Your Guide to End of Tenancy Cleaning in Essex
When the end of your tenancy is close, it will entail many decisions with regard to packing, moving logistics, and most important of all, cleaning of property so as to be able to have your deposit fully repaid. Cleaning is a huge move when transitioning from one residence to another. Landlords and letting agents maintain a pretty high standard when it comes to property inspections, hence the need for properties to be left in an ‘immaculate’ condition. In this post, we will see everything you need to know about end of tenancy cleaning in and around Essex: what it entails, why it is important, and how you get it right.
What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?
It is the deep cleaning process usually carried out when the tenant moves out of a rented property. The aim of end of tenancy cleaning is to leave the property in its original state, minus the fair wear and tear so that the landlord or letting agent can quickly and easily prepare the property for the next tenant. This type of cleaning is much more thorough than a regular clean, focusing on areas that may have been neglected over time, including behind appliances, under furniture, and inside cupboards.
Why is it Important?
The cleaning of the property at the end of the tenancy is one of the most common causes of disputes between landlords and tenants. According to the Deposit Protection Service, cleaning has been stated to be the most common cause of deposit deductions in the UK. It is important that properties are cleaned to a high standard to refrain from losing a big chunk of your deposit.
In Essex, the rental market is fiercely competitive, properties are often in high demand, and landlords expect a high standard of cleanliness. Whether you are a student leaving a shared house or a family moving from a suburban home, failure to clean properly may mean deductions from your deposit or, worse still, may well end up in the resolution of a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
Depending on whether you want to clean the property yourself or hire professionals, it may be difficult to decide which one to go with.
Do-It-Yourself Cleaning: For any person on a tight budget and for whom the time is available, the cleaning may best be done personally. However, this job should not be taken lightly. Deep cleaning in every inch of the property is to be done, including places that may have been ignored during the tenancy, such as ovens, the back of large furniture, and corners in the nooks and crannies of bathrooms and kitchens. You will need to stock up on the right cleaning products and equipment for when you come across stubborn grime and stains.
Professional Cleaning: Hiring a professional service for end of tenancy cleaning in Essex may seem like an added cost, but it could very well save you money at the end of the day by having your full deposit returned to you. They know what letting agents and landlords look for. They do come with industrial-grade cleaning products and equipment. Most professional services come with a guarantee, which in effect means that if the landlord or letting agent isn’t satisfied the cleaners will return to rectify any issues that have been raised.
Pick the Right Professional Cleaning Service in Essex
If you want to hire professional cleaning, then you must choose a reputable service. Here are some tips to find the right one:
- Research and Reviews: Look up local cleaners, read reviews online, and ask for referrals from friends and family that have moved in recently.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Call a few cleaning companies and get the prices in comparison to what services are being offered. Also, make sure to inquire as to what the service includes; for example, carpet cleaning, window cleaning, appliance cleaning.
- Check for Insurance: Let them have insurance to cover an instance of damage while cleaning.
- Guarantee on Work: Find a company that guarantees its work. This will mean going back for areas they might have missed to have the property pass a final inspection.
Final Inspection and Beyond
Once the cleaning is done, you do an around-house walk-through with a cleaning checklist in your hand to notice where something extra may be required. When satisfied, book in the final inspection with your landlord or letting agent. Do this proactively so there will be no surprises, hence leaving the property on good terms.
Basically, whether it is a DIY or professional engagement, it is an important job when you plan to move out of your rental property in Essex. Proper cleaning will make sure that the deposit amount shall be returned and leaves a healthy mark if there is any need for reference in the future. You can make this process easier and less hectic with the right approach.