Tenancy Deposit Disputes Cleaning by Heather Hilder on July 24, 2019 “Cleaning Disputes” Tenancy Deposit Disputes ‘Cleaning‘ accounts for 56% of deposit disputes according to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). To make matters worse, there has recently been a sharp rise in the number of properties requiring professional cleaning services at check-out resulting in Tenancy Deposit disputes. Pat Barber, Chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks commented that “there is a general lack of respect for property by tenants, with many failing to leave the property in the same condition they found it. We have seen many properties left in a filthy state. The main problems are: dirty ovens dirty fridges greasy kitchens lime-scale on taps carpet stains bathrooms left uncleaned for months You’ll find hundreds of cleaning horror stories online. Fortunately Callaways Letting Agents have a great relationship with our Tenants, so our Landlords generally need not worry. Generally we are able to select and verify the most considerate Tenants at the outset, and they tend to stay (our longest-staying Tenant has been with us for 28 years). “No compromise on cleanliness” There can be no compromise on cleanliness. When a Tenant vacates a property, there should be no sign of previous occupation. The property should look as if it had been made ready especially for the incoming Tenant. In essence, if a property, or even a teapot, was clean at the start of the tenancy, then it should be left the same way at the end of the tenancy. Reasonable wear and tear is acceptable. One way of achieving this is to make it very clear to Tenants what is expected of them. This needs to be both in the tenancy agreement and verbally. It needs to be repeated as soon as notice is given, with a follow-up. A detailed photo-catalogued inventory provides both the benchmark for the expected standard, as well as proof of any deviation from it. An estimate of the cost of professional ‘standard’ cleaning should also be supplied to the Tenant as an incentive to get it right. If you’d like advice on how best to maximise your yield while reducing the stresses associated with managing an investment property, call Callaways on 01273 735237 or email enquiries@callaways.co.uk to discuss your letting needs.
