Surprising observations from an end of tenancy clean
We were recently looking into an end-of-tenancy clean for a one-bedroom flat and came across a few surprises. It may sound like a simple job at first, and it is generally in good, clean condition, but a few issues are bubbling below the surface.
Therefore, we took some pictures to share these and quickly jotted them down here. Once communicated to the landlord’s managing agent, a typical Birmingham residential cleaning service takes on a different perspective.
So here goes:
1. The wonky bedroom wardrobe
The gap between the top of this wardrobe against the wall is much larger than the one at the bottom.
Something has to be out of line somewhere, and with the wardrobe itself looking pretty solid pine wood, it’s maybe down to the floor, which could be a serious problem with being a first-floor flat.
2. Carpets coming apart
This is technically in the communal stairs to the flats rather than the flat itself for the end-of-tenancy clean, but the same landlord probably still has to deal with everything.
The carpet is pulling away from a stair tread, which looks poor and could be dangerous if people slip on this loose piece.
3. The main entrance door frame looks grubby
This kind of basic mess, like cobwebs and dust, makes a good cleaner cringe – why hasn’t it been cleaned so far?!
These key entrance areas, which see more people, need that TLC, with other regular cleaning picked up by residents themselves.
4. Scuff marks on walls
This is a classic issue seen time and time again: scuff marks appear on the wall from shoes being thrown against it near this basket.
These can often be wiped better, though not always; issues with mat paint coming off with a wet cloth.
5. Critical loose light fitting
As you look upwards to check high areas like ceilings and light fittings for dust and cleaning, you come across a shock like this, pun not intended!
We won’t even begin to touch this or make any conclusions; tell the landlord immediately to get a sparky in to sort ASAP.
6. Damaged window sills
This is a good example of what can happen in water-prone areas like a bathroom or kitchen: wooden window sills have flaking paint and even the start of wood rot.
In this case, it’s from toiletry items left here, maybe with water on the hands as well, and although there has been an effort to reduce the risk with a paper cover below, it can still be causing issues with water soaking through.
7. The hidden oven dilemma
Oven cleaning can be a whole area of issues you dare to open up – all kinds of dust and mess lurking away.
An experienced cleaner will be able to tell you how much work is involved in a PROPER clean-up job and whether a separate full-on oven clean is needed on top.
8. Filthy windows on the outside
Well, this can be on the inside as well, of course, but the outside ones pose an issue and will likely be beyond the tenant’s control. In this case, years of mess alongside a road.
This can look relatively poor, particularly in summer months with daylight, and genuinely requires an effort to do some proper window cleaning.
9. Water stain alert
This type of ceiling stain is a significant concern, and it is unclear whether there is still an active water leak.
Try to see if there is a logical source above this, for example, the kitchen or bathroom of another flat above it, and whether it is still wet or not.
Even if it is an old one, there’s now the issue of treating and getting it redecorated.
Watching out for problems when cleaning
This is undoubtedly a great example of how to keep your eyes open, so to speak, when carrying out an end-of-tenancy or whatever clean like this—being able to spot issues probably has nothing to do with the actual cleaning, but being helpful for others to alert them to these.
By taking a photo, sending them a note, and chatting together, cleaners can undoubtedly be a bigger help than first thought!
