I have put together a cleaning list that I believe will help avoid you losing your deposit for cleaning. The checklist can be found here. You can make a copy and modify it as required. For ease, it is written in chronological order and checkboxes are interactive to help you mark off items using your computer. Alternatively, you can print out a copy once you have modified It. Depending on the size of your house and cleanliness of your housemates, cleaning a house properly can take a few days so make sure you start early.
If you are planning to vacate the property before your tenancy end date, inform your landlord as soon as you know. The landlord may want you to focus on certain things specifically in addition to general cleaning or might tell you to not bother with some things. Many good landlords offer help cleaning and they may have some extra strong oven cleaner for you to use.
It is always recommended to communicate using email with your landlord or If you happen to speak over the phone or in-person always follow up with an email so there are no misunderstandings An example follow-up email can be found on our resources page.
First, empty and then defrost your freezer a few days before you plan to leave as this takes a long time and produces a lot ofwater.
When defrosting your freezer, unplug it. leave the door open and place some newspapers and/or towels down around the base.
Check your contract to see if you’re responsible for anything in particular before check out. It should say who is responsible for the upkeep of the garden, windows, etc. If you’re unsure, ask your landlord. If you’re not responsible for the garden, you will still need to clear rubbish, but you won’t need to cut the grass.
If there is damage to anything, be upfront and report It to the landlord as soon as possible after the event but certainly before to vacate the property. Your landlord Is more likely to be inclined to be lenient as a result of your honesty.
Taking photos of everything after cleaning is recommended even if some rooms are not complete. The photographs will prove invaluable as evidence should there be a dispute about deductions from your deposit This evidence will provide strong support in your communication with the deposit holding company.
Here is our checklist:
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