When moving into a new apartment, you are likely to find the apartment in a very neat condition. This is because the previous tenant who moved out of the apartment had a duty to keep it neat after relocation. In the same vein, when you want to move out of the apartment, you have a duty to ensure that the apartment you leave behind is clean. The next tenant who is coming to occupy it has a right to meet it in a clean condition. This is why the end of tenancy clean is as important as moving itself.
End of tenancy clean is the primary cause of tenancy deposit disputes between landlords and tenants these days. However, it is also very easy to avoid. It is one of the most stressful exercises one can undertake. This is because you have lived in the building for several years and the dirt which must have accumulated over these years will be so much. Undertaking the end of tenancy clean all by yourself or with the help of family and friends is not only stressful but can also be time-consuming. If you do not have an eye for detail, you may not perform the job well and there may still be a need for a professional touch.
Who has the duty to undertake the end of tenancy clean?
There are many misconceptions as to who should bear the responsibility of the end of tenancy clean. Most people feel that it should be the landlord. However, in reality, this view is wrong. It is the tenant who has the duty of ensuring that the end of tenancy clean is carried out effectively.
A tenant is usually in charge of the day-to-day cleaning of the property and he would be held liable if there is a rise and spread of infestations on the property arising from his negligence in undertaking the end of tenancy clean. The landlord is usually in charge of shared spaces on the property.
Can your landlord force you to use the services of a professional?
As earlier stated, the task of an end of tenancy clean is usually an overwhelming one. Most landlords would prefer that a professional handle the job so they can be sure that a thorough job is done. Your landlord may require that the end of tenancy clean should be up to the hygiene standard prescribed in the inventory. However, he cannot force you to hire a professional if you volunteer to do it on your own.
In some circumstances, you can be forced to hire a professional to carry out the task. One popular scenario is where you signed the “professional cleaning clause” as part of the tenancy agreement. Your landlord has a right to invoke this clause since you agreed to it at the start of your tenancy.
End of tenancy clean is crucial to getting back your tenancy deposit.
More than half of tenancy deposit disputes arise from unsatisfactory end of tenancy clean. If you do not perform the end of tenancy clean before moving out or you cleaned the apartment but cleaned it shabbily, your landlord has the right to hire a professional company to do the cleaning. He will then proceed to discount the bill from your tenancy deposit. When such cases occur, most landlords resort to hiring very expensive cleaning companies to carry out the end of tenancy clean. This way your tenancy deposit is used to a great extent and little or nothing might be left of it. This does not work in your favor.
Some landlords hire the services of professionals or cleaning agencies to clean the apartment before you move in. This sets the standard of hygiene very high. You will be required to match this standard of hygiene when moving out. It is in your best interest that you carry out the cleaning of the apartment in a satisfactory manner so that there won’t be an issue with your tenancy deposit when you request for it. It is advisable to hire a professional to do the cleaning of your apartment. However, if you are short on funds or you feel you can handle it by yourself or with the help of family and friends, you should start early. This will afford you ample time to do a thorough cleaning before you are ready to move.
Important things to note if you intend to do the end of tenancy clean on your own.
Conducting the cleaning of your apartment on your own is stressful but it is a cheaper option when compared to hiring the services of a professional or a cleaning agency. If you opt for this option, then there are a few things you should be aware of.
To pass the final inspection by the landlord to claim your tenancy deposit, you will need to clean a minimum of the following items: the oven and hob, the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, windows, permanent furniture, curtain, and blinds, carpets and rugs, staircases and hallways, garden, and exteriors. Also, you should endeavor to carry out all repairs of spoilt equipment. If you think you’re up for this kind of stress, then by all means you should opt for this option.
However, if you know you are not comfortable with this sort of stress, then you should consider hiring professionals to do the cleaning on your behalf though you would have to pay.
If you do not know any professionals or any agency that specializes in cleaning apartments before moving, visit our website. At myconstructor.co.uk we have competent personnel who will handle the cleaning of your apartment at very reasonable rates. You do not have to break the bank to satisfy the hygiene standard that your landlord expects.