Landlords and property managers have many duties and tasks to do, including marketing, resolving tenancy disputes, and regular repairs and maintenance in units and buildings. One major task that tends to be time-consuming yet leverages a strong impression on incoming tenants is the end of lease cleaning that’s required.

Not all tenants have the same idea of cleanliness. For each flat or rental unit left in the same condition that it was originally let in, there’s likely at least one unit left in a condition requiring considerable cleaning and/or repairs. If you’d like to showcase your rental unit as a clean and well-maintained place to live, these tips will help you get started.

The Big Two: Walls & Carpets

Walls and carpeted areas are two major areas that can leverage the greatest benefit on your ability to let the property to new tenants since they are immediately obvious when they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. 

Walls can be repainted, and in fact, between leases is the only time you’ll be able to repaint the walls (since tenants otherwise occupy the property!), so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity and inspect for damage or holes in the wall and subsequently patch and repaint.

Carpets can be problematic, since a proper clean requires the right products and equipment. Electrovac provides a great end of lease deep cleaning solution for your property’s carpets and can treat deeper problems such as mould and bacterial growth commonly found deep in the fibres of carpets.

Furniture & White Goods

One of the most neglected areas tends to be under furniture and white goods. Dust, mould, and bacteria can accumulate in these areas when left neglected, so be sure to have a thorough inspection under all large pieces of furniture and under and around refrigerators, cookers, and washing and drying machines.

Furthermore, inspect inside of refrigerators and cooker ovens for signs of accumulated mould and grease. Most tenants clean these so infrequently, and some ignore it completely, so always ensure that these appliances are thoroughly cleaned. Foul odours and accumulated grease are not acceptable for prospective tenants.

If your property contains laundry appliances, inspect inside for lint buildup or blockages and outside to ensure that the machine runs properly and isn’t leaking or blocked.

 

Drawers & Cupboards

Inspect inside for dust and outside for signs of damage. Also take this opportunity if you’d like to repaint or replace kitchen drawers and cupboards, since these types of projects are difficult to do whilst tenants occupy the space.

Windows & Sills

Be sure to inspect and clean windows and window sills from both inside and outside. Dirty windows signal immediately to prospective tenants that cleanliness is not important to you.

Bathrooms

Plumbing problems should be top of mind when inspecting bathrooms. Do a quick inspection to ensure that all plumbing works properly and repair as necessary. Inspect, repair, and clean showers, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs as necessary. Good hotels take bathroom cleanliness very seriously, and so should you.

Patio & Outside

If your property has a balcony, patio, or outside yard, use this opportunity to power wash surfaces such as patios, balconies, and fences. Wash inside and outside of rubbish and recycling bins, mow the lawn, and trim bushes as necessary.

Create a Checklist and Verify on Every Move Out

There are plenty of other items that you may need to inspect and clean when your lease is coming to an end, but these cover most of the common issues. Write all of these down as they apply to your property and keep it separate from your regular property maintenance schedule. 

This way, you can verify for each flat or rental property you’re not only fulfilling your obligations to keep up appearances, but you’re actively promoting your unit as a great place to live.  For the best results, look into professional cleaning services who offer end of lease cleaning – you’ll be glad you did!