The cleanliness of a property at the end of a tenancy is perhaps the largest cause of tenancy deposit disputes but these can be very easily avoided by simply giving the property a good clean at the end of the rental period. In this article we will take a look at the best cleaning practice and also dispel some cleaning myths.
The first thing to understand is why a thorough clean is required. Essentially any rented property needs to be left in the same condition (minus fair wear and tear) as it was in when the tenancy started. Assuming the property was sparkling at the start of the tenancy, it needs to be sparkling at the end. If the landlord feels that the property is not as clean as it should be, they could employ their own cleaners and claim the costs through the deposit scheme.
Myth Busting
It was once the case, that a landlord could insist that items such as carpets, furniture, ovens or even the entire property were professionally cleaned, this is no longer the case. A tenant is perfectly within their rights to carry out the cleaning themselves if they want to, as long as it is to the required standard.
Reference Point
The main reference point will be the check-in inspection and inventory. It is important that this properly reflects the condition and cleanliness of the property as it will be the baseline which is referred to at the end. Make sure, during the check-in inspection that the cleanliness is properly covered to avoid any doubt during check-out.
What to Clean
Everything should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the tenancy including, but not limited to:
- Mopping floors and tiles
- Vacuuming and cleaning carpets, rugs, curtains, mattresses and other soft furnishings
- Cleaning all curtains and blinds
- Removing cobwebs from walls, ceilings and skirting boards
- Cleaning windows, doors and handles
- Clean all light switches and electrical sockets
- Dusting and polishing surfaces
- Removing limescale from sinks, showers, shower screens and bathtubs
- Cleaning and polishing taps and other water fittings
- Scrubbing and disinfecting the toilet
- Removing mould from walls and tiles
- Wiping down kitchen cabinets (inside and out) and countertops
- Dusting and clearing out cupboards, wardrobes and drawers
- Cleaning and descaling where needed all appliances such as kettles, toasters, microwaves
- Degreasing the hob, oven and all components including degreasing and changing any filters on the extraction hood
- Emptying and cleaning the fridge and freezer
- Cleaning out large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, focus on the detergent drawer and rubber door skirt on washing machines and filters on dishwashers
- Emptying and cleaning bins (inside and outside ones)
- Sweeping, clearing and tidying outside areas
Ensuring that the property is clean at the end of the tenancy will avoid any issues with deposit disputes. A tenant can, if they want, employ a professional cleaning company to do all or part of the cleaning, but this is not a requirement and they can do it themselves as long as it is to the same standard as when they moved in.
