Can I Do an End-of-Tenancy Clean Myself?
We often get asked this question when people are seeking a quotation for end-of-tenancy cleaning services for residential and domestic properties, as well as some smaller commercial ones.
This is understandable, as it helps save costs and allows for a quick clean-up of the place before being handed back to the landlord. Therefore, in simple terms, it is possible to clean your end-of-tenancy yourself.
However, there is a but. This all depends on the lease agreement and any actual inventory or schedule of condition between the landlord and tenant.
It is essentially the benchmark of the cleaning standard that the landlord expects the tenant to maintain, returning it in a clean and tidy state after occupying it for however many months or years.
You need to carefully check whether there is a specific clause in the lease stating that a professional cleaning company must be used for the end-of-agreement cleaning. If a particular term requires such a contract, then, unfortunately, one is needed for the end-of-tenancy clean.
However, even without a specific requirement, it’s often still worth involving a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning company to ensure the job is done correctly.
Failing this, there can be endless disputes between landlords and tenants regarding what has been missed in the cleaning. The top reason landlords withhold deposit payments from tenants is often due to poor cleaning at the property, which is, therefore, the most significant issue that both parties will face.
Do You Need to Hire a Professional to Clean at the End of the Tenancy?
Therefore, you don’t have to have a professional end-of-tenancy clean at the end of an agreement unless this is expressly stated in the lease.
However, we still always recommend it for the following three reasons.
1. Experience
After completing such end-of-tenancy cleans to a satisfactory standard numerous times, a professional cleaning company will know what’s needed and how far to go with minor details, such as cleaning inside kitchen cupboards and uncovering hidden areas like under the stairs.
Without this experience, people will assume things, which may not align with the expectations of, say, the landlord.
2. Efficiency
By having that experience and being properly equipped for the cleaning task, they tend to be more efficient in carrying out the job. A team of two or more cleaners can work closely and quickly get through, even a small flat, in a few hours.
Whereas it may take longer for you to have breaks or question specific items.
Even just having the correct PPE, substances, and cleaning equipment can mean you can get started on the job rather than wasting time struggling through.
3. Extras
There may be additional tasks required as part of this end-of-tenancy clean, as stated in the agreement or if the condition is so poor that it is obvious they are needed.
The three classic options are a separate oven clean for areas with a lot of dirt and grime, and an entire carpet clean for heavily soiled and marked areas.
You may even need a separate window cleaning, particularly for the outside window panes in higher upper-level stories.
Is it Worth a Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Company?
Unfortunately, we will, of course, be biased in saying yes to this. However, there are good reasons why this will pay off for the customer, as long as they receive the best value and cleanliness.
When you factor in the time involved or obtain the correct equipment and cleaning substances, it’s often worth the price for someone else to do this.
Additionally, you can then determine the correct level of service, not only to ensure it looks right, but also to comply with any lease agreement and inventory requirements.
And if there are any disputes with the landlord or tenant, an excellent end-of-tenancy cleaner will always be available to help resolve and clarify these issues, and to address any remaining problems.
