Introduction to End-of-Lease Cleaning
Have you ever wondered what end-of-lease cleaning means? When we lease a house, it becomes our own for a specific period. We take the responsibility for cleaning, maintenance, and replacements. However, when it is time to move out, it is a legal obligation to return the house to its original state. Hence, tenants need to clean the property thoroughly. This thorough cleaning process is commonly known as end-of-lease cleaning.
Alternatively, it goes by other names also, such as end-of-tenancy cleaning, exit cleaning, vacate cleaning, move-out cleaning, or rental cleaning. In many instances, tenants deposit the bond at the time of the agreement, which is refunded only upon leaving the property as expected. Therefore, people also refer to it as bond cleaning or bond back cleaning.
Since we go through, what exactly is end-of-lease cleaning? Why is it also termed bond cleaning? You might be pondering:
- Do we need to do this?
- Should every corner of the house be cleaned?
- Are we obligated to replace any broken materials?
The answer is a resounding YES. The motivation behind this deep cleaning, replacement, and repairs is to attract new prospective clients effortlessly. It also ensures the comfort of new tenants. For landlords and real estate agents, this deep cleaning is essential. And for tenants, the primary goal is to retrieve the bond money. Therefore, these tasks are not just advisable but mandatory.
How long does it take to perform an end-of-lease clean?
The answer depends on the size and condition of the house or apartment. It also depends on who is handling the cleaning. If you are tackling it by yourself, the process might take longer. On the other hand, professional cleaners typically complete end-of-lease cleaning within 4 to 7 hours.
End of Lease Cleaning Cost
Now that we understand the time needed for end of lease cleaning, let us explore the cost of end-of-lease cleaning. The cost range starts from approximately $200 for end of lease cleaning service or $35 per hour if you opt for hourly service. As the cost varies across cleaning companies, it is better to check out with the cleaning companies. Other factors that influence the price include the nature of the cleaning service required, the property’s size, the technology and equipment used, and the complexity of the work. Extensive services naturally come with a higher price tag.
End of Lease Cleaning Approaches
Now, we know the reason behind the deep cleaning. You may wonder, do we need to hire the experts for the job? We can also do the lease cleaning by ourselves. Landlords or Property Realtors may suggest you hire professionals, but you are the person to decide.
{A quick tip – if your rented house is not very dirty, you can do it yourself. For carpets, you can hire a professional carpet cleaner to do the steam cleaning because most landlords or property managers ask for carpet steam cleaning for carpets. But if multiple areas need cleaning, the best solution is to hire end of lease cleaners. This way, you can ensure you get your bond back.}
Let us go through both approaches – hiring cleaning professionals and Cleaning by yourself – to learn and understand the best method for you.
Hiring End of Lease Cleaning Professionals
Hiring end of lease cleaning professionals at the lease end can be a wise decision for several reasons. It can help you ensure the property is in the same condition as when you first moved in. Additionally, professional cleaners are experienced and have the training to thoroughly clean and sanitize the property. Finally, hiring cleaning professionals can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks related to moving out and transitioning to your new home. So, hiring cleaning professionals can be especially important if you want to avoid any potential disputes over security deposits or damage charges. But, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of hiring end of lease cleaners to make a perfect decision.
After weighing the pros and cons and you decide to hire end of lease cleaners, the next step is to choose a professional and reliable cleaner to delegate the job. Since many cleaning companies provide end of lease cleaning services, we should follow helpful steps to identify reliable end of lease cleaners. These include – online searches, asking for recommendations, checking classifieds and local listings, social media, etc. You can use these methods to get the list of cleaning companies.
DIY End of Lease Cleaning
If you are cleaning yourself, it is good to start cleaning the property early and allocate enough time to complete all necessary tasks. Since it is lease end, this involves deep cleaning the property. You should remove your personal belongings and dispose of any trash or debris. Cleaning by yourself requires time and effort. Hence, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of DIY end of lease cleaning the property to make a perfect decision.
If you are more inclined to DIY cleaning, you should prepare the end of lease cleaning checklist. This checklist will help you to complete all cleaning tasks and manage your time effectively. It also ensures that you do not overlook any areas or items. Additionally, you can stay organized, avoid misunderstandings, and increase the chances of getting your security deposit back. We suggest you consult with your landlord or property manager to determine any specific cleaning requirements before you move out. You can then include these requirements in your checklist.
After you prepare the checklist, you can collect all the required cleaning materials. Then, it’s time to do the cleaning. We suggest you clean room by room. This way you won’t be stressed. So, let us explore some end of lease cleaning tips that will help you to clean your house.
Cleaning Kitchen
Clear out clutter and trash to create a clean workspace. Wash dishes, pots, and pans, including those hidden in cabinets. Wipe down surfaces, countertops, and cabinets with a mild cleaner. Clean the kitchen appliances, and don’t forget the fridge. Finally, sweep and mop the floor for a thorough clean.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease kitchen cleaning tips.
Cleaning Rooms
You can start by dusting all surfaces, including furniture, light fixtures, and baseboards. Vacuum or sweep floors, paying attention to corners and edges. Wipe down windows, sills, blinds, or curtains for a complete room cleaning.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease room cleaning tips.
Cleaning Bathrooms
Clear clutter and trash from the bathroom. Clean sinks, toilet, and shower with a bathroom cleaner. Wipe down countertops, backsplash, and cabinets. You can now clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Lastly, sweep or vacuum the floor to ensure a meticulous bathroom cleaning.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease bathroom cleaning tips.
Cleaning Walls
Dust walls to remove cobwebs and dirt. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth, addressing scuff marks or stains. For painted walls, use a wet cloth or paint cleaner. If you have wallpaper, gently wipe it down with a mild cleaner. Don’t forget the baseboards and trim.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease wall cleaning tips.
Cleaning Carpets
Vacuum carpets thoroughly, focusing on high-traffic areas and corners. Treat stains promptly with a carpet cleaner or water and mild detergent mixture. Vacuum rugs or mats and spot-clean if needed. For deep stains, you can consider professional carpet cleaners for optimal results.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease carpet cleaning tips.
Cleaning Oven
Remove racks and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub away tough, baked-on food. Wipe down the inside of the oven, including walls, door, and ceiling. Scrub the oven door to remove baked-on food. Clean the oven’s exterior, including the handle, control panel, and knobs. Finish with a final wipe-down to remove any soap residue or streaks.
For more in-depth tips, check out end of lease oven cleaning tips.
Asking for inspection
Finally, after cleaning the property thoroughly, you can now ask for an inspection. Reach out to your landlord or property manager through possible means of communication. Request a suitable inspection date and collaborate to find a mutually convenient time. A few days before the inspection, ensure the property is tidy and any necessary repairs are completed. Be punctual and present during the inspection to address any concerns. Afterwards, promptly address any items requiring repair or cleaning as indicated by your landlord or property manager. Maintain professional and respectful communication throughout the process for a smooth and successful lease conclusion.
