The Key to a Hassle-Free Exit: Your End of Tenancy Cleaning Guide
Moving out? There could be a lot on your plate, and one of the most important things is, end of tenancy cleaning. Not only does it make sure you leave the place looking great, but it’s also key to getting your bond back. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about end of tenancy cleaning in South Auckland - covering handy tips, tricks, and why bringing in the pros might be your best bet.
Understanding End of Tenancy Cleaning
Though the term is pretty self explanatory, for those who are not very familiar with end of tenancy cleaning, also coined as exit cleaning, is a deep cleaning process that happens when you move out of a rental property. It’s more thorough than your usual cleaning routine and focuses on getting the property back to the condition it was in when you first moved in, according to the lease agreement.
In South Auckland, just like anywhere else, landlords and property managers expect the place to be returned as clean as it was when you started renting, aside from normal wear and tear. If you don’t meet these standards, you could face deductions from your bond—or even lose it entirely.
Your Legal Obligations Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
When you move out of a rental property, the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 requires you to leave it in a “reasonably clean” condition. While the Act doesn’t spell out exactly what “reasonably clean” means, it generally refers to the state the property was in when you first moved in, minus the usual wear and tear.
If you don’t meet these cleaning standards, you might run into disputes with your landlord or property manager, and they could deduct money from your bond.
Why Is End of Tenancy Cleaning Important?
End of tenancy cleaning is important for a few reasons:
Bond Refund: The main reason to clean thoroughly is to ensure you get your bond back. Landlords and property managers will check the property after you move out, and if it doesn’t meet their standards, they might keep part or all of your bond to cover cleaning costs.
Good Relationships: Leaving the property in good shape helps keep a positive relationship with your landlord, which is useful if you need a reference for future rentals.
Legal Obligations: As per the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, you’re required to return the property in a reasonably clean condition. Since what’s considered “reasonably clean” can vary, it’s best to aim for spotless.
What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Involve?
Here’s a rundown of what our end of tenancy cleaning typically includes:
Kitchen: Clean all appliances inside and out (oven, fridge, microwave, etc.), wipe down surfaces, clean cupboards and drawers, degrease tiles, and mop the floor.
Bathrooms: Scrub and disinfect toilets, sinks, and showers, clean mirrors, remove soap scum from tiles, and mop the floor.
Bedrooms and Living Areas: Vacuum carpets, remove stains, dust and wipe down surfaces, clean windows and sills, and remove marks from walls.
Other Areas: Clean hallways, stairs, storage spaces, and any outdoor areas like balconies or patios.
Why Hire Exit Cleaning Experts?
While you can do the cleaning yourself, hiring exit cleaning experts can save you time and stress. Here’s why:
Experience and Expertise: Professionals know exactly what landlords look for during inspections and use high-quality products to get the job done right.
Guaranteed Results: Many services offer a guarantee. If the property doesn’t pass inspection, they’ll come back to re-clean, giving you peace of mind.
Time-Saving: Moving is hectic. Letting the pros handle the cleaning means you can focus on other important tasks.
Cost-Effective: Although it might seem like an extra expense, hiring professionals can actually be cheaper in the long run. If your cleaning doesn’t meet the standards, last-minute cleaning services can be more expensive.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Move
To make your move-out as smooth as possible:
Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to tackle tough spots.
Declutter First: Get rid of items you don’t need before you start cleaning. This makes the process easier.
Use a Checklist: Follow a cleaning checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
If you’re unsure about your cleaning skills or are short on time, just hire the experts. At Jimmy’s, we will make sure that everything is up to standard, and will make sure the job is done right before you hand over the keys! So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our South Auckland exit cleaning experts today!
