Rented Property - The End Of A Tenancy

When you vacate a rented property you are contractually required to perform: End Of Tenancy Cleaning

What are your responsibilities to clean up?

Landlords and agents typically take 6 weeks deposit for dilapidations at the start of a new tenancy agreement.This is to insure themselves against tenants leaving it in a state of disrepair.

Wilful damage such as kicking in the walls, or spray painting graffiti are clear signs of lack of attention.

However less obvious problems are what happens when no deliberate damage is done and the tenant is ready to leave.The most common area the outgoing tenant faces is: do you need to clean it?

The safe answer is "yes" - but just how much do you have to do.

Most tenancies start out with the "assumption" that the new tenant is entering a professionally cleaned property.

Prior to entry, and transfer of the keys, the incoming tenant has the right to inspect the property. The aspect of professional cleaning may not be obvious. If the property looks clean then any shortcomings may be missed especially if the removals van is waiting to get your stuff in.

In general all common parts (what you see and what you use) are cleaned. For the scrupulous they do it themselves or hire a cleaning company. For the less so concerned tenant, often they could not care less.

Well organised to you is chaos to the landlord

The point is that irrespective of what goes on during the period of the tenancy the end of the contract requires the house to be cleaned. And implicit is that it is a professional cleaning company that undertakes this work. The reasons being that:

• however good you may be you can see tell the difference when a professional company does the work
• you have documented proof that the work has been done

More importantly every house builds up dirt and dust in all the hidden corners. Carpets that are vacuumed regularly still fade and retain some residual dirt. In other words there is a lot to clean and it needs to be really scrubbed.

Other key features that you need to clean are:

• windows, inside and out (unless an upper level apartment)
• cupboards, drawers and inside shelves
• mould on windows and walls
• carpets which may require cleaning, and must be if stained or very dirty

It is quite a list when it comes down to it.

This is what is required

From the tenant's point of view you will pay for it regardless. If you don't have it done yourself then the landlord or agent will hire a company and deduct it from your deposit. It may be better for you to have it done yourself. Then you will be in a position to negotiate your fee and ensure it is all done correctly.

We can help you with some keen pricing for getting your place fully cleaned before you leave. Please call us on 01895 823923. Or Contact Us through our services page on End of Tenancy".