An end-of-tenancy cleaning should be performed when your renters leave the rental property. The goal is to make sure the rental unit’s condition must be left exactly as it was when the tenant moved in.
At Real Canadian Property Management Solutions, we believe an effective end-of-tenancy clean is imperative. This is why we have put together this guide to assist landlords and property owners to understand their rights and obligations regarding an end-of-tenancy clean.
Why Carry Out An End-of-Tenancy Clean?
The legislation governing end-of-tenancy cleaning and inspection is something that property owners should be aware of as some provinces permit it while others forbid it. But it is crucial that the landlord makes it clear in the lease agreement and discuss with the tenants whether it is permitted in their neighborhood.
Whether cleaning or replacing stained carpets or broken home accessories like taps, they must indicate what has to be cleaned and how. Tenants risk losing a portion of their deposit if a property is not returned in the same condition as it was found.
What Does an End-Of-Tenancy Clean Consist Of?
All surfaces must be properly cleaned, especially areas at ceiling level, and remove any cobwebs. Cleaning windows, doors, and handles in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as other flat surfaces and furniture like sideboards and tables, requires dusting and polishing.
Focus is needed when cleaning and disinfecting taps and fixtures. It’s also possible that mold and built-up lime scale will also need to be removed from showers, baths, and toilets.
Keep in mind other tasks like emptying and cleaning the trash cans, and making sure the outdoor areas are swept and tidy. Then determine whether you need to hire professional cleaners to do things like clean the windows, the entire carpet, or even the oven.
Can You Charge for End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Normally, a landlord has the right to charge their former renter for any cleaning required to restore the property to its original state before the tenant moves in. But the landlord is not permitted to add extra fees or deduct money from the security deposit to cover ordinary wear and tear.
Landlords should be able to differentiate between normal wear and tear and things like stains, unnatural rips, and burns so they may remove what is fair and reasonable from the tenant’s deposit.
The same is true of malicious damage, which is any intentional harm done by unruly tenants. But depending on the state of the home and the facilities inside, property owners may charge tenants for an end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Should I Hire a Professional Cleaner?
Some leases have a provision requesting professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy. Before you begin a thorough cleaning, you should review the leasing agreement to determine what you are legally required to provide.
In some circumstances, professional cleaning of your carpets, furniture, or even curtains is required at the conclusion of your lease. In some cases, your landlord or estate agent may also require a cleaning receipt from a reputable cleaning company to confirm that your requirements are met.
Selecting a reputable cleaning service ensures a stress-free move. If the home is professionally cleaned, you’re less likely to have deposit deductions for cleaning as you’ve worked with a knowledgeable professional that should ensure the house is spotless.
Create a Checklist
To ensure they don’t forget anything, tenants should use a comprehensive end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist. To confirm that the renter has met their obligation, landlords might use this cleaning checklist while checking the property compared to their initial report.
Rooms should be thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom. In restrooms, dirt and mildew are the most obvious and least tolerable and much of the work is cleaning the kitchen. Another delicate area you should pay attention to is carpeting. Be careful to inspect all of the house’s appliances, windows, drawers, cabinets, and shelves.
Set a High Standard
The most common reason for deposit disputes between yourself and your tenants is a property’s cleanliness. But these can be easily avoided. The check-in and check-out process is crucial as it gives you a chance to clarify expectations rather than depend on a subjective idea of cleanliness.
Additionally, using check-in inventories and cleaning schedules gives tenants, landlords, and agents precise information to evaluate. All can easily see any differences in cleaning standards with the addition of images to any written remarks.
This reduces the likelihood of disagreements, keeps renters happy, makes it simple to remove funds from the deposit for cleaning if there is a valid reason, and prevents the need for third-party arbitration, saving time and money.
Bottom Line
A pre-move-out clean is necessary to get your property ready for the next set of tenants, but it’s also a chance to ensure it’s in the same condition it was when your renters moved in.
Comprehensive property management services are what we strive to offer at Real Canadian Property Management Solutions. Our clients can relax knowing their rental property is in good hands thanks to our exceptional services and solutions.
Get in touch with us today and receive a quote for our property management services.