We’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to assist both landlords and property owners in understanding their rights and responsibilities concerning end-of-tenancy cleaning. Renting out your property can be a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with its share of challenges, particularly when it’s time for the tenants to move out.
According to recent studies, disputes related to cleaning are the most common reason for deposit deductions. Being well-versed in the responsibilities and legal stipulations can help avoid such disputes.
End of tenancy cleaning is not just about preparing your property for the next tenant; it’s an opportunity to ensure that the property is returned to its original condition before your tenants took occupancy.
Cleaning After the Tenants Vacate the Property
One aspect that frequently sparks disputes between landlords and tenants is end-of-tenancy cleaning. To prevent conflicts, it’s crucial for everyone involved to be aware of their rights and obligations. These include understanding the landlord’s responsibilities, the required level of cleaning, what qualifies as fair wear and tear, and who should cover the cleaning costs.
To illustrate, consider the case of a landlord and tenant who amicably resolved a potential dispute through clear communication and understanding of the legal stipulations concerning cleaning.
While tenants are not legally obliged to maintain a pristine living space during their tenancy, they do have a duty to ensure a safe environment. However, this duty generally falls outside the realm of regular cleaning.
The End of Tenancy
Tenant Cleanup Duties at Lease End
At the termination of a lease agreement, it’s incumbent upon the tenants to restore the property to the clean state it was in when they first occupied it.
It is highly recommended for both parties – landlords and tenants – to jointly document the initial condition of the property through photographic evidence, establishing a baseline for its condition.
Alongside this, landlords ought to furnish a detailed written record that describes the condition of each furnished item. For instance, if the inventory notes that the carpets were “clean throughout” at the onset, it is expected that they are returned in a similar state. Non-compliance could potentially lead to the landlord deducting a part of the deposit to cover the cleaning expenses.
Fair Wear and Tear
It’s crucial to distinguish between normal wear and tear and cleaning requirements. Fair wear and tear refers to the reasonable use of the property by the tenant and the natural forces of time.
For example, carpets naturally wear over time, so it’s unreasonable to expect a brand-new carpet to remain pristine after a year of use. Stains, unnatural rips, or burns, however, are not considered fair wear and tear, and landlords can make appropriate deductions from the tenant’s deposit. Landlords can refer to guidelines available online to fairly evaluate wear and tear.
Does Tenancy End Require Professional Cleaning?
In the past, it was not uncommon for rental agreements to have a “professional cleaning clause” which necessitated tenants to bear the expenses for professional cleaning services when moving out.
Yet, following the stipulations of the Tenant Fees Act 2019, specified in Section 12 of the Act, implementing such clauses was declared unlawful in England from June 1, 2019.
Hence, landlords no longer have the authority to insist tenants cover professional cleaning costs, and letting agencies are prohibited from imposing cleaning charges.
While the guidelines grant respite to tenants showing Covid-19 symptoms from arranging for an extra deep cleaning service, landlords retain the right to request the accommodation to be brought up to a professional cleaning level before vacating.
Tenants: Should You Pay for Professional Cleaning Anyway?
Tenants have two compelling reasons to ensure the property is as clean as possible before vacating:
- Avoiding disputes and cleaning-related deposit deductions.
- Securing a positive reference from the landlord for future rentals.
Adding to this, opting for professional cleaning services can offer peace of mind, efficiency, and potentially better results than a DIY approach.
While a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach may be cost-effective, it requires substantial time and effort to achieve professional standards of cleanliness. If you’re uncertain about meeting these standards, hiring a professional cleaning service offers a hassle-free solution.
Additionally, tenants may find a cleaning company that costs less than one chosen by the landlord, potentially saving money if their DIY cleaning doesn’t meet expectations.
Landlords: Can You Use the Tenant's Deposit for Cleaning Services?
Landlords have the legal right to use the tenant’s deposit to cover professional cleaning services under specific conditions. Although they cannot enforce professional cleaning clauses, they can recover costs if the tenant leaves the property in an unsatisfactory condition, considering fair wear and tear.
The inventory and pre-tenancy photographs are essential in assessing the property’s cleanliness both before and after the tenancy. The amount landlords can deduct often depends on the report’s accuracy and detail. Landlords should be aware of the legal implications or penalties they could face if they wrongfully withhold deposits.
End of Tenancy Inspection and Deposit Claims
The end of tenancy inspection is a critical moment for both tenants and landlords. It determines whether the property’s cleanliness matches its condition at the start of the tenancy.
Some landlords hire an independent inventory clerk for pre- and post-tenancy inspections to eliminate allegations of bias. Alternatively, date-stamped photographs can serve as evidence for extra cleaning requirements.
Depending on the property’s condition, landlords may decide to claim expenses through the deposit protection scheme, considering factors like their relationship with the tenant and the level of cleaning needed. Landlords can follow these tips for conducting an effective and fair inspection, which involves…
What is the Estimated Expense for End of Tenancy Cleaning?
The price tag attached to an end-of-tenancy cleaning varies, mainly influenced by the dimensions of the property and the depth of cleaning necessitated.
Although a tenant might leave the premises in a reasonably clean state, it’s not uncommon for landlords to prefer conducting a comprehensive clean before ushering in new occupants. Depending on the substantiated proofs at hand, landlords might find themselves in a position to recover partial or the entire cleaning expenses from the previous tenant.
Generally speaking, the pricing for a thorough cleaning of a three-bedroom residence featuring one bathroom is approximately £180 to £240. This might escalate if additional services such as carpet steam cleaning and oven cleansing are requisitioned.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Deposit?
Upon the conclusion of the tenancy and the final inspection, the last step is returning the deposit. Since April 6, 2007, landlords must place deposits in government-approved tenancy deposit schemes (TDP) for homes rented on assured shorthold tenancies.
In England and Wales, deposits can be registered with organizations like the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. These schemes safeguard the deposit and offer an adjudication service for disputes.
Deposits must be returned to tenants within 10 days of both parties agreeing on the final sum. In case of delays, tenants have the right to seek legal assistance or approach the respective schemes for adjudication.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning after tenants leave can be time-consuming but cost-effective if done personally. Our end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist is suitable for both landlords and tenants to ensure no detail is overlooked when restoring the property to top condition.
Tenants should refer to their inventory or check-in report to cover all listed details, while landlords should aim to present a property in prime condition to attract potential renters during viewings.
Gather all necessary cleaning equipment and tackle room by room, focusing on various aspects such as walls, doors, and ceilings, fixtures, fittings, furnishings, bathrooms, kitchens, carpets, and the exterior of the property. For your convenience, we have prepared a downloadable checklist that can be used as a handy reference during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Adhering to cleaning standards is not merely a matter of fulfilling contractual obligations. It paves the way for a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship, minimizing potential disputes and fostering a mutually beneficial agreement.
A clean property not only attracts quality tenants but also promotes a healthy living environment and contributes to the property’s longevity and value. As you navigate through the various stages of end-of-tenancy cleaning, remember that a collaborative approach often yields the best outcomes.
If you found this guide helpful, we encourage you to share it with others in the landlord-tenant community. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding your rights and responsibilities can pave the way for a smoother end-of-tenancy transition.
