Spring cleaning made simple: 5 tips to share with tenants

With spring fast approaching it's the perfect opportunity to inspire your tenants to freshen up their home and tackle those deep cleaning tasks that can help maintain their rental property in tip top condition. While insisting they clean the property is not an option, as they choose what standard of cleaning they want to live with during the tenancy, it’s in everyone’s interests to keep on top of it. This will help avoid unwanted pests and bugs, unpleasant smells, condensation build up or neglected areas from escalating and causing problems at the end of the tenancy. Whether you're encouraging your tenants to maintain their home during a tenancy or preparing for a thorough deep clean before the check-out inspection, a thorough spring clean can make a big difference.

But what are your rights and responsibilities as a landlord when it comes to property cleanliness during and at the end of a tenancy, and what are some of the most common cleaning related issues that cause disputes over the deposit at the end of the tenancy?

In this article, Suzy Hershman, Resolution Department Lead at NRLA deposit protection partner, mydeposits, draws on her 17 years of experience as a resolution expert to offer her tips to proactively prevent conflicts relating to cleanliness and minimise the chances of cleaning related deposit issues at the end of the tenancy.

Unless a cleaning related issue is causing structural problems landlords have no right to instruct tenants on how much cleaning to do during the tenancy. However, landlords can expect tenants to clean the property to a reasonable standard, and they should be reminded, before moving out, to leave it cleaned to the same standard as when they moved in.

Landlords can also make suggestions to help tenants look after the property right from the start and explain that maintaining it in good, clean condition will help to protect their tenancy deposit by preventing any proposed settlement for cleaning at the end of the tenancy, if the property falls short of this standard.

This is why it is so important to carry out a thorough check-in and inventory report, listing the contents, their condition and standard of cleaning in the property at the start, recording any discrepancies. For more information read Inventories – the complete guide, which combines mydeposits’ expertise in deposit protection and early resolution with No Letting Go’s inventory management services.

The best way to make sure your tenants are looking after the property is to carry out regular property inspections. As a landlord you have a duty of care to make sure the property is fit for human habitation at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout. While the primary purpose of an inspection is to assess the overall condition of the property, it’s also a useful way to discuss with your tenants:

• how they should be looking after the property
• any area of concern relating to condition and cleaning, and give advice on how it could be improved
• your observations on the lack of cleaning where it is causing damage to the property and explain their responsibility for cleaning and repairs to remedy the situation. An example of this would be food deposits on flooring which has been there for a while (maybe even attracting pests into the property)

In reality, regular inspections are a great way of creating and maintaining a good relationship with tenants and encouraging them to let you know if there are any other problems too.

It’s important to give notice of an inspection – you can’t turn up at the property unannounced and must give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, ideally up to a week. Find out more in mydeposits NRLA guide to periodic property inspections.

Cleaning is consistently the most common reason for deposit deductions at the end of tenancies. The more regularly tenants clean their property the less intense the final cleaning session will be. Encourage your tenants to set up a cleaning routine, particularly if it’s a shared property such as a student house. In this situation a cleaning rota will help make sure shared spaces are kept clean and tidy. You might also like to share a cleaning checklist such as this end of tenancy cleaning checklist from mydeposits and NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord in a welcome pack at the start of the tenancy.

A spring clean is an opportunity to focus on some of the cleaning tasks that are often overlooked during a regular clean. At mydeposits we see the same issues time and again. So, we’ve put together the following tips of five essential spring-cleaning tasks that tenants should focus on to make sure their home stays in great shape.

1. Deep clean the oven

Ovens are one of the most common areas where tenants lose part of their deposit due to built-up of grease and grime. Over time, food spills and grease accumulate, leading to unpleasant smells and even potential fire hazards.

Top tips:

• Use a commercial oven cleaner or a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar to break down stubborn grease
• Remove oven racks and soak them in warm soapy water before scrubbing
• Don’t forget the oven door! A glass scraper or baking soda paste can help remove baked-on residue

2. Tackle carpet stains

Carpets can hold onto dirt, dust, and stains, making them one of the trickiest areas to maintain. Carpets should be returned cleaned to the same standard as they were at the start of the tenancy, so tackling stains early can prevent long-term damage.

Top tips:

• Blot (don’t rub!) stains immediately with a clean cloth and warm water
• For tougher stains, use a carpet stain remover suited to the type of spill
• Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner if the carpet looks particularly dirty

Check out this mydeposits resolution case study on damages and carpet cleaning to learn about our approach to a case involving cleanliness and condition of the carpet at the end of the tenancy.

3. Remove marks from walls

Scuffs and marks on walls are a natural part of living in a home and reasonable wear and tear must be considered at the end of the tenancy, but excessive damage, such as crayon marks or stains can lead to proposed settlements.

Top tips:

• Use a damp microfibre cloth or a magic eraser to gently wipe off marks
• For stubborn stains, mild soapy water or a diluted vinegar solution can work wonders
• If repainting is necessary, encourage your tenant to check with you the exact paint colour before repainting or just touching up any areas, making sure it is not left patchy

This mydeposits resolution case study explains more about a case involving marks and scuffs on the walls and woodwork at the end of a tenancy.

4. Clean the washing machine and fridge

Appliances like washing machines and fridges are often overlooked during regular cleaning but can develop unpleasant odours and buildup over time.

Top tips for washing machines:

• Run an empty hot wash with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to remove residue
• Clean the detergent drawer and rubber seal to prevent mould and mildew

Top tips for fresh fridges/freezers:

• Empty and wipe down shelves with a mild disinfectant
• Defrost the freezer if ice has built up excessively
• Remove any lingering odours by placing a box of baking soda inside the fridge

5. Wash the windows

Clean windows allow more natural light into the property and improve its overall appearance. Dirty windows are a common oversight but can make a significant difference to how a home looks and feels.

Top tips for sparkling windows:

• Use a mixture of water and vinegar or a glass cleaner for streak-free results
• Wipe down window frames and sills to remove dust and dirt buildup

Clean both inside and outside (if accessible and safe to do so) for the best results

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up. It is an opportunity for tenants to reduce the risk of extra costs at the end of the tenancy and maintain the property in the best condition during the tenancy. By focusing on these key areas, tenants will enjoy a fresher living space and improve their chances of receiving their deposit back when they move out.

Tenant education is key to a successful tenancy. For a complete guide to keeping your rental spotless, check out Total Landlord’s end of tenancy cleaning checklist for landlords and tenants and mydeposits guide to getting your deposit back: top tips to keep your home clean.