Is your lease ending soon? Looking to ensure your apartment is cleaned properly before you leave? If so, don’t wait until moving day: an end of tenancy cleaning requires time and diligence. Now is the time to prepare for your end of tenancy cleaning to make the process hassle-free.
What is an end of tenancy cleaning?
An end of tenancy cleaning is a thorough deep clean of the home intended to return the property to its original state, just as it was at the beginning of the lease. The cleaning ensures the building will be clean for the next round of tenants.
Sometimes, the landlord will take care of the cleaning: oftentimes, however, the job is the responsibility of the tenant. Check in ahead of time with your landlord to see what is required before you move out.
If the cleaning is your responsibility, it’s important to do the job well! If done improperly, the landlord may decide to use part of your security deposit to continue the cleaning to its completion. Unfortunately, such disputes over the security deposit and the end of lease cleaning are common. This is why it’s important to ensure you have the right cleaning materials and know how to conduct a cleaning properly. Still, be aware: an end of tenancy cleaning may even take several days if you are doing it yourself without help! This is because many items and appliances can be difficult to clean without the right tools, especially if you haven’t frequently cleaned them during your tenancy.
Some people do clean their apartments successfully without professional assistance, but this takes time, diligence, know-how, and perhaps even the help of friends and family. If you don’t feel confident you can thoroughly clean the property successfully on your own, it’s worth hiring a professional whose work can ensure you’ll receive your initial security deposit back in full.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs
The cost of an end of tenancy cleaning depends on the size of the place and how long it takes to clean. Other factors may include the general condition and age of the property and your location within the UK: cleaning services tend to cost more in larger cities, where the cost of living is higher.
Price estimates for the end of lease cleaning, by number of apartment rooms, are as follows:
- Studio Apartment: £65-80
- One-Bedroom apartment: £75-100
- Two-Bedroom apartment: £100-125
- Three-Bedroom apartment: £125-160
- Larger apartments and homes: £150+
Prices may vary, so call around ahead of time to compare quotes for the cheapest price!
While it is true a professional cleaning costs money up-front, it in fact may save you money long-term because it will help you receive your full security deposit back. An unsatisfactory cleaning, on the other hand, could cost you hundreds in additional charges from your landlord.
Benefits of A Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning
Wondering whether it’s worth hiring someone to clean your apartment before you move out? The benefits of a professional end of tenancy cleaning include:
- Convenience and less stress at the time of your move
- Professional know how and professional materials used during the cleaning
- Avoiding disputes with the landlord over apartment cleanliness at the end of your lease
- A higher chance of receiving your security deposit back
- Saving time!
Conducting an End of Tenancy Cleaning:
Completing a deep clean for your apartment? This check list for cleaning tasks necessary for major areas of the apartment can help ensure you get everything done ahead of time.
Kitchen:
- Remove food splashes from appliances, walls (gently! Your landlord may prefer to use another coating of paint on the walls instead) and floors
- Degrease and deep clean the oven and microwave and fridge. Unplug the fridge 24 hours before vacating the property if requested to do so.
- Thoroughly mop the floors, dust the cabinets and other surfaces
- Deep clean the dishwasher interior, if you have one
- Wipe down and clean all surfaces
Bathroom:
- Deep clean the toilet and toilet bowl, with special attention to the toilet bowl rim
- Unclog any drains
- Deep clean the shower, with care to remove any limescale that has built up over time
- Mop the floors
- Disinfect and deep clean all surfaces
- Deep clean the washer and dryer machines, if you have them. Be extra careful to get rid of any mold that’s built up! Remove lint from the lint filter in the dryer as well.
Living Room and Bedroom:
- Sweep under all furniture and appliances, especially from under the bed and couches
- Dust all surfaces, especially fans and other out-of-reach items and appliances
- Vacuum carpets
Other Tips:
- Ask if your landlord requires exterior spaces, such as window panes, the balcony, or a yard, to be cleaned or tidied up. In some cases, the landlord will take on the cleaning of these areas after you have left with no additional charge, but may ask you to do a simple clean up.
- Some end of tenancy cleaners may offer carpet cleaning services at a separate cost, but note that it is not typically provided during a typical end of tenancy cleaning. This is also true for upholstery cleaning.
- Be sure to remove all personal belongings from the property! Some landlords may even charge extra if you have left something behind.
Looking for a professional? We can help!
Moving can be a difficult process, especially if you put it off until the last minute! Packing items and preparing boxes, after all, can be hard enough even without the prospect of cleaning.
Don’t let a rushed deep clean on move out day add to the stress: trusted cleaning professionals near you are ready to take on the job for you, and at a great price!
Unsure where you can find a professional to take on your end of lease cleaning? We have connections with trusted professionals in your area for any home improvement project. Find their contact information and reviews through us and get a quote today!
