Wecasa's top tips for a spotless end of tenancy cleaning

If you're like most renters, you're probably looking forward to the day when you can move out of your current place and into a new one. But before you can do that, you have to clean up your old place – and that's not always as easy as it sounds.

Landlords and property management companies often require a move-out clean before they will release your security deposit. This means that when you leave your rental, it's critical to clean every nook and cranny to ensure you get your money back!

Here are some tips to help you achieve a spotless end of tenancy clean before vacating your rental property to ensure you get your deposit back.

Why should I bother to clean properly?

We know the feeling - you finally finished packing up all your things, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours cleaning the place up. But end of tenancy cleaning is actually very important, for a number of reasons. Despite how annoying it may be, taking the time to do a thorough cleaning can end up saving you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Avoid disputes

First and foremost, end of tenancy cleaning is important because it’s usually required by your landlord or property manager. If you don’t clean to their standards, they may withhold your security deposit or end up charging you for professional cleaning services.

And even if they don’t require it in your lease agreement, it’s still a good idea to do a thorough cleaning before you move out. This is because it shows that you respect the property and took good care of it during your tenancy. It will also make it easier for the next tenant to move in and get settled, which your landlord will certainly appreciate.

Your deposit is on the line

In addition to making your landlord happy, end of tenancy cleaning can also help you get your full security deposit back. If you leave the property in good condition, there’s a much better chance that you’ll get all (or at least most) of your deposit back. This can end up saving you a significant amount of money, especially if you have a high security deposit.

Maintain your good reputation

Finally, end of tenancy cleaning is simply good manners. If you’ve been living in a rental property for any length of time, chances are that your landlord has been pretty tolerant of your comings and goings.

The least you can do is leave the property in good condition for the next tenant. Plus, it’s always nice to end things on a good note with your landlord - you never know when you might need their help in the future!

Even if you’re not planning on moving back into your old rental, end of tenancy cleaning is still important for maintaining a good relationship with your landlord or property manager. If you leave the property clean and in good condition, they’ll be more likely to give you a positive reference for your next place.

End of tenancy cleaning checklist

Next, you're probably asking: How clean is clean? And what does end of tenancy cleaning include?

While standards can vary depending on your landlord, there are some general things that they'll be looking for when they inspect the property. So it's a good idea to give the place a thorough cleaning - paying special attention to these areas:

The Kitchen

You'll want to make sure that the kitchen is spotless, from top to bottom. This means cleaning the oven, stovetop, microwave, sink, and all surfaces. Don't forget to empty out all cabinets and drawers, and clean them as well.

The bathroom

The bathroom is another area that needs to be sparkling clean. Start by scrubbing the toilet, shower, and sink. Then move on to cleaning the tile, mirrors, and floors. Again, be sure to empty out all cabinets and drawers and give them a good cleaning as well.

The living room and bedrooms

In the living room and bedrooms, you'll want to focus on vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors. Dust all surfaces, including blinds, windowsills, and ceiling fans. Be sure to empty out all closets, dressers, and cabinets. And don't forget to clean under the bed!

All surfaces

Make sure to dust and clean all surfaces in every room, including tabletops, countertops, shelves, baseboards, walls and light fixtures.

Windows

Windows should be sparkling clean - both inside and out. If you have time, you may even want to wash the outside of the windows.

Floors

All floors should be vacuumed and mopped. If you have hardwood floors, be sure to give them a good sweeping as well. Don't forget the baseboards! These areas can collect a lot of dust and dirt, so be sure to give them a good cleaning.

Other areas

Other areas that you'll want to focus on include:

- The laundry room (if you have one)

- The entryway/foyer

- The porch or balcony (if you have one)

- The basement (if you have one)

These are just some of the things that your landlord will be looking for when they inspect the property. But keep in mind that standards can vary, so it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and give the place a thorough scrub down.

Should I hire professional end of tenancy cleaners or do it myself?

Whether you choose to hire professional cleaners or do it yourself, end of tenancy cleaning is an important part of the moving process. And taking the time to do it right will help ensure that you get your deposit back - and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.

So what's the best option for you? Let's take a look at some pros and cons of each:

DIY End of Tenancy Cleaning

PRO: It's cheaper than hiring professional cleaners.

CON: It takes a lot of time and effort. You may not be able to get the place as clean as professionals.

Hiring professional end of tenancy cleaners

PRO: They'll do a thorough job and save you time (because it can be long sometimes), energy and probably your security deposit.

CON: It's more expensive than doing it yourself.

So, what's the verdict? There is no right or wrong answer - it all depends on your individual situation. If you have the time and energy to do a thorough job, then doing it yourself may be the best option for you. But if you want to save yourself some hassle, then hiring professional cleaners may be worth the investment. In that way, we can help you to find an end of tenancy cleaning near you.

Final tips for a spotless end of tenancy cleaning

Finally, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind as you're getting ready to move out:

- Schedule your end of tenancy cleaning for a time when you can do a thorough job. There's nothing worse than rushing through the cleaning and forgetting something important.

- Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand, including vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, sponges, cleaning solutions, etc.

- If possible, try to do a deep cleaning a few days before you move out. This will give you time to focus on packing and other moving-related tasks.

- Be sure to clean all areas of the property, including the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, and any other common areas.

- If you have any questions about what your landlord is looking for, be sure to ask. They will likely have a specific list of cleaning requirements that you'll need to follow.

End of tenancy cleaning is an important part of the moving process. By taking the time to do a thorough job, you can help ensure that you get your deposit back - and maintain a good relationship with your landlord. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professional cleaners, be sure to keep these tips in mind for a spotless end of tenancy cleaning.