Something that tenants usually miss when moving out is the end of tenancy cleaning Christchurch tenants are expected to do. Many of them take this for granted, even though this is one of the biggest things on their list when the lease draws to a close.
Tenants who cannot meet the rental property cleanliness standards as stated in the Tenancy Agreement/Contract will experience consequences, such as losing some/all of the bond, additional stress before moving out, delays in resolving disputes, etc. To avoid all that, ensure you understand and follow these end-of-tenancy tips to smooth the moving-out process.
Bond Refund Problems
The initial deposit, which stands as your bond, is definitely intended as a form of guarantee – be it for security, damage, and including cleanliness. Therefore, landlords/property managers will likely reduce or withhold all of your bonds due to cleaning costs.
In this context, many possible causes exist: stubborn stains on the carpet, the oven still covered in grease, dust settling on furniture surfaces, etc. Landlords/property managers will closely scrutinise these details during the final inspection. And if they don’t like it, that means less/no money back in your pocket.
Extra Cleaning Charges
Even if you have tried cleaning up to prepare for the final inspection, there is still a risk that you have not met the cleanliness standards in the Tenancy Agreement/Contract. If this happens, they’ll call a professional cleaner.
In this scenario, cleaning services won’t come cheap – they’ll be deducted from your bond. And for all the other additional costs, there is a risk you’ll still have to pay more! It ends up costing you more than if you had arranged a professional cleaning yourself before moving out.
Delays in Moving On
Moreover, a final inspection that uncovers numerous issues (especially concerning cleanliness) will undoubtedly slow your move-out process. You’ll be overwhelmed with frustrating delays because landlords/property managers will refuse to finalise the deal before everything is sorted and resolved. It can quickly become stressful, especially if you’re relying on the deposit for your next rental.
Strained Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Tenants who take less/no responsibility for the cleanliness of their occupancy will obviously damage their image as tenants. You should know that landlords/property managers nowadays have extensive “union” networks. This allows them to screen (or even blacklist) tenants with a poor dispute history. Ultimately, those irresponsible tenants will have difficulty finding property to rent because landlords/property managers across New Zealand have already flagged them.
Health & Hygiene Concerns
Apart from the various administrative matters and obligations mentioned above, the essence of a thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning is maintaining hygiene. Not only is this directly related to appearance and aesthetics, but it can also be a good step to maintain health. It greatly contributes to keeping the well-being of many, especially for the next tenants.
Commonly Missed Cleaning Areas
The unprofessional often only focuses on cleaning areas with high traffic and activity immediately visible to the naked eye. In fact, many other detailed spots are often missed but are no less important. Even if the rest of the home looks tidy, missing these jobs can result in a failed inspection:
- Cleaning inside ovens, hobs, and rangehoods;
- Wiping skirting boards, door frames, and window sills;
- Washing walls and removing marks;
- Cleaning behind appliances like fridges and washing machines;
- Scrubbing bathroom tiles, taps, and shower screens;
- Dusting light fittings, vents, and switches.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
Many tenants think doing do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning can be a hack: minimising additional expenses while guaranteeing a bond refund. However, many people end up regretting it later, since they can’t deliver cleaning results suited to the agreement/contract standards.
DIY cleaning mostly relies solely on various household/domestic cleaning supplies – and this is often not enough. While tenants can rent cleaning/vacuum machines to maximize cleaning, they only work best for daily cleaning needs, as such machines have less capacity and technical ability.
On the other hand, professional end-of-tenancy cleaning services will use much more specialised equipment and approaches to meet the standards of cleanliness. And with a trained and seasoned team that deals with various portfolios, your rental property will be cleaned thoroughly – spotless, from top to bottom.
Pro Tips: How to Avoid End-of-Tenancy Disputes
- So it can be easier for you to face the final inspection and the overall moving process, you can follow these simple steps:
- Inspect all the areas thoroughly, and make notes on places that need more or less attention. Pay special focus to kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets;
- Start cleaning and tidying as much as you can within your ability. It can save you the expense of hiring a professional;
- Call the best professional service you can find. Book well in advance to avoid rejection due to short notice. Choose an end-of-tenancy cleaning package tailored to your needs. Make sure they provide a guarantee for the fulfillment of the final inspection, and have a receipt approved by all the surrounding landlords/property managers;
- Keep a close eye on their performance, and make a checklist of areas that need more attention/cleaning;
FAQs
Do I have to hire a professional cleaner when I move out?
Not always, but many landlords in Christchurch expect it. Professional cleaning provides receipts and ensures the property meets inspection standards.
What happens if I miss just one area, like the oven?
Even one overlooked job can cause deductions. Ovens, carpets, and bathrooms are the top areas landlords check.
Can I use a DIY carpet cleaning machine instead?
Yes, but they often don’t clean as deeply. Landlords may notice stains or odours that DIY machines leave behind.
Will professional cleaners guarantee my bond back?
No one can fully guarantee it since it depends on the property’s overall condition. But professional cleaning greatly increases your chances.
How far in advance should I book an end-of-tenancy clean?
Ideally, a few days before handing the keys back. This gives time to fix any issues if needed.
Conclusion
And now you already know what will happen if the end-of-tenancy cleaning is not done properly. As a form of fulfilling responsibilities, tenants can experience various risks if they fail to do so. From losing parts/all of their bonds, paying more to cover the problems, experiencing delays, to facing unnecessary stress – all of which will overwhelm the moving out process.
And all of this can be prevented by simply entrusting your end-of-tenancy cleaning to trusted professionals. Moving soon? Let us take care of the hard work. With an experienced team and approved receipt by landlords/property managers across NZ, you can let go of your worries just like that! Secure your bonds and smooth your moving-out with us: the best end-of-tenancy cleaning in NZ.