to start cleaning.
Post-tenancy cleaning may seem and sound simple to you but it requires a significant amount of time and effort. Waiting until the last minute is not a wise move. Be proactive and begin the cleaning early on because you might face deductions from your security deposit if the level of cleanliness does not meet the expectations of the landlord or the property manager.
You also don’t want the stress that arises when doing a last-minute cleaning. It takes a toll on your mental health because aside from packing and coordinating with movers, you will have to plan regarding this thorough cleaning.
The cost can also be more expensive due to the urgency and the need for expedited services, and the quality of cleaning may also be affected as the time left to clean the place is insufficient. Don’t wait until it’s too late to even get started.
b. Don’t overlook small details.
Giving back the rental house in the same condition you got it means that your cleaning must include the smallest details. These details may include dusty skirting boards, dirty window tracks, and limescale in the bathroom.
These areas will be checked during an inventory check to be performed by the landlord or the agent and compared to the initial inventory report. They will look for signs of damage and uncleanliness so it is advised that you don’t miss these details during cleaning.
c. Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaning products.
These cleaning products can scratch, dull, and damage delicate surfaces. Some strong cleaning agents may also cause discolouration or grading on certain materials like fabrics and countertops. Even if they don’t cause damage, there is the possibility of leaving behind a residue or an unpleasant odour.
But what you should mainly consider is the effect of the strong chemicals the products may contain. They can irritate the skin, the eyes, and the respiratory system. And lastly, they are not eco-friendly. Instead, choose gentler and more sustainable cleaning solutions. An even better advice would be for products that are specifically designed for the materials that you are cleaning.
d. Don’t forget to clean outside spaces.
The exterior part of the house is just as important as the interior. If you live in a shared housing situation like in a condominium or an HDB flat, cleaning the outside spaces that are part of your unit’s area of responsibility helps maintain the cleanliness of the common areas.
You also help prevent the possibility of pest infestations when you include the exteriors in the end-of-tenancy cleaning.
e. Don’t attempt to hide damages or make makeshift repairs.
Be honest with your landlord or agent when there are damages inside the house that you weren’t able to repair. Hiding them and making improper repairs only mean that you breached the contract. Makeshift repairs also pose safety risks to future tenants, especially those involving electrical, plumbing, and structural elements.
Instead of concealing damages or making temporary fixes, it is best that you:
- Document damages that occurred during your tenancy.
- Inform your landlord about the damages and discuss the best course of action.
- Hire professionals to make proper repairs if you are responsible for the damage.
- Negotiate with your landlord on the cost of repairs and replacements.
What’s The Best Action When Moving Out
When moving out of a rental property, the best course of action is to engage the services of a professional house cleaning company specialising in move-out cleaning. They will take charge of the cleaning so you can just focus on moving to your new home stress-free.
Don’t know where to start or whom to hire as cleaners? KungFu Helper offers professional move-out cleaning. WhatsApp us here!
