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Ending a rental agreement for the first time can be a bit daunting, we know. However, deep cleaning properly also means you’ll probably get your deposit back in full, which is always a nice feeling.
Here are some handy tips to help you clean the rental property thoroughly and ensure you get your deposit back.
Check Your Lease Agreement First
Think of this document as your trusty guide, especially when it comes to any cleaning requirements your landlord might have.
So, start by giving your lease a good read. Pay close attention to the end of tenancy section, especially to anything specific requiring a deep or pro clean. For example, you might notice clauses about steam cleaning the carpets or ensuring the oven is spotless.
These aren’t just suggestions—they’re requirements that could make or break your deposit return. Jot down any tasks that stand out and create a checklist.
Having a checklist is really best as it will save you from those “Did I forget something?” moments. Plus, it’s deeply satisfying to tick things off as you go. At the end of the day, that’s how you ensure you don’t forget anything.
Some landlords might throw in a few curveballs, such as insisting on hiring professionals for tricky areas like the kitchen or bathroom. It might sound like extra hassle, but it’s often the best way to avoid any end-of-tenancy disputes.
And here’s a little pro tip: once you’ve finished cleaning, snap a few photos as evidence of all your hard work. They could come in handy if any questions or disputes with your landlord arise later.
Create a Cleaning Plan
As this is your first end-of-tenancy, you want to be prepared. First, prioritise the major tasks, such as cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, and complete those first to ensure they meet your landlord’s expectations.
Break down the entire process into manageable chunks, such as one room or even an area at a time. This way, it’s easier and you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Set time limits for each task to stay on track. Save the weekends for big jobs, like deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, and do the easier tasks, like dusting, during the weekdays to spread things out a bit.
Create your checklist on your phone or on paper, keep track of your progress, and make adjustments as needed. A good plan ensures everything’s cleaned thoroughly and helps avoid any last-minute panic.
By starting early, prioritising the most important tasks and being flexible with your schedule, you’re more likely to receive your full deposit back and leave the place spotless for your landlord.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin cleaning, ensure you have everything you need organised and ready to use.
This means gathering any vacuums, mops, dusters, and cleaners for different surfaces like wood and glass in one place. Remember, busy areas like the kitchen and bathroom may require stronger products, so ensure you procure those, too.
Try using eco-friendly products whenever you can—they’re just as good for tough stains as commercial cleaners, but they’re much kinder to the planet.
Before you rush out to buy new products, you might want to check your cupboards first. Sometimes, you might already have everything you need. And, if you’re missing something, consider asking a friend or neighbour and borrowing it.
Make sure to use the right product for each spot, as this saves you time and ensures tasks get done properly, with no last-minute surprises.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
This means paying extra attention to places like the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms can really influence what your landlord thinks of your efforts at the end of your tenancy.
Here are the most important things to include in your checklist.
Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
Give the stove a good scrub, make sure the oven’s spotless inside, and wipe down all the counters.
Make sure to clean your fridge, freezer, microwave, and the inside of your oven. Improperly tackling any of these appliances gives your landlord an excuse to keep your deposit money for themselves.
If you schedule an end-of-tenancy inspection, you can use it to showcase your work and ask your landlord whether everything is up to their standards. This way, you’ll know if you’ve done enough and avoid any dispute, as you’ll have shown goodwill and willingness to communicate.
Bathroom Cleaning Tasks
Tackle any limescale on showerheads, clean under the toilet rims, and get those mirrors shining without leaving behind any streaks or smudges. Using cleaners that tackle tough stains can really save you time and effort here.
As we’ve already said, take some before-and-after photos of your work—they can be handy if you need to prove how clean you left the place, especially when requesting your deposit back.
By focusing on these busy areas, you’ll keep things tidy and help avoid extra charges.
When To Call Professional End of Tenancy Services
If tackling the entire rental seems like too much for your first time, it’s a smart move to delegate this job to the pros. The expert cleaners know exactly how to give your place that deep clean it needs before you hand over the keys.
First, check out some local cleaning services that specialise in end-of-tenancy cleaning. Have a look at reviews and ratings to see how good they are. Make sure you get at least a few quotes to find something that fits your budget.
While you’re at it, ask them questions. If you call in early, chances are you’ll pay less, as the longer you wait, the more expensive the quote.
If professional end of tenancy cleaning is a requirement in your rental agreement, then the sooner you secure a visit, the better.
The good news is that most pros are super thorough and will clean your landlord’s “favourite spots” without missing something. That not only saves you time but also ups your chances of getting your deposit back, making the move a bit less stressful.
Conclusion
As you can see, moving out for the first time is not that scary. All it takes is some prior preparation and thoroughness.
Use these tips to plan your end-of-tenancy cleaning and give it all you’ve got. If it all seems like too much, or you simply don’t have the time, delegate the task to professionals.
We wish you the best of luck as you proceed to the next chapter of your life with confidence and all your hard-earned money back in your pocket.
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