End of tenancy cleaning is a critical task that tenants must undertake to ensure the return of their security deposit. It involves a thorough cleaning of the rental property before moving out. However, many tenants make common mistakes during this process that can be costly and stressful. This article outlines these pitfalls and provides advice on how to avoid them, ensuring a smooth and successful end of tenancy cleaning.
The Importance of End of Tenancy Cleaning
End of tenancy cleaning is more than just a cursory once-over; it requires deep cleaning to restore the property to the condition it was in at the start of the lease, as per most rental agreements. This is crucial for receiving your full deposit back from the landlord or letting agency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in End of Tenancy Cleaning
Here are some frequent errors tenants make during end of tenancy cleaning and how to avoid them:
1. Underestimating the Time Required
Many tenants underestimate the time it takes to thoroughly clean a property. This can lead to rushed jobs and subpar cleaning standards.
Solution: Start the cleaning process early. Allocate several days to complete the task if necessary, especially for larger homes. Plan each room’s cleaning step by step and ensure you have enough time to tackle every area.
2. Ignoring Hard to Reach Areas
Often, tenants clean only the most visible areas and forget about hard-to-reach spots such as tops of cabinets, under furniture, and behind appliances.
Solution: Make a checklist of all areas, including those that are out of sight. Move furniture around and use appropriate tools such as dusters with long handles and vacuum cleaner attachments to clean hard-to-reach spaces.
3. Forgetting About Professional Cleaning Requirements
Some rental agreements stipulate that professional cleaning must be performed at the end of tenancy, particularly for carpets and upholstery.
Solution: Review your rental agreement thoroughly. If professional cleaning is required, book a reputable cleaning service well in advance to avoid last-minute booking fees or unavailability.
4. Using Incorrect Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products can lead to damage, such as discoloration of surfaces or deterioration of materials, which might be deducted from your deposit.
Solution: Always use suitable cleaning products for different surfaces. If unsure, consult product instructions or seek advice from professional cleaners. Test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not cause damage.
5. Overlooking Walls and Windows
Walls and windows are often overlooked during end of tenancy cleaning, yet they are among the first things both landlords and inspectors notice.
Solution: Clean all windows inside and out where possible. Wipe down walls, paying special attention to areas around light switches, door frames, and other high-contact areas. Use a mild detergent to remove marks without damaging paint or wallpaper.
6. Neglecting Appliance Cleaning
Appliances need to be left as clean as they were at the start of tenancy, including the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and washing machine.
Solution: Deep clean all appliances. For ovens, use a strong oven cleaner and let it sit for several hours or overnight for best results. Defrost the freezer and clean the refrigerator thoroughly with a baking soda solution to eliminate odors.
7. Disregarding the Garden or Exterior Areas
If your rental property includes a garden or any external areas, these should be maintained as per the condition at the start of your lease.
Solution: Mow lawns, trim hedges, clear patios and pathways of debris, and remove any rubbish to ensure these areas are tidy.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes in end of tenancy cleaning can save a lot of time, effort, and potential deductions from your security deposit. By planning thoroughly, understanding your rental agreement’s requirements, and paying attention to detail, you can ensure that the property is in top condition when you hand over the keys. Remember, the goal is to leave the property in as good a state as when you moved in, if not better. Visit website to hire professional end of tenancy cleaners.
