What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include?

As a landlord or a tenant, you are likely aware that the tenant is responsible for leaving the house tidy when they decide to move out. This process is called an end of tenancy cleaning, and it is often carried out by professional cleaning companies. The purpose of end of tenancy cleaning is to ensure that the property is left clean and hygienic for the next tenant.

Many landlords and property managers include a clause in the lease agreement that requires the tenant to perform a complete end of tenancy cleaning. Failure to do so may result in the deduction of money from the tenant’s security deposit. Therefore, tenants need to ensure that the place is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any complications.

To help tenants understand what to expect from an end of tenancy cleaning company, this guide will provide an overview of the typical tasks included in the cleaning process. By doing so, tenants can ensure that they meet their cleaning obligations and avoid any issues with their landlord or property manager.

Why Do You Need to Carry Out an End of Tenancy Cleaning?

When a tenant moves out of a rental property, it is expected that the condition of the property will remain unchanged from when they first moved in. This includes the cleanliness of the unit as well as any physical changes made to the property during their stay, such as unauthorised painting or damage to furnishings.

If a tenant fails to leave the rental unit in the same condition it was in when they first moved in, they risk losing a portion of their security deposit. The landlord has the right to make a claim on the deposit if they are dissatisfied with the condition of the property upon move-out.

In case there is a dispute between the landlord and tenant, an impartial third-party deposit adjudicator will be responsible for making a fair decision on how the deposit should be distributed. Therefore, it is essential for tenants to leave the property in the same condition as it was when they moved in, in order to avoid any unnecessary conflicts with their landlord.

What Should Be Included in an End of Tenancy Cleaning?

The different components of an end of tenancy cleaning include the following:

Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen is usually referred to as the “heart” of the house. It is also the busiest and dirtiest room in the house due to its frequent use. The kitchen is one room that needs special care during end of tenancy cleaning. The following are some specific tasks that can be done when cleaning the kitchen:

Taps and Sink

It’s important to disinfect and properly clean the sink. This also includes cleaning the area around the taps and the drain. Taps should be cleaned to get rid of any water stains and bring back the shine.

Drawers and Cabinets

It is advisable to clean out and empty all cabinets and drawers. Remove any food stains, crumbs, or other debris. It is also advisable to vacuum and wipe down the interior surfaces of cabinets with a moist cloth. Cabinet handles and fronts can, if necessary, be cleaned with an all-purpose cleanser.

Countertops

A gentle cleaning agent or disinfectant should be used to clean all countertops. Ensure you clean the cracks in the countertops. There are specific cleaners that you can use to clean countertops made of natural materials like granite or marble to avoid damaging them.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances include the oven, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. All these need to be cleaned at the end of a tenancy. You should also clean and sanitise surfaces stained by food particles. Ovens require special attention because they tend to attract grease and filth over time.

Bathroom Cleaning

There are lots of tasks involved in cleaning a bathroom. These include wiping down the sink, toilet, and other surfaces. The general procedures for cleaning a bathroom are as follows:

Remove Clutter

Clutter such as towels, bath mats, and other personal belongings should all be removed from the bathroom before the cleaning process. This will make it easy to clean the surfaces.

Countertops and Sink

Use a towel or sponge and a disinfectant cleaner to clean the sink and counters. Pay close attention to places where dirt and grime may collect, such as the area around the faucet, handles, and drain.

Wipe the Mirror

Use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to clean the mirror. Work your way downward, starting at the top.

Mop and Sanitise the Floor

Clean the bathroom floor using a mop to get rid of any loose particles. Then, to get rid of any lingering dirt and bacteria, disinfect it using a disinfectant.

Living Room and Bedroom Cleaning

The tasks involved in cleaning a bedroom or living room include:

Decluttering

Start by getting rid of any clutter in the room. This may be clothing, toys, books, and documents. Pack the items into piles for keeping, donating, and discarding.

Dusting

To remove dust from surfaces, such as furniture, shelves, and electronics, use a feather duster, a microfiber cloth, or a vacuum with a dusting attachment.

Sanitising Surfaces

Surfaces like tables, countertops, and shelves should be cleaned with a moist cloth or cleaning agent.

Vacuuming Upholstered Furniture

Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to get rid of dust and dirt from upholstered furniture like armchairs and couches.

Sanitising Windows

Use a window cleaner or a vinegar solution to clean any windows or glass surfaces in the living room and bedroom.

Entrance, Hallway, and Staircase

Here are the tasks involved in cleaning these areas:

Dust and Wipe Down the Surface

You can get rid of accumulated dust from surfaces like shelves, tables, and other surfaces by using a duster or a damp cloth to wipe them off.

Clean the Windows and Mirrors

All windows and mirrors in the area should be cleaned using a cloth and glass cleaner.

Hoover, Mop, and Sanitise the Floors

Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor. After that, sanitise it to kill any bacteria and wipe the surface with a cleaning solution.

Conclusion

Most professional end of tenancy cleaning companies, like Top Cleaning GB, use a preliminary checklist to ensure that they don’t miss any aspect of the cleaning job. It’s a solid practice that helps them complete the task efficiently.

To ensure that your landlord’s special needs are met, it’s best to confirm them in advance. If you can afford it, hiring a team of end of tenancy cleaning experts is a good idea.
If you need a thorough clean, you can schedule an end of tenancy cleaning with Top Cleaning GB. They will take care of all your end of tenancy cleaning needs, and you’ll be happy with the result.