When it’s time to bid farewell to your rented property, one crucial task stands in the way of securing your deposit: end of tenancy cleaning. But do you know exactly what this cleaning entails and how clean is clean enough? Do you think you can handle the task on your own or might it be wiser to enlist specialist cleaners?
Well, end of tenancy cleaning significantly differs from regular cleaning and, to be honest, it can be quite demanding. Opting for a professional cleaning service like the one from Skycleaners is always a good idea as it not only ensures the full return of your deposit but also saves you a significant amount of time and effort. However, if you’re contemplating getting the job done on your own, ensure you familiarize yourself with the process and its requirements beforehand.
What is the end of tenancy cleaning rule?
At the end of your tenancy, it is your responsibility to clean the property and return it to the same standard as it was when you first moved in. If you don’t do so, your landlord has the right to deduct a certain amount of your security deposit.
Typically, the specific cleaning requirements are detailed in your tenancy agreement and the inventory or check-in report. When you are moving out of the property your landlord will conduct an inspection and document the condition in a check-out report.
So, if at the end of your tenancy, you leave the property in a less clean condition than it was when you first moved in, your landlord can charge you for restoring it to its equivalent standard. The cost could be lower if only minor touch-up cleaning is required, or it could be higher if a comprehensive deep cleaning is necessary.
What does end of tenancy cleaning include?
It involves a throughout and comprehensive cleaning of the entire property. You will basically need to tackle every room, from top to bottom, as well as staircases, hallways, and any outdoor areas, if applicable. In certain situations, you may also be responsible for fulfilling particular requirements, including tasks like professional carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, curtain cleaning, and more. These specific responsibilities should normally be explicitly detailed within your rental agreement.
Therefore, if you are considering handling the cleaning yourself, it’s crucial to meticulously review your lease documents. Creating a detailed cleaning checklist is also advisable to ensure you cover all the necessary tasks. To assist you in this process, we have prepared a sample checklist that can serve as a valuable reference.
End of tenancy cleaning checklist
- Dusting the walls and ceilings, as well as removing all cobwebs.
- Cleaning the light switches, light fixtures, and sockets.
- Washing the windows, including sills and ledges.
- Wiping down the doors, including the frames and handles.
- Dusting and polishing all mirrors, pictures, and radiators (if applicable).
- Dusting all furniture in the bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.
- Vacuuming all upholstered furniture and dusting their frames.
- Cleaning all kitchen cabinets, countertops, tiles and other surfaces.
- Cleaning and disinfecting all kitchen appliances, both inside and out.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the entire bathroom, including the sink, toilet, bath, and shower basin, as well as the tiles.
- Vacuuming all flooring and mopping hard floors.
Keep in mind that there may be additional tasks that you are required to complete. Make sure to thoroughly review your tenancy agreement to ensure you don’t overlook any specific requirements.
Is professional end of tenancy cleaning worth it?
Yes, it is undoubtedly worth the cost and there are several compelling reasons why. When you opt for a professional end of tenancy cleaning service, you not only increase your chances of receiving your entire deposit back but also save a significant amount of time and effort. As mentioned earlier, end of tenancy cleaning goes beyond regular cleaning tasks and can be quite time-consuming.
In the UK, you can find a variety of specialized professional cleaning services dedicated to end of tenancy cleaning. These services play a crucial role in ensuring that the property meets the stringent cleanliness standards expected by landlords, thereby helping tenants avoid disputes over their security deposit.
Benefits of professional end of tenancy cleaning
Before delving into the do-it-yourself cleaning process, it’s a good idea to understand the advantages of hiring professional services:
- Thoroughness. Professionals leave no nook or cranny untouched, guaranteeing the satisfaction of your landlord. They have the expertise to reach areas that might be overlooked during routine cleaning.
- Time and Effort Saving. Opting for a professional end of tenancy cleaning service relieves you of the physically demanding work, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks involved in moving and getting settled in your new home.
- Deposit Assurance. One of the most significant advantages of using such services is the increased probability of receiving your entire security deposit back. Landlords often uphold stringent cleanliness standards, and professional cleaning ensures you meet these expectations.
How to do end of tenancy cleaning on your own: Room by room cleaning guide
It’s important to diligently clean each room, aiming to restore the property to the same condition it was in when you first moved in. To assist you in this mission, we’ve prepared a room-by-room cleaning guide that will increase your chances of successfully cleaning your rental place and securing the return of your full deposit.
The kitchen
Let’s start with the most challenging part of the end of tenancy cleaning process – the kitchen. The first thing you need to do is declutter the space, ensuring you remove all personal belongings. Once you are ready, you can start cleaning the cabinets and cupboards. Thoroughly wipe down both the interior and exterior surfaces. For this purpose, you can simply use an all-purpose cleaner.
Next, shift your attention to the appliances. Ensure a proper cleaning and disinfection of all kitchen appliances, including the fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, and others. When dealing with accumulated grease and oil, a degreaser can be quite effective. For disinfecting the fridge, a mixture of white vinegar and hot water is a reliable choice.
After successfully handling the more challenging part involving the appliances, it’s time to focus on sanitizing countertops and the sink. Don’t forget to address any limescale build-up that may be present.
To complete the kitchen cleaning, perform a thorough vacuuming and mop the floor, leaving the space in impeccable condition for the end of your tenancy.
The living room
When cleaning the living room, it is best to follow a top-to-bottom approach for thorough results. Begin by dusting the walls and ceiling, ensuring all cobwebs are gone. Next, focus on the windows, giving them a thorough wash. Clean all light fixtures, switches, and lamps, leaving no spot overlooked. Don’t forget to pay close attention to baseboards and corners, as these areas tend to collect the most dust.
Proceed to wipe down all furniture, ensuring it’s spotless, and for added brilliance, apply appropriate furniture polish to give it a gleaming finish.
As the final steps, vacuum both the carpets and hard floors, and then mop the hard floors, leaving your living room in impeccable condition.
The bedrooms
When cleaning the bedrooms, just use the same approach as you did in the living room. Start by addressing the walls, ceilings, windows, and light fixtures. Ensure all switches and lamps are thoroughly cleaned.
Wipe down the furniture, and, if needed, apply polish for a pristine finish. Don’t forget the mattress – it should be properly vacuumed, and any stains should be addressed. Also, if there is any unpleasant odour coming from the mattress, you can use baking soda to deal with it. Just sprinkle some baking soda on the entire surface and leave it for a few hours. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the residue.
Complete the cleaning process by vacuuming the floors and, if there are any hard floors, mop them to leave the bedrooms looking immaculate.
The bathroom
Following the kitchen, the bathroom presents the next challenging phase of the cleaning process, often harbouring dirt and unsightly sludge and limescale.
To begin, conduct a thorough dusting of all walls, including light switches and decorative elements. In the case of tiled walls, consider employing a mixture of white vinegar and soapy water to effectively eliminate any sludge. Proceed to wipe down shelves, countertops, and cabinets, ensuring mirrors are impeccably polished.
Move on to the bathtub and shower, utilizing a suitable cleaner for a deep cleanse. Following that, take the necessary steps to disinfect the sink and toilet. Finally, dedicate attention to cleaning the bathroom floor.
Other areas
When conducting your end-of-tenancy cleaning, don’t overlook areas like staircases, hallways, and outdoor spaces. Tidying up these spaces is just as crucial as cleaning the rest of the property.
Begin by dusting the railings, ledges, and any light fixtures or decorative elements in the staircase and hallway. Afterwards, meticulously vacuum the floor, paying particular attention to the entrance, which typically accumulates more dirt due to higher foot traffic.
If your property includes outdoor spaces such as a garden, patio, or balcony, be sure to declutter and give them a thorough sweep. Additionally, clean and wipe down any outdoor furniture that may be present to complete the cleaning process effectively.
How much can a landlord charge for cleaning?
The cost a landlord can charge for end-of-tenancy cleaning varies significantly and hinges on both the extent of cleaning needed and the stipulations within the tenancy agreement. If you fail to meet the necessary cleaning standards, your landlord may arrange professional cleaning services and deduct the costs from your deposit.
Regarding the pricing of these services, it primarily depends on the property’s size and the scope of the required work. As a rough estimate, in the UK, the cost of professional end-of-tenancy cleaning from companies in North London like Skycleaners ranges from approximately £100 to £150 for a small apartment to £400 to £450 for larger properties, such as four or five-bedroom houses. For further details or to obtain a precise quote, you can contact Skycleaners directly at 83 Drapers Road, London, E15 2AZ, or by phone at 07879 101049.
Final thoughts
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a pivotal step to guarantee the return of your deposit and create a positive impression on your landlord. But, with work, the chaos of moving, and all the other stuff going on, not everyone can spare the time needed for a thorough cleaning of their property.
For a hassle-free experience and guaranteed results, consider hiring professional end of tenancy cleaning services. With expert assistance, you can eliminate any concerns about the property’s cleanliness, and your landlord is more likely to provide you with a commendable reference.