What Constitutes Cleanliness According to UK Regulations (Landlords Expectations)

What Constitutes Cleanliness According to UK Regulations and what do Landlords Expect

When it comes to renting property in the UK, landlords and tenants have specific responsibilities, particularly concerning cleanliness and there's no surprise that according to survey's on landlord/tenant disputes ~58% of all disputes between the two sides are because of discrepancies in their understanding of the term "cleanliness". For tenants moving out, understanding what landlords expect in terms of property condition can be crucial to ensuring a smooth deposit return and although the term clean is subjective in it's core, especially when it comes to a whole house or even a flat, there are some general guidelines that should make it easier for the two sides to agree on a middle ground.

This article explores what constitutes cleanliness according to UK regulations and landlord expectations, providing insight into what tenants should aim for during end of tenancy cleaning.

1. The Legal Framework: Tenancy Agreements and Deposit Protection

The foundation for cleanliness expectations is often found in tenancy agreements and if your tenancy agreement has been prepared by an estate agent, it should have a proper description of what this terms constitutes in this specific contract. These contracts typically outline the tenant's obligations regarding the property's maintenance and cleanliness upon moving out. In the UK, most tenancy agreements are governed by the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) framework, which allows landlords to specify the standards they expect. However, these expectations must be reasonable and align with the property’s original state, factoring in fair wear and tear.

Additionally, landlords must secure tenants' deposits in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. This regulation ensures that disputes about cleanliness or property condition are handled fairly, based on evidence and not on arbitrary observations of the landlord or a checkout inspection clerk. As a country where the letter of the law sits at the top of everything, finances, especially large sums like deposits for rental properties shouldn't be left like that.

If the landlord claims deductions for cleaning, they must provide proof that the property wasn’t returned in the same condition as when the tenant moved in, excluding normal wear, which is often done with the help of photographic evidence. We have covered this topic in another article of ours, where we discuss the most common mistakes tenants make but if you haven't checked that one, you can take a look at it. One of the top mistakes outlined there is the lack of photo evidence that tenants take during the move in and move out processes. It's crucial you document everything and keep the photos stored somewhere on iCloud, Google Drive or whatever else you use for storing precious photos. In financial terms, these photos might really be the most precious photos you ever take, as they could be the difference between your full deposit back and a deduction of over 400 pounds in some cases.

2. Fair Wear and Tear vs. Cleanliness Standards

One of the most significant points of contention between tenants and landlords is the distinction between fair wear and tear and lack of cleanliness. UK regulations acknowledge that normal use over time will cause minor deterioration, such as faded paint, small carpet stains, or minor scuffs on walls. Tenants are not responsible for these natural signs of use. This should be pretty obvious and if both parties are adults that take advantage of their common sense, no disputes should ever arise because of this, but in reality it's rare for two parties that both even know what common sense is would ever meet or interract with each other, especially in a tenant-landlord relationship.

Enough of that though, the expectation is that tenants should return the property in a clean state (whatever that means), comparable to how it was at the start of the tenancy. This means the property must be:

• Free from dust and dirt on all surfaces, including skirting boards, shelves, and window sills amongst others.

• Sanitized in kitchens and bathrooms, ensuring no mold, or limescale on tiles, sinks, or taps or grease build-up on the oven or extractor fan.

• Deep-cleaned carpets and flooring, especially in high-traffic areas, to remove any stains or lingering odors. This is especially important when it comes to smoking tenants and new ones that do not smoke. The non-smokers would immediately skip a house where you find residual odor from smokers.

Landlords expect these cleanliness standards to be met, and any failure in doing so could lead to a deduction from the deposit, which is why many people are ready to pay extra for professional end of tenancy cleaning.

3. Landlord Expectations: Kitchen and Bathroom Requirements

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most scrutinized areas during end of tenancy checks due to their heavy usage and potential for grime buildup. Here’s what landlords or their representatives - estate agents typically look for and pay most attention to:

• Kitchens:

  • Oven: Clean and free from grease or burnt residue over the hobs.

  • Fridge/freezer: Defrosted and wiped down, with no lingering odors, ideally defrosted as well.

  • Cabinets: Interior and exterior cleaned, free from food debris or stains, crumbs ,etc (You'd be surprised where we've found crumbs).

  • Worktops: Sanitized and polished, with no visible scratches or stains (unless these scratches or stains were there in the first place, refer to taking photos during move in process).

• Bathrooms:

  • Tiles and grout: Free from mold and limescale buildup.

  • Toilet and sink: Thoroughly disinfected, with taps polished to remove water spots, no visible signs of limescale there either.

  • Shower screens and mirrors: Streak-free and spotless.

By maintaining these standards, tenants can ensure they meet landlord expectations and avoid deductions, although the occasional dispute could always occur. After all as a tenant you're always at the discretion of your landlord. The important thing to note is that if solicitors get involved. you're in the right and can expect to win any case against you.

4. The Importance of Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning

While some tenants opt for DIY cleaning, many landlords prefer or even require professional end of tenancy cleaning. The reason is simple: professional services come with the expertise and equipment needed to meet the high standards set by landlords and letting agents. They also provide receipts and sometimes even guarantees, offering a level of assurance that the property will pass inspection.

Professional cleaners know the common areas landlords focus on during checks, ensuring that everything from carpets and upholstery to ovens and windows is thoroughly cleaned and left in a satisfactory condition. This is why professional cleaning receipts are often accepted as proof that the tenant has met their obligations, helping avoid potential disputes. In most cases a professional company would resort not only to expertise, experience and the proof that an invoce is to help win your case, but also a checklist which has been tried and tested through the years which has been built with the help of estate agencies and checkout inspectors.

5. Windows, Carpets, and Exterior Areas

Landlords may also have specific expectations for windows, carpets, and exterior spaces such as gardens or balconies. These areas can sometimes be overlooked but are essential for meeting the property’s cleanliness standards:

• Windows: Interior windows should be cleaned to remove smudges and dirt, ensuring a clear view. In some cases, landlords may also expect the exterior windows to be cleaned, especially if easily accessible.

• Carpets: Carpets often trap dust, dirt, and allergens over time. Many landlords expect tenants to arrange for steam cleaning or professional carpet cleaning to restore them to their original state.

• Gardens and Balconies: Tenants may also be responsible for maintaining outdoor spaces, such as mowing lawns, removing weeds, or sweeping balconies. This ensures that the exterior areas match the clean and well-maintained condition of the interior.

6. Legal Consequences of Not Meeting Cleanliness Standards

Failing to meet the expected standards of cleanliness can have several consequences for tenants, the most problematic for most tenants being a financial penalty in the form of a security deposit deduction. This deduction from the deposit, can be substantial depending on the size of the property and the extent of cleaning required. However, landlords must provide evidence, such as a detailed check-out report or photos, proving that the property was not returned in the agreed condition to impose said penalty and have legal grounds for it.

In cases where the landlord and tenant cannot reach an agreement, the dispute can be referred to the deposit protection scheme, where an independent adjudicator reviews the evidence and decides on any deductions.

7. How Tenants Can Prepare

To avoid disputes and meet landlord expectations, tenants can take several proactive steps:

• Review the initial inventory report: Compare the property’s condition when moving out with the inventory taken when moving in, ensuring it matches closely.

• Hire a professional cleaning service: This provides a guarantee that the job meets the required standards and offers documentation that can be used in case of disputes.

• Document the property’s condition: Take photos or videos before handing over the keys, providing a visual record to support your case if needed.

8.Practical Tips for Managing Cleanliness Throughout Your Tenancy

Establishing a Cleaning Schedule with your roommate, spouse or partner in life

Creating a cleaning schedule can help ensure that everyone on the tenancy agreement contribute to maintaining the property's cleanliness and it doesn't become a burden in the long run, requiring the help of professionals and a hefty price tag. Be sure to include all common areas and rotate responsibilities to ensure everyone is in on it and no one thinks they are getting the short end of the stick or anything like that.

Keep Communicating About it

Open and honest communication is key to resolving any disputes about cleanliness regardless if it's between you and your roommates, children, spouse or whomever. It's essential to all relationships and we encourage it when it comes to dealing with your landlord as well. Try to address issues calmly and constructively, focusing on finding a solution that works for everyone and remember to think outside of the box and always keep room for comproises.

Conclusion

Understanding landlord expectations for cleanliness is essential for tenants looking to secure a smooth deposit return. Taking a look at things from the landlord's perspective and their desire to get a higher rent from the next tenants is also important. Walking a mile in the other person's shoes is a great life advice overall and this case is not an exception. UK regulations provide a framework that protects both tenants and landlords, ensuring that properties are returned in a clean and well-maintained state while accounting for fair wear and tear. By knowing what constitutes cleanliness and taking appropriate steps, tenants can avoid costly disputes and leave their rental property on good terms.