Leaving a rented property might be quite stressful, however, careful planning and organization can minimize this stress. The other important thing about moving out is to leave the property in a tidy and clean state, which is ready for either new tenants or when the landlord does an inspection. To make this job easier for you, we have listed below an end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist that will help you tackle all the important spots to get done with before returning the keys.
General Cleaning
- Dust and Cobwebs: First dust all the surfaces such as shelves, countertops, light fixtures, and ceiling corners. Don't let any cobwebs that may be lingering in the corners remain.
- Walls and Skirting Boards: Use a damp cloth to remove the marks, stains and dust from walls and skirting boards.
- Doors and Door Frames: Wipe down doors and door frames on both sides taking special care of handles and hinges.
- Windows: Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. Make sure they are streak-free with a sparkling finish.
- Mirrors and Glass Surfaces: Swipe mirrors and other glass surfaces with suitable cleaner to get them shining.
Kitchen
- Appliances: Clean the oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher from the inside out. Get rid of all the food remains and grease collectors.
- Countertops and Cabinets: Mop down countertops, cabinets, and drawers both external and internal. Bake sure you give handles and knobs a close attention.
- Sink and Taps: Do not forget to scrub the sink and tap to remove limescale, and watermarks and give them a polished look.
- Floor: Sweeping and mopping the floors to ensure stains and all spills are removed.
Bathroom
- Toilet: Clean and sanitize the toilet, the bowl, the seat, the lid, and any other surfaces all around.
- Shower and Bathtub: Sweep the shower, tub, and tiles to erase the soap scum and mildew. Make sure you wash the showerhead and sink as well.
- Sink and Vanity: To clean the sink, the countertop, and also the vanity unit, wipe them down. All traces of toothpaste, soap, and other toiletries should be removed.
- Mirrors: Get the bathroom mirrors done with a glass cleaner that will leave them clear and free of streaks.
- Floor: Shed, sweep, and mop the floor, concentrating on corners and grout.
Living Areas
- Furniture: It's time to dust down the sofas and vacuum the upholstery. You should also wash the wooden furniture with the designated cleaner.
- Flooring: Sweep and vacuum carpets and rugs and mop the hard floor to remove accumulated dirt and stains.
- Electronics: Dust and wipe down of television, computer, and speaker electronics.
- Light Fixtures: Clean the lights and dust lampshades and light fixtures to be sure they are free from dirt or grime.
Miscellaneous
- Curtains and Blinds: Vacuum or dust off curtains and blinds or potentially have them cleaned by professional cleaners in the event they badly need it.
- Air Vents: Vacuum dirt and dust from air vents then replace filters if needed to get that fresh air feeling.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure to clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so that they can work properly all the time.
- Outdoor Areas: If you have any outside areas like a balcony, patio or garden you should also: sweep and tidy them up.
Final Steps
- Inspection: After that stage, have a detailed inspection of the property to make sure that everything is okay.
- Repairs: Take care of small touching or repair tasks so that the house is the same as when you started renting it.
- Documentation: Make this visual record using photographs or videos in case of any disagreement over the security money.
By adhering strictly to this thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist, you can be confident that the property will be left in good shape; your landlord or letting agent’s standards will be met. Analyzing and inspecting your apartment carefully by yourself can allow you to minimize unreasonable surprises from a security deposit and help to make your move-out process easier.
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