A useful guide to move out cleaning – How to get your rental deposit back
If you’re coming towards the end of your tenancy agreement, have your home under offer or even if you are having construction work taking place in your house then the chances are that move out cleaning is something that you are weighing up. Increased pressure in our home and work lives mean many of us already hire additional outside assistance in keeping our homes clean and tidy.
Whilst this help is invaluable to many, and ensures that we get a few extra hours of free time on a regular basis, an end of tenancy clean is a notch up and something that is vitally important when it comes to fulfilling your contractual obligations. This helpful guide is designed to guide you through your requirements, what is involved and how to go about booking cleaning services at the best market rate.
So what actually is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
End of tenancy cleaning, or move out cleaning, is a thorough, deep, professional clean of a property which leaves it in a spotless condition for the next occupants. The standard of the clean is a step up from the usual weekly or fortnightly clean that you may already be having.
This level of clean not only ensures that the incoming occupants have a pleasant looking property to move into, but also makes it easier for the landlord of the property, or the managing agents, to assess any damage to the property that has been caused during the previous tenancy. It also gives the new tenants a ‘clean slate’ when it comes to their tenancy and gives a standard to which the property should be returned to at the end of the agreement.
Is a professional clean really required?
The vast majority of Assured Shorthold Tenancies, or rental contracts, will now include a clause which stipulates that the outgoing tenants should leave the property in exactly the same way as they found it upon moving in. Any failure to do so, or if the end of tenancy cleaning is not up to a professional standard, can lead to the landlord withholding money from the security deposit in order to have the property properly cleaned.
If you are selling your property, there is no required standard to which the property should be cleaned, however, it is recognised as a common courtesy to leave your old home in the condition you would hope to find your new one in. In some cases, if the new owners find the property to be dirty or in an unacceptable condition, they may look to take recourse through their solicitors.
Why not just do it myself?
Whilst there is nothing within the agreement to stop you from doing the cleaning yourself, it is important to remember that the move out cleaning needs to be done to the correct standard. At the end of your tenancy, the property is then inspected by a check out clerk who will assess the condition of the property, note any damages and also the cleanliness. These eagle-eyed clerks will easily be able to spot the difference between a DIY clean and a professional one so why leave it to chance and add to the stress of moving? Simply appoint a team of professionals and ensure that you will not have to fight for the return of your deposit over cleaning.
What does an end of tenancy cleaning involve?
Move out cleaning involves a team of experienced cleaners working to a specific standard and they have a long checklist of items to cover;
Kitchen
- Cleaning and disinfecting of all kitchen units and the inside and outside of appliances like the oven and hob, fridge/freezer and microwave.
- Cleaning the inside and outside of the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
Bathroom(s)
- Cleaning, descaling and polishing of bathroom tiles (wall and floor), baths and shower cubicles, basins, taps, etc.
Receptions, bedrooms and all other areas
- Full dusting, sweeping and vacuuming the entire property, removing any cobwebs from ceilings, stairs, walls, etc.
- Dusting and cleaning of all door frames, doors, light fittings, switches, skirting boards, window sills and frames and doors.
- Dusting, cleaning and polishing of furniture (dining table and chairs, chest of drawers, wardrobes, bookshelves and soft furnishings)
- Sweep, vacuum and mop all flooring and stairs.
- Cleaning of the windows (internal).
Who should I use to book my end of tenancy cleaning?
To find trusted and reliable professional cleaners in your local area then simply contact cleaning professionals or browse for companies near your area. Many of them, have price comparison services that provide you with instant access to a nationwide network of professional end of tenancy cleaning companies. Read reviews from other customers, check live availability and compare the fixed price rates. Simply answer some simple questions and when you are ready, you can book online, anytime 24/7!
