What is the end of tenancy cleaning services?
If you have ever rented a property or know someone who has, you have probably heard of the famous “end of tenancy cleaning”. The term refers to a very thorough cleaning process in which all areas and aspects of the property – the carpets, floors, walls, vents, windows, furniture, and appliances – are cleaned to ensure that the rental property is returned to its original condition before the tenants move out.
Why is the end of tenancy cleaning important?
When you move into a rental property, the landlord or letting agent will draw up a contract (tenancy/lease agreement) and ask you to pay a tenancy deposit (or rental deposit). This sum serves as a security in case the tenant does not fulfil their obligations under the lease, e.g., in case of non-payment of rent or damage to the property (damaged walls/ furniture, changes in the appearance of the property, lack of cleanliness, etc.). In the latter case, the tenant loses the deposit, and the landlord or letting agent can use the money to cover the costs of repairs.
The purpose of the end-of-tenancy cleaning is to prevent you from losing all or part of your security deposit because cleaning is the most common reason for security deposit deductions. Most leases signed before 2019 specifically require professional cleaning before move-out; after the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot require a tenant to pay for a professional cleaning service, but they can require that the tenant cleans the property to a professional standard.
How can I make sure that I meet the landlord’s expectations?
When it comes to cleaning a place, people can have different definitions and expect different results. To avoid disputes related to cleaning and to secure a good reference from your landlord (if you plan to change flats), you should always choose a professional cleaning company.
Usually, the landlord or letting agent will require you to clean the rental to the state it was before you moved in, based on the inventory and the lease that was drawn up at the beginning of the tenancy. Using your copy of the inventory checklist, you can discuss it with the professional cleaning team and make sure the end-of-tenancy cleaning will meet the landlord’s prospects.
Of course, if you want to get everything in order beforehand, you can opt for regular deep cleaning services.
If gradual damage to furniture, carpets, or wooden floors is unavoidable (the items are not intentionally or negligently damaged) and is due to daily use or exposure to the sun, the items in question should not be considered grounds for security deposit deductions.
They are considered “normal wear and tear,” which is the normal deterioration of an item due to its age and normal use. An important rule to keep in mind is that the condition of an item is not related to the cleanliness of the item in question. Even if something is old or has visible signs of use, it should be professionally cleaned before you move out!
