Published On:
December 7, 2022

Moving Out? Your Comprehensive Guide to Post-Tenancy Cleaning

You're about to move out of your rental property and you're feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of the paperwork, moving, and worst of all, cleaning that needs to be done. Don't worry, we're here to help!

In this post, we'll go through everything you need to know about preparing your property for the handover. From switching off utilities and cleaning the house, to reinstating it back to its original condition, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the post-tenancy cleaning process.

What Is Post-Tenancy Cleaning?

When you're moving out of a rental property, it's important to leave the place in good condition so you can get your security deposit back. That's where post-tenancy cleaning comes in.

Post-tenancy cleaning is the process of cleaning the property from top to bottom so it's in the same condition as when you moved in. This includes scrubbing down the walls, windows, and floors; vacuuming and washing the carpets; and deep-cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms.

It can be a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it in order to avoid any disputes with your landlord. So if you're about to move out, be sure to read up on our guide to post-tenancy cleaning.

Why Is It Important?

You're about to move out of your rental property into a new place—congrats! However, leaving the house in a good state is essential because if you leave any mess for the next tenant, you could be held liable. And nobody wants that! You'll need to reinstate the property back to its original condition. This might include painting or repairs, so it's best to speak with your landlord about what needs to be done.

What do you need to do before moving out?

First, you need to switch off all the appliances and electronics in the house. Make sure to unplug everything, too, so that there's no risk of a fire. Then, you'll need to clean the place from top to bottom, and also reinstate the house back to the original condition. By following these steps, you'll make sure that your departure is as smooth as possible for both you and your landlord.

To turn off the utilities, you'll need to contact the relevant companies like SP Group and let them know you're moving out, and terminate your account. The same goes for cleaning—you'll need to hire a professional cleaner to come in and take care of everything. And finally, you'll need to collect all the keys to the property, including the mailbox, and do a final inspection of the property to make sure everything is in order.

It might seem like a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it in the end. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get everything done!

If the appliances came with the house, their interiors need to be cleaned as well so they are as good as new!

How to Clean Your House Before Moving Out

Cleaning your house before you move out is a huge pain—we get it. But it's an essential part of the process, and if you want to avoid any nasty surprises from your landlord, it's something you need to do. This is especially important if you have not done a deep clean since moving in.

Here's a quick rundown of the things you need to do:

- Sweep and mop all floors

- Dust all surfaces

- Wipe down all cabinets, doors and walls

- Clean all windows and mirrors

- Thorough kitchen cleaning including the inside of appliances

- Remove any stains on walls 

- Remove and dispose all trash and clutter

- Vacuum all carpets and rugs

If you can't do everything on this list, at least make sure you focus on the areas that are most visible to your landlord. And don't forget to leave your house in a clean and tidy state!

Remember your ceiling fans! They may be hard to reach.

Tips for an Efficient Post-Tenancy Clean

Cleaning is unfortunately one of those necessary evils that you can't avoid. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to make the process a bit easier.

Firstly, block out 1-2 days to do the cleaning. This way, you won't have to rush and you'll have time to do a thorough job. And secondly, make a checklist so that you don't miss anything important. 

Go through each room one by one and try to cover all areas, cupboards and fixtures. Remember to check off your checklist when done! 

FAQs About Post-Tenancy Cleaning

FAQ #1: Do I need to hire a professional cleaner?

It's not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. A professional cleaner will have the experience and expertise to get the job done properly. Plus, they'll know which areas of the property are most important to clean and how to best clean them. They may even know how to remove stains, grease and more and leave the house in the best condition it can be. 

Nimbus Homes’ Post Tenancy cleaning team has served hundreds of houses and come armed with all the professional tools and equipment to clean your home. So even if you have no clue what equipment you need, we will settle everything for you. If you are already stressed with moving, take a look at Nimbus Homes and book a slot to ease your frustrations.

FAQ #2: What happens if I don't clean the property?

The landlord has the right to withhold your security deposit for damages that haven't been fixed. So it's definitely in your best interest to clean the property before you move out.

FAQ #3: What should I do before I start cleaning?

Make sure you remove all your belongings from the property, and that you have access to all areas that need to be cleaned. If there are any items that need to be moved or replaced, make sure you let the cleaner know in advance.

Ensure the home looks as good as new!

Conclusion

When you're moving out, the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning your old place. A thorough post-tenancy clean will take the stress out of the process and leave your old home looking like new.

Follow this guide and you'll be ready to hand over your keys with a smile on your face.