End of Tenancy Cleaning Questions You Must Ask
We were asked a question the other day about what other services we can provide with an end-of-tenancy clean, and it reminded us of the importance of people knowing everything they need before any instructions to ensure they get the most out of the clean.
After all, these types of cleans are often done at the last minute and quickly, meaning things can be missed.
Therefore, here are five key questions for a local cleaning company in Birmingham or wherever you’re based. If they can’t quickly answer these, then it may be worth looking elsewhere.
No matter what capacity you’re in, these will still apply – whether a landlord needs to relet a flat or house, a managing agent looking to arrange, or a tenant is moving out of somewhere.
1. Will the cleaning satisfy the inventory?
Such inventories or Schedules of Condition summarise the condition at the beginning of the tenancy in question.
When the tenant leaves, the residential property must be returned to the landlord in the same condition as when it was received.
If there are any existing problems, such as stained carpets and marked walls, the tenant will usually not be expected to remove them when they leave.
Although these can be long and daunting documents, and it’s not directly a cleaner’s responsibility, it can certainly help to have their feedback on what level of cleaning is needed to satisfy the landlord.
2. Can access be obtained, okay?
This can be more complicated than you might think.
Not only do you need to ensure everything is available – from keys to alarm codes and fobs – but you also need to know where to collect them from.
A typical scenario is where they are left with a managing agent for the vacant flat or house, who will need to collect and return it.
This can be a problem, which a reputable cleaning company can clarify and factor in, including issues such as travel and parking.
3. What equipment needs to be brought by the cleaners?
This is often straightforward, as the cleaners will bring their own cleaning supplies, not only with regular cleaning services but also with an end-of-tenancy scenario, where the property is often vacant and has no cleaning items left.
However, clarify this, and any specific requirements on, say, bleach, and whether different floor coverings require different equipment (including cleaning substances and equipment such as vacuum cleaners, cloths, and mops).
4. Can they cover other cleaning services?
This is a definite win-win for everyone if done correctly.
There are often extra cleaning services to cover, which makes sense for the same cleaner if the basis and price are proper.
A popular option is carpet cleaning to address any stains and marks, as well as oven cleaning, other kitchen appliances, and toilet equipment.
However, there may be others, such as a complete patio clean or an external window clean.
5. How much will it cost, and when is this due?
Of course, the most important question and something that should be quantified in a quote upfront.
This is, after all, the information about the property – size and number of bedrooms, the extent of cleaning required, and whether it is furnished, as well as any existing inventory and condition to consider.
Then watch out for additional costs, such as VAT, travel expenses, and any abortive costs.
It’s then essential to appreciate when this is due, as often for a cleaning company, receiving payment upfront is crucial, particularly from a tenant who then leaves Birmingham or the locality and is challenging to locate afterwards.
End of tenancy queries answered
Don’t forget to clarify these five broader queries with a reputable cleaning company in the rush to agree to an end-of-tenancy clean, often at the last minute.
All it takes is an assumption or mistake that goes wrong, leading to wasted time and costs.
In short, our main advice when it comes to cleaning at the end of tenancies is to have an early conversation with everyone. Be crystal clear on what level of cleaning is needed, by when, and how this will be checked.
The rest can then often fit into place.
