Top Mistakes to Avoid During End of Tenancy Cleaning

A guide to common errors tenants make during the cleaning process and what not to do to avoid becoming part of an unpleasant statistic

Introduction

Moving out of a rented property can be both exciting and stressful and amidst packing boxes, moving them to the new place, renting a van, coordinating things with your friends and loved one if you've got one it's just a mess. Through all of this logictical nightmare end of tenancy cleaning often becomes an overwhelming task which is overlooked and neglected and often becomes a costly error. Neglecting this crucial step can lead to with landlords and deductions from your security deposit and no one likes financial issues that could easily be avoided. To ensure a smooth transition and get your full deposit back, it's essential to avoid common cleaning mistakes that many tenants make. We have covered the topic from the point of view of a tenant that decides to take the cleaning into their own hands and has opted out of using a professional end of tenancy cleaning company. This guide highlights these pitfalls with real-life examples and provides practical tips to help you steer clear of them.

1. Underestimating the Time Required

It's easy to assume that cleaning your rental property won't take much time, especially if you've maintained it well during your stay. However, end of tenancy cleaning is more intensive than regular housekeeping and should be regarded as such. It is more detailed, should be much more thorough and oftentimes comes with a predefined list of things that should be cleaned.

Here's a real-life example. See if you can relate to it:

Sarah planned to clean her two-bedroom apartment on the day she handed over the keys. She quickly realized that deep-cleaning the kitchen appliances, scrubbing the bathrooms, and washing the windows was more time-consuming than anticipated. Not only that, her Dyson vacuum cleaner and most of her detergents have already been moved to her new place by the removals company. Rushed and incomplete, her cleaning efforts were not sufficient and led to a deduction from her deposit for professional cleaning services that the landlord was not willing to pay for, especially considering they had a deal in place when she initially moved in.

How to avoid it: Start cleaning at least a week before your move-out date. Break down tasks into manageable chunks and tackle one area at a time. If you're short on time, consider hiring professional cleaners who specialize in end of tenancy services.

2. Ignoring the Inventory Checklist

The inventory checklist is a document that details the condition of the property when you moved in. Overlooking this important reference can result in missed areas that need attention and overall, it's most likely the most important piece of information you should refer to when it comes to move out. You might fail to follow the inventory checklist, but the estate agent or landlord surely won't, so to keep on the same page, ensure you use the same information and follow the same checklist.

Real-life example: Mark didn't consult his inventory checklist before moving out. He forgot about the small stain on the living room carpet and the chipped paint in the hallway. His landlord compared the move-in and move-out conditions and charged him for repairs and professional cleaning. This small miss on Mark's end has cost him upwards of 500 pounds.

How to avoid it: Review the inventory checklist thoroughly. Use it as a guide to identify specific areas that need cleaning or repairs. Address any discrepancies to restore the property to its original condition to avoid not only disputes, but guaranteed fines or deductions from your deposit.

3. Overlooking Hidden Areas

Focusing only on visible surfaces and neglecting hidden spots is a common mistake that tenants tend to do, but landlords, estate agents and inventory clerks are surely not going to miss. Ensure you take the time to clean the areas well, not only on the surface, but thoroughly.

Real-life example: Emma did a surface-level clean of her apartment but forgot to clean behind the refrigerator and under the couch. During the inspection, the landlord found dust and debris in these areas, leading to additional cleaning fees.

How to avoid it: Create a comprehensive cleaning checklist that includes often-forgotten areas like under furniture, behind appliances, inside cabinets, and on top of wardrobes. Thoroughly clean these spots to avoid surprises during the final inspection.

4. Using Incorrect Cleaning Products

Using the wrong cleaning agents can damage surfaces and appliances, causing more harm than good. If you are a person who's not a great cleaner if we put it mildly, we recommend you to avoid doing things you are obviously not suppose to. Cleaning however trivial it might sound should be left to the professionals whenever you are uncertain of your skills. That goes for everything in life basically, but as we're covering cleaning in this case, leave the cleaning to professional cleaners.

Real-life example: John used a bleach-based cleaner on his stainless steel hob, which left unsightly stains and discoloration basically damaging the hob. His landlord had to replace the hob, deducting the cost from John's deposit. Nowadays a new hob would cost at the very least 100 pounds. With installation from a certified electricial which the landlord would surely use, the cost rises up quickly.

How to avoid it: Read labels carefully and use products recommended for specific surfaces. When in doubt, opt for mild or natural cleaning solutions. Test a small, inconspicuous area before applying any new product widely. A hidden area which is hardly visible is ideal for testing, but in general we would recommend you leave the cleaning to the pros.

5. Neglecting Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes, DIY cleaning isn't enough, especially for stubborn stains or specialized tasks. If you lack the equipment to tackle a wine stain for example, just hire a professional carpet cleaner. You will not only save yourself the time, but the headache and money at the end of the day.

Real-life example: Lisa tried to remove pet odors from the carpet using household cleaners. The smell persisted, and her landlord hired professional cleaners, billing Lisa for the service. Lisa basically not only lost her time doing a super unpleasant task, but at the end didn't accomplish anything substantial and paid a pro regardless of her initial idea.

How to avoid it: Recognize when professional help is necessary. Services like carpet cleaning, window washing, or oven cleaning might require specialized equipment and expertise. Investing in professional services can save you money in the long run by ensuring the job is done correctly.

6. Forgetting to Clean Appliances

Kitchen appliances often require deep cleaning, which tenants frequently overlook. Taking out your food from the fridge isn't going to cut it here. A thorough cleaning will be required and although a simple wipe down is generally good enough unless you've made some sort of a mess in the fridge during your tenancy, it's still something that takes time and in general is relatively unpleasant. You'd be better off spending an afternoon in the park with your loved one. The 200 quid you'll save doing the job yourself will not be worth it, especially if you have neglected the kitchen for a while and you haven't been taking proper care throughout your stay.

Real-life example: Tom cleaned his kitchen surfaces but forgot to degrease the oven and clean the refrigerator. The leftover food residue led to mold growth, and the landlord charged him for appliance cleaning.

How to avoid it: Include all appliances in your cleaning plan. Clean the oven, microwave, refrigerator (don't forget to defrost the freezer), dishwasher, and washing machine. Remove any food particles and wipe down surfaces to prevent odors and mold.

7. Not Cleaning Windows and Glass Surfaces

Dirty windows and mirrors can make a property appear neglected, even if the interior is spotless. A dirty window is super easy to spot and it's the very first thing anyone notices when they come in a house. It's basically the same as having white sneakers on you, which are dirty. People will spot both right away.

Real-life example: Karen's apartment had floor-to-ceiling windows that she didn't clean before moving out. The smudges and fingerprints her children left on the windows were immediately noticeable, resulting in a cleaning fee deducted from her deposit.

How to avoid it: Use a streak-free glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to clean all windows and mirrors. Pay attention to both the inside and outside of windows if accessible and safe to do so. A glass cleaning detergent and an old newspaper also works, but who has a newspaper around their house nowadays.

8. Overlooking Outdoor Areas

If your rental property includes outdoor spaces, neglecting them can lead to penalties.

Real-life example: Mike had a small patio that he rarely used. He didn't sweep or clean it before leaving. The accumulated leaves and dirt were noted during the inspection, and he was charged for landscaping services.

How to avoid it: Tidy up any outdoor areas, including balconies, patios, gardens, and driveways. Remove personal items, sweep debris, and trim any overgrown plants.

9. Leaving Personal Items Behind

Forgetting to remove all your belongings can cause inconvenience and additional costs. The landlord will need to hire someone to throw your stuff away and that will inevitably incur some type of cost to him or her. Make sure you take everything out of the property, throw away everything you don't need, but do not leave it behind. It's like leaving money behind.

Real-life example: Jessica left a few boxes in the attic and old furniture in the garage, thinking the landlord might find them useful. Instead, she was billed for removal and disposal services.

How to avoid it: Do a thorough walkthrough of the entire property, including storage areas, to ensure you've taken all your belongings. Dispose of unwanted items responsibly before moving out.

10. Not Documenting the Cleaning Process

Failing to document the property's condition after cleaning can make it difficult to dispute any unfair claims. Ensure you take photos of the property right after it was cleaned by you or whomever. Most cameras have a timestamp and in case you give your keys to the landlord or estate agency before the checkout report you can easily show that the property was left spotless when you left.

Real-life example: Alex didn't take any photos after he cleaned the flat he was a tenant of. When his landlord claimed that the bathroom was left dirty, Alex had no evidence to contest the allegation, resulting in a deduction from his deposit.

How to avoid it: Take clear, timestamped photos or videos of each room after you've completed the cleaning. This documentation can serve as proof of the property's condition during any disputes.

Conclusion

End of tenancy cleaning is more than just a final chore—it's a critical step in fulfilling your rental agreement and securing the return of your security deposit. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can leave your rental property in excellent condition, maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Plan ahead, pay attention to details, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when necessary. If you do decide to tackle the cleaning yourslf, the very least you could do is follow a tried and tested method for cleaning the place. Our move out cleaning guide for tenants will give you all the steps you need to follow in a concise manner. Your diligence will pay off in peace of mind and possibly a full deposit refund.