Cleanliness at start and end of tenancy
A common issue raised in a check in and a check out of a tenancy is “what is a professional clean”?
Although difficult to pin down an exact definition of professional cleaning, it is basically leaving a property spotless. You should return the property in the same way as you took it on. A simple way to remember is similar to when you normally hire a car with a full tank, you return the car with a full tank!
Here is a list of the different standards of cleaning:
1. Professional Clean
Everything immaculate sparkling and dust free, appliances and sanitary ware spotless, carpets steamed cleaned, vacuumed, floors swept, all furniture in order and clean, linen freshly laundered (if applicable). Cleaned to a high professional standard by a professional cleaner, receipt seen, name of company and date carried out.
2. Cleaned to Professional standard / hotel clean
Everything immaculate sparkling and dust free, appliances and sanitary ware spotless, carpets steamed cleaned, vacuumed, floors swept, all furniture in order and clean, linen freshly laundered (if applicable). Cleaned to a professional standard but no receipt seen.
3. Good domestic standard
Flooring vacuumed and swept, appliances cleaned and free of loose dirt, some carbon deposits to appliances may be visible, but no loose debris or grease to the touch. Dust may be visible to areas not often seen- cupboards, tops of door frames etc, sanitary ware in clean condition - no dust/soap deposits/loose hairs etc.
4. Average domestic clean
Domestic clean, but signs of dust to woodwork, kitchen units marked, appliances need additional cleaning, carpets vacuumed and floors swept, dust/hairs to sanitary ware- requiring further cleaning.
5. Cleaned to a poor standard
Carpets need vacuum, all items dusty or dirty, kitchen and bathrooms require further cleaning to either a good domestic standard or to a professionally clean standard as applicable.
6. Not cleaned
Property requires cleaning to a good domestic standard or professional standard to make available for next tenant as applicable.