Need hand with your cleaning?
Losing bond money over small cleaning mistakes is something no tenant wants to face. When you move out, end-of-tenancy cleaning in Auckland must be adequately done because even tiny missed spots can cost you. Many renters only realise the cost when their refund gets cut. This guide shows you the common mistakes and how to avoid them so you keep your full bond.
Before we start understanding the common mistakes, it’s essential to clarify what actually falls under end-of-tenancy cleaning in Auckland. It definitely goes beyond regular cleaning! The property managers who are in charge always want you to hand over their homes, adhering to the professional cleaning standards.
If you are not sure what the end-of-tenancy cleaning involves, you can look at the agreement with your agency or landlord. You can easily comprehend the cleaning standards expected from you. Plus, you can avoid missing out on any key spots, such as hoods, skirting boards, inside cabinets, etc.
The rental market in Auckland is highly competitive. When it comes to cleaning standards, landlords are very particular about them. You can lose a portion of your bond if you don’t adhere to the professional cleaning standards. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the mistakes in order to ensure your tenancy record remains spotless.
Many tenants will skim over the tenancy agreement and assume that reasonable cleanliness means a light clean. The truth is, the majority of Auckland property managers demand a professional clean that returns the property to its original state, no less. Refer back to your lease and any move-in photos you took. They will function as your road map to what needs to be cleaned and how thoroughly.
One of the most significant errors tenants make is using the incorrect cleaners, which might actually cause more damage than beneficial effects. Bleach-based products can corrode stainless steel, while abrasive pads can scratch benchtops or glass.
When in doubt, choose green and neutral pH multi-surface cleaners, as they are usually safe on most surfaces.
Auckland has a humid climate; hence, carpets are likely to have dust and pet hair. Another issue is odour, which can affect both carpets and rugs. Tenants often make the mistake of simply performing a quick vacuum, which is insufficient to prepare a property for an inspection adequately.
To overcome this, consider using a professional carpet cleaning service that offers hot water extraction or steam cleaning. Hang on to the receipt as proof if your landlord asks for it. The receipt also makes it easier to verify the service date and method if you find yourself in a dispute later. Maintaining this record will serve as a backup for you to make your bond.
Appliances are near the top of the list for landlords during inspection. Tenants clean the outside of ovens, fridges, and dishwashers, but often overlook trays, filters, and seals. That’s a costly oversight. What can you do?
Get deep cleaning! And be sure to pull all appliances away from the wall to prevent grime accumulation behind them. The best idea is to hire professional deep cleaning services, as they employ licensed cleaners to ensure the job is done correctly.
It’s easy to overlook corners, skirting boards, window tracks, and behind furniture, but what tenants forget, landlords won’t. These are frequently the spots that do not pass final inspections. On top of that, tenants sometimes forget about bathroom cleaning, too.
In Auckland’s moist climate, mould doesn’t take long to accumulate in showers, ceilings, and windowsills. Keep the bathroom well ventilated after a shower and wipe down moist surfaces frequently. You can also use an exhaust fan to prevent moisture from settling.
For hard-to-reach areas, clean the top of rooms (think light fixtures and ceiling fans) first and work your way down to the floor. Shift furniture and vacuum under beds and couches. Use mould removers for bathroom cleaning. You can also recaulk certain areas in case of stains or damage.
One of the most prevalent end-of-tenancy cleaning mistakes in Auckland is rushing the job to the last minute. If you can pull off the entire cleaning task on your own, and that too on a single day, then things might not go your way. Landlords can easily spot poorly cleaned areas.
Finally, even if you start early, do a detailed inspection. Perform a check carefully before your landlord arrives.
As far as end-of-tenancy cleaning is concerned, we can say with confidence that it’s challenging to achieve the precision brought about by professional cleaners through DIY methods. It’s not ordinary house cleaning. So, it’s always a good choice to hire experts for end-of-tenancy cleaning in Auckland, as they have the right tools and experience to meet all inspection standards.
