As a landlord, you understand the importance of ensuring that your property is kept in pristine condition. End-of-tenancy cleaning can be an overwhelming task and it’s necessary that the work is completed to a high standard.
To help make this daunting process easier, we at Gifford Property & Management have put together some tips on end-of-tenancy cleaning. By investing just a small amount of effort at each stage, landlords can protect their investments while also developing strong relationships with their tenants.
What Exactly is the End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End-of-tenancy cleaning is devoted to deep cleaning of the rental property after the tenant leaves the premises. It involves sanitizing and detailing the various spaces within the property, to ensure they are ready to be occupied again.
What All Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include?
End-of-tenancy cleaning helps landlords to prepare the rental property for new tenants by providing deep and detailed cleaning. Its services often include:
- Cleaning walls and corners
- Wiping down woodwork and baseboards
- Vacuuming and scrubbing floors
- Descaling surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen
- Removing dirt behind appliances
- Dusting and polishing furniture
- Mopping up spills in hard-to-reach areas
Landlords usually hire professional cleaners to get the job done. Such professionals are experienced and knowledgeable enough to deliver results in a short amount of time thanks to their proven tools and products.
Importance of End of Tenancy Cleaning
End-of-tenancy cleanings are an important part of the rental process. Taking the time to ensure that a property is appropriately cleaned before new tenants move in helps to create a positive relationship between landlord and tenant and promotes a feeling of trust.
Not only does it give the impression that the landlord cares about their tenant's living environment, but it can also prevent problems like mold build-up or blocked drains which can be costly to repair.
Furthermore, regular vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing can dramatically extend the lifespan of carpets, walls, and furniture, meaning a reduction in replacement costs over time. Careful end-of-tenancy cleaning should therefore be considered an essential investment for any landlord who wants to protect their property from damage.
End of Tenancy Checklist For Specific Areas
Here’s a checklist that includes all the essential areas that must be cleaned during the end of the tenancy cleaning process:
Walls, Doors, and Ceilings
When cleaning walls, doors, and ceilings, it’s essential to do the following:
- Clean up scuff marks and touch up with paint if needed
- Clean and polish light switches and sockets
- Remove cobwebs and dirt from ceilings
- Clean door surfaces, handles, frames, and other dusty areas with a cloth
- Clean the interior of windows and mirrors
- Clean window frames and sills
Fixtures, Fittings, and Furnishings
No one wants to discover dust while brushing their fingers across surfaces. To avoid such situations, make sure you keep the following things in mind:
- Thoroughly dust and clean the tops of wardrobes, shelves, and cupboards
- Ensure that the tops of mirrors, picture frames, and curtain rails are clean
- Dust light fixtures, lamp shades, and even light bulbs
- Dust and polish the surfaces of tables, desks, and sideboards
- Take the sofa cushions outdoors to dust and clean them
- Examine the insides of drawers and cabinets and cleaning as needed
Bathrooms
A thorough cleaning of the bathroom also comes with the end of the tenancy cleaning process. Here is a list of specific areas that must be cleaned before inspection:
- Basin, taps, and fixtures - Use vinegar or lemon juice to get a dazzling sheen.
- Bathtub - Give special attention to any limescale or hard water stains.
- Toilet - Disinfect and clean the equipment. Soak the toilet with a cleanser from the rim down for 10 minutes, then scrub before cleaning the outer parts.
- Tiles - Use an old toothbrush to remove any dirt build-up.
- Shower tray and bathroom doors and windows - Make sure to remove build-up and smudges.
Kitchens
Here’s a to-do list for cleaning the kitchen thoroughly:
- Clean the hob
- Degrease and clean the oven
- Wipe down all surfaces and counters.
- Clean the kitchen sink thoroughly while taking care of the stainless steel units
- Remove limescale from taps and other fixtures.
- Clean the interior and exterior of the fridge/freezer, including the rubber seal.
- Clean, empty, and disinfect the garbage and surrounding areas.
Carpets
Cleaning carpets is an essential component of any end-of-tenancy cleaning, as carpets can accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens over time. This can cause health issues for occupants, which makes it necessary to thoroughly clean them before a property is occupied again.
Thoroughly cleaning carpets requires:
- Vacuuming or machine washing with hot water extraction, if possible.
- Using a combination of stain/stripping chemicals to break down spots.
- Using powder detergents that contain brighteners to restore the original color of carpets.
Once this is done, properly dry carpets with a fan or an air conditioner. It’s important since wet carpeting can become a breeding ground for mildew and other problems. Taking these steps will ensure that the carpets are thoroughly cleaned when it comes time for occupancy turnover.
Outside
An important component of achieving a perfect end-of-tenancy clean is washing the outside area. This includes windows, door frames, gutters, downpipes, roofing, walls, and hard outdoor surfaces such as driveways and paths.
Cleaning these exterior surfaces removes dirt, dust, and pollutants that originate from outside sources such as trees, fire pits, and vehicles. It also helps to maintain the curb appeal of a property both during an inspection or throughout your tenancy.
Bottom Line
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a deep cleaning that should be done before you hand over the keys to your next renter. There are many things on the checklist that you may not think of, so it's important to hire a professional property management team who will know exactly what to do.
If you're in need of a property management company, don’t forget to contact Gifford Properties & Management today!
