Are you coming to the end of your tenancy? Then there are some important steps you need to take. Cleaning the rental home is vital before you leave, and this blog is our end of tenancy cleaning guide.
What to do when it’s time to leave
When you decide to leave your rental home, you need to give two months’ notice, as outlined in the newly introduced Renters’ Rights Act. During the two months prior, you need to make sure the rental property is restored back to its previous condition.
You need to clean the property, which we’ll tell you more about in this blog, report any damage, check the inventory and get any meter readings on the last day of your tenancy. This helps to avoid disputes between yourself and your landlord. Read our tenant guide to checking out.
You may have to wait up to 10 working days for your deposit to be returned to you after the final amount has been agreed, which may not be in full. You should receive communication regarding this. Note that the 10 days only begins once the amount is agreed, and not when you leave the property.
Why do I need to clean the rental home?
It’s crucial that you clean the rental home and return it to the condition it was in when you moved in, which can be referenced in the inventory and throughout the tenancy inspections.
If you fail to clean the home and leave it in a good condition, you are more likely to face deposit reductions. Stains, damage and poor care throughout the tenancy can be leading causes for this.
DIY cleaning your rented property for the end of tenancy
Remove all belongings
The best way to ensure you reach every small area of the home is to remove all of your belongings. Of course, this can be easier with an unfurnished property, but can often still be achieved when it’s furnished.
Kitchen cleaning checklist
The kitchen is a high-traffic area that is often used, so it’s understandable that more cleaning may be necessary here. Make sure to remove all grease from the hob, oven and extractor fan. You might choose to purchase an oven cleaning kit.
You should also disinfect all surfaces, appliances and the inside of the cupboards, ensuring that all food is removed. Most landlords also request that the fridge and freezer are thoroughly cleaned and defrosted prior to you moving out.
Refresh the bathroom
The bathroom is another room which is used often, and it can often be subject to mould and grime. You will need to ensure that all tiles and grout are free from any mould and soap residue, disinfect all surfaces, including the toilet and sink. Scrub the bathtub and shower screen, ensuring there is no limescale on the shower head.
Clean up the living space and any bedrooms
Ensure that any furniture and skirting boards are free from dust and that you remove cobwebs in the home. Then, wipe all areas with disinfectant to ensure they are clean.
The final touches
Once you are confident that the home is clean, you can vacuum carpets, mop hard floors and polish floors. Then, take some photos to show the cleanliness of the home.
Tenancy cleaning checklist
- Wash and polish sinks
- Wipe light switches (dry cloth)
- Polish glass surfaces
- Polish mirrors
- Dust door frames
- Clean washing machine seals
- Check underneath appliances
- Clean filters
- Wipe grout lines in the bathroom
- Clean windowsills and window frames
Cleaning the home is an important step, and it can take time. Some tenants choose to call in a professional team to clean the home, which is fine, but you must ensure you maintain all documentation relating to this. This can help to cover you if there are disputes regarding professional cleaning. Intus Lettings can organise a professional clean for you if required.
Professional cleaners may be able to assist further with carpet cleaning, deep cleans and upholstery cleaning. Search for ‘professional end of tenancy cleaning’ which should be to a standard that landlords expect. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure the home is clean for new tenants to move in.
Intus Lettings is a nationwide letting agency with a local touch, and we’re proud to provide an excellent service for both tenants and landlords. Are you looking for your next home? Contact us today!
