Your house should be thoroughly clean when you move out. A potential new tenant or buyer expects a spotless living environment, without any reminders of the previous occupants.
Moving out of a house is a tedious task that can be both challenging and rewarding. The process can take a lot of time and effort, but it is necessary to ensure that you leave the house in top condition.
The exact level of cleanliness that is expected can vary depending on the landlord or real estate policy. However, as a rule of thumb, it is best to leave the house as clean as possible. If you do not, you risk facing charges for damages or excessive cleaning fees. A deep clean should involve more than just a surface-level wipe down.
The Standards You Should Meet
Moving out of a house is already stressful enough without having to worry about cleaning. However, leaving a dirty house can put a dent in your security deposit and cause an unpleasant experience for the next occupants.
To ensure a smooth transition for both you and the new tenants, here are the standards you should meet:
Which Areas Of The House Should Be Cleaned
Cleaning your entire home may not be necessary, but certain areas must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid any charges. It includes:
- Kitchen: Every appliance, including the refrigerator and oven, must be cleaned inside and out. Pay special attention to the countertop, sink, and backsplash. Wipe down all cabinets and drawers, and sweep and mop the floor.
- Bathroom: Scrub the toilet, sink, tub, shower, and all surfaces until they shine. Make sure there is no hair or grime left behind. Clean the mirror, mop the floor, and empty the trash.
- Living room/bedrooms: Vacuum or sweep the floor and wipe down any hard surfaces. Dust all surfaces, including baseboards, window sills, and blinds. Also, wash the windows from inside.
What Should Be Immaculate And What Should Be Clean Enough
When it comes to cleanliness, there’s a difference between what should be immaculate and what should be clean enough. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Immaculate: The areas that should be immaculate after cleaning are the ones that people touch most, such as door handles, light switches, and faucet handles. These items must be disinfected and spotless.
- Clean enough: Areas that can be clean enough are those that don’t require deep cleaning, such as walls and ceilings. However, it’s good to clean the walls that have visible scuffs or marks.
What Items Should Be Left Behind, And What Items Should Be Discarded
As a general rule, leave behind anything that was present when you moved in, except for perishables. Here’s what you should leave behind:
- Light fixtures and bulbs
- Window treatments
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Shelves that are holding up well
- Keys and garage door openers
On the other hand, you should discard any hazardous materials or items that you don’t need, such as:
- Paint and chemicals
- Broken or unusable furniture
- Personal items like toiletries and food
- Landlord or utility bills
Clean your house to the best of your ability and meet these guidelines to ensure a smooth move-out process. By doing so, you can avoid any unexpected charges and leave a good impression on the new tenants.
The Consequences Of Not Meeting The Standards
How Clean Should Your House Be When You Move Out
Moving out of a house can be an exhausting process, and cleaning up the place before you go may not be high on your priority list. However, leaving a house in poor cleaning condition can have serious consequences.
What Are The Legal Consequences?
When you sign a rental agreement, you agree to leave the property in a clean and tidy state that meets the landlord’s requirements. Failing to do so can result in legal action, with the landlord seeking compensation for damages and cleaning expenses.
Here are some of the legal consequences you may face:
- You may lose part or all of your deposit, depending on the terms of the rental agreement.
- The landlord can take legal action to recover the cleaning and damages cost.
- You may face difficulty getting a reference from the landlord or letting agency.
What Are The Financial Consequences?
Apart from the potential legal penalties, not meeting the cleaning standard when moving out can also have financial consequences. Some of the financial consequences are:
- You may have to pay extra cleaning fees, which can vary depending on the cleaning standard required by the landlord.
- You may need to hire professional cleaners, which can be more expensive.
- You may lose your deposit and owe the landlord more money.
What Are The Social Consequences?
Not meeting the standards of how clean your house should be when you move out can also lead to social consequences, including:
- You may get a bad reputation in your community or among letting agents.
- You will leave a bad impression on the landlord, and they may not rent their property to you again.
- You may be subject to negative online reviews, which can affect your ability to rent in the future.
Ensuring that you leave your property in a clean and tidy state that meets the required standard is vital. Not doing so can have serious legal, financial, and social consequences that you will want to avoid.
The Steps To Leaving A Clean House
Moving out can be a stressful process, but one of the essential things is to leave your house in a clean and tidy state. Not only does it make it easier for the new occupants to move in, but it can also ensure that you get your deposit back.
Follow these steps to help you leave a spotless house.
How To Clean The Kitchen And Bathroom
Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom might seem like a daunting task, but it’s a must-do when moving out. Follow these tips to ensure that they are clean and ready for the new occupants.
- Begin by removing all the items and cleaning the surfaces with a cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. Pay attention to the inside of cabinets and drawers.
- Don’t forget to clean the appliances such as the fridge, oven, and microwave. If they are staying behind, make sure that they are unplugged and empty.
- For the bathroom, scrub the tiles and grout, and remove any soap scum. Don’t forget to clean the toilet, tub, and sink.
- Clean the mirrors and windows with a glass cleaner to leave a streak-free shine.
How To Clean The Living Room, Dining Room, And Bedrooms
Cleaning the living room, dining room, and bedrooms is often much easier than the bathroom and kitchen. But, it’s crucial to make sure that it is left fully clean and organized.
- Begin by dusting everything, including the blinds, baseboards, and other surfaces.
- Vacuum or sweep the floors and furniture.
- Remove any marks on the walls and doors.
- Don’t forget to clean the inside of closets and drawers.
How To Clean The Floors And Walls
It’s essential to pay attention to the walls and floors, which are often overlooked when cleaning. These tips will help to ensure that every inch of your home is spotless on moving day.
- Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floors.
- Clean the floors with a mop and all-purpose cleaner.
- If you have carpets, vacuum them thoroughly or consider professional cleaning.
- Use a mild detergent to clean the walls and don’t scrub too hard or use harsh chemicals.
Tips For Making The Process More Efficient And Effective
Cleaning an entire house can be a time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to make the process as efficient and effective as possible.
- Begin by creating a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
- Use the right tools, such as a vacuum, microfiber cloth, and all-purpose cleaner.
- Work from top to bottom, starting from the ceiling and working your way down.
- Ask for help from friends or professional cleaners if necessary.
- Pack cleaning supplies last and label them accordingly.
Remember that a clean house not only ensures that you get your deposit back, but it also leaves a good impression on the new tenants. Use these steps and tips to make moving out a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How Clean Should Your House Be When You Move Out?
How Clean Should My House Be When I Move Out?
Your house should be as clean or cleaner than when you moved in. It should include deep cleaning of bathrooms, kitchen, appliances, floors, and walls.
What Are The Benefits Of Leaving My House Clean When I Move Out?
Leaving your house clean can help you get your security deposit back and make a good impression on the landlord. It also helps the next tenant move-in smoothly.
Can I Hire Professional Cleaners To Clean My House When I Move Out?
Yes, you can. In fact, many landlords recommend professional cleaning for deep cleaning tasks like carpets and appliances. Make sure to schedule the cleaning in advance.
What Should I Do If I Cannot Clean The House Before I Move Out?
Contact your landlord and explain the situation. Offer to pay for a professional cleaning service or ask if they have any suggestions. Make sure to leave the house as tidy as possible, remove all your personal belongings and trash.
Conclusion
Moving out can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, ensuring that your house is clean is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition for you and the next occupants. From the kitchen to the bathroom, every room requires a thorough cleaning, and it’s essential to pay attention to the little details such as light switches, cabinets, and carpets.
Hiring a professional cleaning service can also be a wise investment to ensure that every nook and cranny is spotless. Remember to also check your lease agreement for any specific cleaning requirements and adhere to them to avoid any disputes.
Lastly, leaving a clean and tidy home will not only benefit the new occupants but also leave a positive impression on your landlord, potentially increasing the possibility of receiving a full security deposit refund.
Reference: https://www.redenergy.com.au/living-energy/moving-home/how-clean-should-my-house-be-when-I-move-out