There’s more to leaving a rented property than simply packing up your stuff and returning the keys. End of tenancy cleaning is one important job that many people forget about. However if you don’t do this deep clean you might not get back all of your deposit; some money could be deducted for cleaning costs. In this blog post we’ll explain what exactly end-of-tenancy-cleaning involves so you understand why it has to be done –– and done well! We’ll also offer advice on how best to tackle the task meaning you can move out of your current rental with the minimum amount hassle!
What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End of tenancy cleaning is not your average wipe-down. When your lease is up, it’s time to put some elbow grease into making the place sparkle — and we mean every last inch. Landlords expect rental properties to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in. That means everything should be spotless: kitchen cupboards, skirting boards, oven hobs, you name it!
Most lease agreements say tenants must leave their property in good nick. If an inventory clerk or landlord thinks a professional clean is needed (one was done before you moved in), they may hire one — and take the cost out of your deposit.
Why is an End of Tenancy Clean Necessary?
One of the key reasons to perform a thorough clean before moving out is that you’ll get your deposit back. In the UK, deposits are usually put into a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Landlords use this money if they need to fix something you’ve broken or pay for professional cleaning.
But there’s more to it than just not wanting anyone else’s hands in your pockets. Leaving somewhere nice and tidy shows respect: for whoever owns the place once you’ve gone – and for the next people who live there. And while we’re on the subject, why not keep things on good terms? You might want them (or their friends) to rent to you again…
How Clean is Clean?
One might wonder, just how clean is “clean enough” when it comes to tidying up before moving out of a rental property? The simple answer is: very clean indeed. It’s not sufficient merely to run a duster over surfaces or give them a once-over with a cleaning cloth. You need to ensure that the property is as pristine now as it was on the day you first set foot through the door – minus fair wear and tear of course.
In practice, this means every single room should be thoroughly scrubbed and polished; all fixtures (such as light fittings) will need to be cleaned too. Electrical appliances like ovens are often among worst offenders for dirt build-up. Yours must be spotless inside and out. If carpets were steam-cleaned upon arrival, arrange for the same service before you leave. Windows too should have a wash down if they are grubby.
Many renters mistakenly believe that spending a few hours giving the place a once-over will suffice. But landlords are not looking for an ordinary “clean”, they want premises returned in tip-top condition that includes elements such as skirting boards and light fittings. If you had the place professionally cleaned at the outset, don’t be surprised if you have to engage cleaners to replicate this.
What About Fair Wear and Tear?
“Fair wear and tear” is how much a property naturally deteriorates as people live in it – for example, you wouldn’t be responsible for fixing small scuffs on walls or worn carpet that comes from normal use. Or paint that has started to fade because the house has been lived in.
But if something goes wrong or breaks because it hasn’t been looked after properly while you’ve been living there (like a burn on the carpet, or a hole in the wall), your landlord might want to use some or all of your deposit to cover the cost of cleaning or repairing it. Deep stains to carpets fall into this category too.
It’s really important to understand the difference between things wearing out because we all need them to lots – and things getting damaged because someone who was using them wasn’t being careful enough.
Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant for End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Even though landlords are unable to ask you to pay for normal wear and tear, they can take money from your deposit if you do not return the property in a clean condition. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) says that deductions for cleaning have to mean more than the property being not as clean as when you first moved in.
This is complicated because people have different ideas of what is clean. If you want to avoid quarrels, aim to clean it as well as a professional – or hire them!
What Should an End of Tenancy Clean Include?
An end-of-lease clean is thorough and covers the entire property. Some of the main things it includes are:
- Living areas: Carpets vacuumed, skirting boards dusted, surfaces wiped.
- Kitchen: Appliances scrubbed (including inside oven), countertops cleaned, cupboards emptied and wiped.
- Bathroom: Tiles descaled and cleaned, taps shined up, toilet sanitised.
- Windows and doors: Glass, frames and handles cleaned.
- Outdoor areas (if any): Patios swept, lawns mowed.
Also worth noting – check your lease agreement for any specific cleaning requirements. Properties sometimes have extra things tenants need to do when they move out, such as cleaning the garage or storage areas.
Can I Clean the Property Myself?
Sure, you can clean it yourself but be ready to roll up your sleeves. This is no ordinary weekend spruce-up; it needs to be cleaned meticulously and deeply. If you do decide to go it alone, make sure you have the right gear and cleaning products for the job. Failure to scrub every nook and cranny—such as inside cupboards or the oven—could see the landlord draft in professionals at your expense. Their bill will be deducted from your deposit.
If you’re not sure whether your handiwork will pass muster, consider getting a professional in to do the job.
Why Should I Hire a Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaner?
A professional end-of-tenancy clean means your rental is cleaned top to bottom — and could save you lots of time and worry. Pros know what landlords are looking for in an inspection and they have the skills (and elbow grease) to remove even the toughest stains or caked-on grease.
With a pro service like Cleaning Whizz, you can be confident the job will be done correctly – preventing any disputes about cleanliness when you hand back the keys. And if things do go awry? Having hired cleaners could mean the difference between getting all your deposit back or none of it at all!
Where Can I Hire an End-of-Tenancy Cleaner?
If you’re looking for someone to do an end-of-lease clean, there are a few things you can do. You could go online – there are loads of ads on the internet. Or look in your local paper or shop windows. Alternatively, just ask around: maybe one of your friends knows a good cleaner?
But if you want a stress-free experience from start to finish with reliable results then why not give CW a call! Our team specialises in this type of work and has lots of experience so they know exactly what needs to be done – we’ll make sure everything is up standard for when it gets checked so there won’t be any last-minute panics on moving day.
Taking care of business
Taking your responsibilities seriously at this time is vital. Whether deciding upon DIY vs hiring professionals like us there some key things worth remembering about ensuring those all important check out monies come back in full (or near as damn it).
