End Of Tenancy Cleaning Law Disputes In Singapore. Many landlords require tenants to hire a professional cleaning service before vacating the property. Partnering with a reputable local cleaning company can save time, money, and stress.
A thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning includes cleaning every item of furniture, wall and ceiling surfaces, carpets, windows, kitchen cupboards, and appliances, including the fridge.
Failure to properly clean the property may result in loss of deposit. A high-quality end-of-tenancy clean benefits landlords and tenants as it decreases the likelihood of disputes over damage or cleaning with deposit schemes.
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All You Need To Know About End-Of-Tenancy Cleaning
Tenants perform end-of-tenancy cleaning to return the rented property to the landlord in a suitable condition. This includes thoroughly cleaning areas of the home that are not typically cleaned during regular cleaning routines.
Tenants must budget for an end-of-tenancy cleaning to receive their security deposit back. Hiring a reputable cleaning company used during the beginning of the tenancy is convenient as they will likely be able to conduct the end-of-tenancy cleaning, pending their availability on the moving date.
Cleaning After Tenants Leave
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a common source of disputes between landlords and tenants. Landlords want to ensure the property is clean for new tenants, while tenants want to avoid losing part of their deposit by leaving the property in good condition.
Both parties need to understand their rights, including the landlord’s obligations, the cleaning expectations, what is considered normal wear and tear, and who is responsible for paying for cleaning. This guide covers the process of end-of-tenancy cleaning and provides information for both landlords and tenants.
During the Tenancy
In an ideal situation, tenants always keep the rental property clean and well-maintained during their tenancy. However, tenants have no legal requirement to keep the property spotless while they reside there. No laws mandate tenants to do regular cleaning tasks like vacuuming, dusting, or window cleaning.
A landlord may bring up any cleaning issues observed during regular inspections, but legal action can only be taken once the tenancy has ended. Tenants are only required to maintain a safe living environment, and action can only be accepted if there is a significant risk to health and safety, which is not considered regular cleaning.
The End of the Tenancy
Tenants are responsible for returning the rental property to the clean condition it was in at the start of their tenancy. To avoid disputes, landlords and tenants should document the property’s disease by taking photographs at the beginning of the living.
The landlord should also provide a written inventory of all items included in the rental, specifying each item’s condition. For example, if the carpets are described as “clean throughout” in the inventory, the tenant should ensure the carpets are left in the same condition. Please do so to avoid the landlord deducting a portion of the deposit for cleaning costs.
How to Clean Your Property
The exterior should be returned to its original condition upon move-in, so removing any accumulated trash or belongings is a good starting point. If the property includes a garden, it should be cleared of debris or leaves, and the flower beds or borders should be tidied up. If there are a patio, driveway, or walkways, ensure they are swept clean and remove any weeds that may have grown around the edges. Lastly, any outdoor furniture should be cleaned before leaving.
Cleaning Process
The duration of deep cleaning can vary, depending on the condition and size of the property. As a rough estimate, a one-bedroom flat takes about 3-4 hours to clean, a two-bedroom house takes 5-6 hours, and a three-bedroom home can take 7-8 hours to clean.
The final cost of the service will depend on the size of the property and its condition at the time of inspection. The more unclean, cluttered, or damaged the property is, the longer it will take to clean, and the higher the cost will be.
The Cost of Professional Cleaning
A professional deep cleaning can range from $150 to $500. The price will depend on the property’s size and condition and the required services. The most accurate way to determine the cost is to schedule an inspection with a professional cleaning company. During this visit, the cleaners will provide an estimate for the work.
Can I Do the Cleaning?
End-of-tenancy cleaning can be daunting, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the tasks that need to be done. You may need proper knowledge and understanding to save time on cleaning jobs. The best solution would be to hire a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning company. They have the experience and equipment necessary to do this effectively and efficiently handle the cleaning.
End of Tenancy Deposit Claims and Inspection
The end of the tenancy inspection is a crucial moment for both landlords and tenants. During this inspection, the landlord will assess whether the property is as clean as it was at the start of the tenancy. Some landlords use an independent inventory clerk to conduct the pre- and post-tenancy inspection to avoid any allegations of bias. Alternatively, date-stamped photographs can provide evidence of the property’s condition.
Landlords should assess the property a few days before the tenant is scheduled to vacate, allowing them to address any areas that do not meet the standard, followed by a final inspection on the day of vacating.
If the property is left in an unacceptable state and is not as clean as it was when the tenant moved in, the landlord can claim for cleaning costs through the deposit protection scheme that holds the deposit. The decision to declare will depend on the relationship with the tenant, how the property has been maintained, the level of cleaning required, and if there is enough evidence to support the claim.
End Of Tenancy Cleaning Law Disputes In Singapore – Conclusion
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a significant task that can be approached in different ways. The chosen method will significantly impact the cost and quality of the cleaning. So, choosing the right type of company for such an extensive cleaning job is essential.
