By: Glen Wilson
16 November 2023
There are a number of activities that a tenant can undertake to ensure the vacate cleaning takes place as efficiently and effectively as possible. The single most important, is to ensure that everything that is to be removed from the property, is removed ahead of the arrival of the cleaners. This articled provides some general ideas of what needs to be considered when moving out as well specific requirements for a successful exit clean to take place.
The Big Picture
It’s a good idea to start planning the move from a leased property at least a month ahead of the end-of-lease deadline. Depending on the time of year, the physical location, and the general state of the economy, it may require a significant lead time to book your new rental, your removalist, and your cleaners. In addition, the property manager may be looking to arrange for photographs to prepare for the new leasing, also, they may plan on running open-for-inspection ahead of your vacate date.
Arrange Disconnection of Service
It’s also a good idea to early on, arrange with the service provider for the disconnection or move of your main services:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Internet
- Water
- Insurances
- Pay TV
- Mail Diversion
It should be stressed however, that you should not arrange for the disconnection of power and water until after the cleaners have been.
It is also strongly advised not to arrange the cleaning in the afternoon of the day the removalist is planned to attend as it is not unusual for the removalist to be running late, leaving a team of cleaners standing round potentially billing you at an hourly rate.
Before the Cleaning
- The property must be empty of all belongings prior to cleaning and if unwanted items and rubbish remain onsite (inside or outside), a rubbish removal fee may apply
- While they will do their best, the cleaners are not responsible for the safe return of items accidentally left onsite
- A tenant should make themselves available to let the cleaning team in and appraise them of any special issues which to this stage have not been discussed
- A tenant should then leave the cleaners to their work. There is nothing more distracting than having a tenant, owner or property manager hovering over a cleaner while they are trying to do the job
- If there are any items which are to remain at the property, these should be advised in advance to the cleaners or cleaning company specifying clearly what items are to remain and where
- The above-mentioned items should be clearly labelled by the tenant or owner prior to the clean
After the Cleaning
- A tenant should make themselves available at the end of the job to check they are satisfied with the work hence if any issues are found they may be put right immediately
- A tenant should make themselves available at the end of the job to make final payment of any outstanding monies owed to the cleaners or cleaning company
WITH A LITTLE BIT OF THOUGHTFUL PLANNING WITH SUFFICIENT LEAD TIME INCLUDED IN THE MOVING PROCESS A MORE SATISFACTORY EXPERIENCE IS ASSURED FOR ALL PARTIES. DON’T CRAM EVERYTHING INTO THE LAST DAY AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING THAT IS TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PROPERTY IS MOVED OUT OF THE PROPERTY BEFORE THE CLEANERS ARE DUE TO ARRIVE.
