Cleaning up a property when it's time to move out causes a lot of disagreements between landlords and tenants. If the specifics aren't known, things often get confusing, and it gets hard to reach an understanding.

So, is a tenant responsible for cleaning before leaving? Here, we'll share everything you need to know so everything turns out fine when moving out!

What does the lease agreement say about cleaning?

When it comes to cleaning responsibilities, the lease agreement is the main document you must check. Lease agreements often outline specific cleaning tasks that tenants must complete before moving out. These tasks can range from basic tidying up to deep cleaning requirements.

Remember, this lease agreement is key to understanding these obligations and avoiding any surprises when moving out. Ignoring these details can lead to disputes with the landlord and potentially affect the security deposit.

Pro-tip: Local regulations provide additional guidance on move-out cleaning. Familiarizing yourself with these can be helpful when further figuring out what each party should provide.

What do landlords take care of when tenants move out?

Landlords typically inspect the property to ensure it meets the conditions agreed upon at the start of the lease. Upon checking the property, the landlord can decide to withhold a part or the totality of the security deposit to clean the property.

What are the responsibilities of tenants when moving out?

For tenants, cleaning the property before they move out is needed if they aim to recover their security deposit. Tenants then must adhere to the cleaning clauses of the lease agreement and the checklist the landlord provided.

The checklist that landlords provide should include all the tasks or areas that tenants need to take care of for the property to be considered clean. These tasks usually range from vacuuming carpets and dusting every appliance and furniture to cleaning the baseboards and doors.

However, wear and tear, like paint gradually fading and minor scuff marks on floors and carpets, is not the responsibility of tenants to repair.

Note: It is recommended to take pictures after cleaning up to avoid misunderstandings.

Watch out for these home cleaning clauses!

Some landlords might include specific cleaning clauses in the lease agreement to ensure their property stays in good shape. Tenants should pay attention to these additional clauses as they often involve responsibilities that they have to comply with.

Common points in cleaning clauses include:

• What to expect in terms of cleanliness. Expectations can vary, with some landlords requiring a basic tidy-up while others might demand a deep clean, which involves more detailed work. It also depends on the property's initial state. 
• Detailed cleaning instructions. Leases could specify particular cleaning tasks or ways of cleaning for each room, including detailed instructions for the kitchen, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
• Clearing out personal items. It's usually a requirement to remove all personal belongings and trash before vacating. Leaving items behind can cause issues.
• Cleaning deadlines. Most rental agreements provide a set timeframe to complete all cleaning before moving out, allowing the landlord to schedule a final inspection without delays.

Reminder: If you don't fully comply with the rental agreement, your security deposit will take a cut.

Are you handing over a clean property?

Handing over a clean property is key to getting a full security deposit back, so landlords are expected to provide a move-in checklist that includes the property's condition. With clear expectations for the end of the lease, tenants can always opt to tackle the big task on their own, following the items provided in the checklist.

If the tenant doesn't want to risk missing areas or not cleaning up to the standards (or simply there isn't enough time), cleaning companies often offer move-out cleaning packages. These packages cover all the usual tasks needed to turn over a property that meets any landlord's cleaning standards.

Tasks that move-out cleaning services cover

Professional cleaners follow extensive cleaning checklists to make any property spotless (and even further) as needed to end the lease on good terms. On top of that, they are equipped with tools that let them carry out their cleaning more efficiently and achieve better results.

• Kitchen. Clean appliances (exteriors and interiors); clean/disinfect/polish sinks and faucets; clean and disinfect counters and backsplash; clean table and chairs; dust window sills; empty trash and replace liner; vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; remove cobwebs; wipe doors, handles, light switches, baseboards, and outside and inside of empty cabinets and drawers.
• Bathroom. Clean tub, shower door, and inside of shower; clean toilets in/out, base and behind; clean exterior of vanities; clean and polish countertop, sinks, and faucets; clean mirrors; dust window sills and picture frames; clean and disinfect towel bars; fold and hang towels neatly; empty trash and replace liner; vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; give extra attention to shower and bath; remove cobwebs; wipe doors, handles, and light switches.
• Bedrooms. Make beds (linens changed upon request); dust lamps, lamp shades, furniture within reach (top, front, and underneath), picture frames, light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, and window sills; clean mirrors and glass surfaces; empty trash and replace liner, vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; remove cobwebs; wipe doors, handles, and light switches.
• Dining room and living areas. Vacuum/dust upholstered furniture; dust lamps, lamp shades, furniture within reach (top, front, and underneath), picture frames, light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, and window sills; clean mirrors and glass surfaces; empty trash and replace liner; vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; remove cobwebs; wipe baseboards and high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs.

• Laundry room. Dust window sills; wipe tops of washer and dryer; empty trash and replace liner; vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; remove cobwebs; wipe doors, handles, and light switches, outside cabinets and drawers, and baseboards.

Rain City Maids ensures thorough move-out cleaning!

For a thorough move-out cleaning that ensures you meet your landlord's standards, consider hiring professional services like Rain City Maids. Our extensive cleaning checklist covers all necessary tasks to leave the property spotless. Check out what we offer!