Cleaning the apartment before the new tenants arrive is essential in establishing a strong relationship between the landlord and the tenant. Having the premises in a suitable state ensures that the tenant will renew the lease for a longer period.
Even Bay Property Management Group Boston agrees that creating a welcoming atmosphere is important if you want to create a good impression with your new tenants. Keep on reading below as this article will discuss the importance of clean maintenance records, whether hiring professional cleaners works, and much more.
1. Creating a Checklist for Areas that Require Deep Cleaning
Maintaining the external conditions of your property and making sure it looks good between tenants is paramount for their retention. A rental residence should be sparkling and ready for the next tenant, and for this, you need a comprehensive outline for deep cleaning to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Kitchen
Kitchens are consistently seen as the center of every household abode and, therefore, should be given all the attention they need. Make sure the grease and other leftover deposits are removed from all appliances, including the oven, high-temperature cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Scrub off food particles and stains on the sinks, counters, and cabinet surfaces while making sure work is being done on the outside and inside of cabinets. You should also take care of the sinks and taps by scrubbing off hair or stubborn mildew and further sanitizing them to kill remaining bacteria.
Bathrooms
Given how dirty bathrooms are, they require deep cleaning to make sure the area is habitable and appealing. Remove the germs on toilet bowls, seats, and handles by disinfecting them with sanitizers.
At the same time, shower cabinets and bathtubs covered by mildew, soap, and hard water blemishes also need to be cleaned. Wipes on the surfaces of sinks, counters, and tiles still stand about addressing the grout lines and dirty corners.
Living Areas
Since tenants spend more time in the living areas, such spaces must be spick and span. To maintain the high standards of cleanliness that these rooms require, vacuuming and mopping must be effortlessly executed.
To brighten up the interiors, use a squeegee to wash windows on the inside and outside of the house. Examine walls closely and clean any marks or stains with a cloth. Clean living areas enhance the living experience.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms must be clean, cozy, and organized, as this helps provide comfort while guests stay there. Ensure wardrobes have been cleaned and organized to eliminate clutter or dust in the closet areas, making them clean and tidy. Use a brush to scrub and clean any mop sinks or basins.
Utility Areas
Though laundry rooms, basements, and garages are utility areas that are not primarily focused on, they are still significant. Ensure all surfaces are sanitized to prevent fibers from building up or growing mold. Garages and basements should also be decluttered and have their cobwebs removed.
Outdoor Spaces
When they arrive, tenants look forward to seeing outdoor spaces like the balcony, patio, and entryways. To enjoy the outdoor sight, take care of the lawn and clean all areas by removing debris, leaves, or dirt. Also, ensure the entrance is clean and welcoming because it sets the tone for the rest of the property.
2. Importance of Addressing Maintenance Concerns Before New Tenant Moves In
Before a new tenant enters the premises, fixing maintenance issues is important to provide a safe and comfortable space and demonstrate the desire to meet the tenant's needs.
Start by thoroughly fixing all fixtures and appliances. Lightbulbs, faucets, and electrical circuits should be working, while the refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher should be tested as well. This helps avert inconveniences and emergency repairs.
Then, move on to the plumbing and electrical systems:
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Look for leaks, clogs, and low pressure in the plumbing
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Plumbing would include all sinks, toilets, and showers
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Check the electrical system for faults and ensure all outlets are functional
Fixing any issues with these can help you avoid potential risks and expensive repair work. Take care of structural issues such as cracks or leaks to maintain the property’s integrity. This would include fixing any mold, water damage, or weak structural parts by fixing any leaking roofs, siding, or foundations.
You can also take it a step further and repaint or update worn-out surfaces to enhance your property's visual appeal. Once all is done, conduct safety checks to ensure smoke detectors are installed and functioning.
3. Pros and Cons of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services
Many landlords debate whether to hire professional cleaning services. The best way to find the answer is to consider the pros and cons of the decision. This includes:
Pros:
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Saves Time and Effort: Professional cleaners are a blessing in disguise for all landlords as they can save a lot of time and effort. This is especially true when large or many units need to be cleaned. It’s a simple answer: you give them all the responsibility of the cleaning and focus on other important things.
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Thorough and Professional Cleaning: There is a reason why cleaning companies charge a premium: They are professionals, and professionals always have the tools to do the job. They can make sure that unreachable areas are cleaned and that not just spots but every corner of the property is clean.
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Specialized Equipment and Products: The average person doesn’t have access to specialized cleaning too, which is another factor that makes professional cleaning services invaluable. With this tool, you are guaranteed a deeper cleaning, especially for areas that need more professional attention.
Cons:
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Cost Considerations: Cleaning services may negatively impact your budget, particularly if you own a large property or require cleanings on a regular basis. It’s important, therefore, to factor in this cost and determine whether it is an expense that you can afford.
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Finding a Reputable Service Provider: All cleaning services are not the same. Some are better than others, and the better ones are trustworthy. Finding such a service provider may be difficult. Therefore, it is best to research and read reviews to know who to hire.
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Potential Scheduling Conflicts: Getting professional cleaners on a schedule that works for you sometimes proves difficult, especially in busy seasons. They may be busy handling other clients, leaving you to either wait or get a different cleaning service for your property.
Weighing the pros and cons of hiring a cleaning service is the best way to determine whether you need them or should find a cheaper alternative. You have to consider cost, cleaning requirements and tools, availability, and more.
Conclusion
There are reasons why people choose to rent, so it's best to welcome them in a clean apartment. Thoroughly clean and maintain the space to create an excellent first impression.
All that’s needed is to create a detailed checklist of areas to clean, determine how much maintenance is needed, and then consider hiring a professional cleaning service or looking for cheaper alternatives. Always keep in mind that the goal is to create a space that feels welcoming, safe, and appealing to new tenants.
