The move-out process of a rental property can be painstakingly stressful. It involves a considerable amount of work including packing up boxes, scheduling movers, and organizing other homes. However, one step that is frequently forgotten which can make the process much easier is the vacate cleaning.
In relation to the rental market in Perth, vacate cleaning also known as end of lease cleaning, involves much more than just a simple sweep. It is more about cleaning to an exact standard and allowing thorough property inspection which ensures the incoming tenant can immediately occupy the property and that the outgoing tenant can get the entirety of their bond back. The aim of cleaning is to pass the inspection. Therefore, a proper checklist should be made that involves the house condition report before renting.
Importance of Vacate Cleaning
Most of the time, when a tenancy ends, the landlord alongside the property manager will want to do their inspection. However, this is not just a look throughout the house.
Tenants and property managers have disagreements regarding the cleaning processes and procedures which result in bonds being withheld or funds being reduced due to the cleaning needing to be done professionally. From the landlords' perspective, being able to rent the property out to a new tenant quickly after professional cleaning is done gives an edge. Preventing the buildup over time is also important.
What Property Managers Look For
Each area in Perth to rent out has its own set of cleaning benchmarks. Property managers do have a set of these benchmarks to follow and here are a few:
• Kitchens: Everything is stocked and ready for the next tenant. Cleaned oven and stovetop. Cupboards and shelves scrubbed and wiped. Splashbacks super clean.
• Bathrooms: Tiles are scrubbed clean with the proper mixture. Everything is polished, mirrors included. Sanitation done for the toilet.
• Floors: Steam cleaning for carpets gaining a new level of clean. Mopping of the hard floors to ensure cleanliness.
• Windows & Fixtures: Cleaning includes looking over and ensuring that all the blinds are dust free. Everything is up to scratch after a once over. No stains left to sit. Windows are sparkling.
• Outdoor Areas: Keeping the outer areas tidy. Keeping the garden in order while looking after emptying and scrubbing the bins.
Common Pitfalls That Lead to Bond Deductions
Not taking the extra step can mean hefty bonds being reduced. Lights and their accompanying switch casings being marked. Cleaning the switches is the norm now. Food residue in the dishwasher has also crept in. When it comes to the touch up, it is best supervised.
Asmita Sherchan, Director of Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth, explains why cleaning policies have become more stringent: "When the overall condition of the house before leasing and after rental plays a major role, most tenants fail to consider that when it comes to renting around expensive suburbs like Fremantle and other coastal suburbs in Perth, the burden real estate faces managing these properties is just very high." Sherchan continues to explain that "Because of the high rental cost of these houses, landlords are incurring significant costs in property management. For that reason, real estate companies tend to have stricter cleaning checklists and final inspections are also more strict."
Many real estate companies in Perth, such as Ken Baker, Caporn Young, and Yard Property Management, are some of the largest real estate companies, and have a huge property management portfolio. Their final cleaning checklists always exceed the usual general vacate cleaning checklist for renters.
DIY or Professional Help?
Some tenants prefer to DIY the cleaning if they have the necessary time, especially if they have the right tools. Some prefer to undergo the inspection with professional vacate cleaners. While the DIY option saves finances, professional cleaners are usually an additional expense. But they can often prevent costly bond deductions with their services.
It is pertinent to mention that no such law exists in Australia whereby professional cleaning services are mandatory to do the final vacate cleaning. However, the complexity of the cleaning requirements often determines the risky appetite of the tenant.
Expert guidance is paramount when renting an expensive property, when time is constrained, or when family members or friends are unavailable.
Unlike general cleaning, final vacate cleaning is more specialized, such as labor-intensive scrubbing of mineral deposits from shower screens and ovens.
Moreover, nearly all real estate offices in Perth require all carpets and other fabric items to be cleaned professionally. Although thorough vacate cleaning is not compulsory, it is essential to be able to submit a certificate to the real estate confirming the work is professionally done.
In this situation, the costs usually add up to the same as DIY cleaning, and in some cases, it is even higher if the final cleaning doesn't meet the required standards.
Therefore, the best approach is to engage professional vacate cleaning services to guarantee everything is polished and done properly.
Choosing a Professional Cleaner
There are three key elements that professional vacate cleaners must meet:
Pricing
Always compare quotes from different cleaning companies. Make sure not to pick the cheapest option in the market. Very low prices are usually a sign of subpar quality. Look for all-inclusive pricing that covers all requisite services such as carpet, oven, and window cleaning. Professional cleaning is an investment to ensure your bond is protected. Reasonable pricing that is a reflection of comprehensive service is better than lower rates.
Bond Guarantee
A professional cleaning service ought to provide a bond-back guarantee, which means they will address any cleaning deficiencies identified by your property manager without any additional fees. This shows us that the company truly stands behind their work and gives you reassurance. Ensure the guarantee period (usually 72 hours to 14 days) is prominently specified, along with compliance with all cleaning tasks.
Fully Insured
Make sure the cleaning company holds comprehensive public liability insurance and worker's compensation policies. This covers you from any liability risk of injuries that may arise from cleaning or damage to your property. Insured companies also tend to be more professional and established businesses. Always ask to see current insurance certificates before hiring any cleaning service.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Handover
Start Early – Start cleaning less frequently accessed areas weeks before moving day.
Work from Top to Bottom – Clean and dust higher surfaces to ensure any debris falls to the floor, which will be cleaned last.
Follow the Entry Condition Report – Your activities should be aligned to the original documented state of the property.
Keep Evidence – For any cleaning done, retain receipts and take photos showing the date, especially for professional services.
The Bottom Line
Vacate cleaning service is not just a benefit, but rather a necessity for any rental handover. It helps in protecting the bond for the tenants, while the landlords also gain their trust and the rental property is protected from any disputes after the tenancy period.
A clean handover is not just about the handover, but a new confident way forward for all the parties is possible.
