When moving into a rented property, we always hate having to fork out the initial, and sometimes rather hefty, safety deposit. But we go ahead and hand it over, getting by with telling ourselves we will one day be reunited with our money when we come to leave the property.
However, this is something you should not simply taken as a given, as there is a great deal of responsibility that comes with the return of your money and if the rented property is not left in top notch condition, as it was when you found it, then you can wave goodbye to your deposit – sometimes every last penny of it!
So, when the time comes that your rental period is nearing the end, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you stand a good chance of receiving your deposit back, keeping your landlord happy.
General
- Just before the end of your tenancy, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your landlord and arrange a convenient time for an inspection of the property. This way you can discuss any disputes you may have and make sure it’s clear in your mind exactly what is expected of you.
- If you live in a shared property, make sure the chores are fairly divided between all the tenants in the household. Keep the last few days free, purely for cleaning and scrubbing – so if you’re students, no house parties!
- Don’t forget to vacuum the communal areas of the house, such as the hallway, stairs and landing areas.
The Kitchen
- Thoroughly clean the oven to make sure any grease and burnt bits are removed.
- Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge, including all compartments and shelves.
- Wipe down all surfaces, cupboards, and either mop or vacuum the floor.
- Clean out the sink, microwave and the bin, once it has been emptied.
Bedrooms/Living Room
- Clean the carpet or floor by vacuuming in between and around all furniture.
- Ensure the curtains are as you found them i.e. sitting correctly on the track and hanging right.
- Use a duster to dust down the walls, reaching into the corners to remove any cobwebs that may be lingering. Whilst focusing on the walls, remove any traces of Blu-Tack or pins you may have used to put up posters or signs.
- Wipe down all surfaces of furniture, including window sills and skirting boards.
Bathroom
- Use bleach to scrub the bath, shower, sink and toilet clean.
- Wipe down any surfaces such as; tiled walls, floors, windowsills etc.
Whether the property you are leaving is domestic or commercial, this list can be used as a general rule of thumb you can tailor as applicable to meet the needs of your property.
So, you can now prove that you are a responsible tenant and avoid any future disputes over deposits by sticking to this checklist and ticking things off as you get them done!
Remember: If you’re moving on to another rented property, they may want a reference from your previous landlord, so it’s important not to get on the wrong side of them!
Scott & Sons
No job is too big or small for the talented team here at Scott & Sons. We have specialist equipment to deep clean any property, whether commercial or domestic. So if you’re coming to the end of your tenancy, or maybe you just want a spring clean to freshen the place up, then call on Scott & Sons to lend a helping hand.
