Key Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Rental Property Between Tenants

While investing in rental properties can be a worthwhile venture when done correctly, it requires a significant amount of time and labor, especially when preparing your units for new tenants. Most property owners hire professional cleaners for this, but you can still make some common mistakes as a landlord when you skip certain steps or forget to document your findings. To ensure the process is done safely and thoroughly, you’ll want to avoid these common mistakes.

Rushing Through the Process

There are many steps involved in cleaning up after tenants. Tasks include scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, – and that doesn’t include maintenance and repairs. If you rush through the process with a simple vacuum and mop job, you’re likely going to experience some tenant complaints or safety concerns when they move in. Homes that have been lived in can gather dirt, dust, and bacteria in many nooks and crannies. It’s highly unlikely that a thorough clean can be done with a rushed process. Take your time, hire professionals, and ensure that your next tenants enter a safe and sterile unit.

Ignoring Appliances or “Hidden” Areas

Appliances can accumulate a significant amount of dirt and debris over time. You’ll want to make sure your appliances are thoroughly clean. Dishwashers will likely need a filter rinse and a cleaning of the spray arms. Ovens can accumulate crumbs at the bottom of the unit and on the racks. Remove and wipe down the drawers and shelves, and run a self-clean cycle if the oven has this option. Washers and dryers will need to be wiped down, including lint traps and washer filters. If any of your appliances have a self-clean option, follow the unit’s instructions and take advantage of this. Make sure to move the appliances and clean underneath and between the units; crumbs, lint, and dirt can easily become trapped in these spots, where tenants can’t access them easily. Other “hidden” areas of a unit that you shouldn’t forget about include behind the toilets, baseboards, HVAC filter vents, and bathroom fans.

Skipping Professional Help

Professional cleaners possess the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise to ensure a safe and thorough cleaning of your unit before new tenants move in. While these cleaners do cost additional funds, they’re typically considered a necessary expense for the safety of you and your tenants. Additionally, when a tenant leaves behind bulky items, trash, or large furniture pieces, professional cleaners can arrive with their own dumpsters, self dumping hoppers, and sanitation equipment to ensure a timely cleaning without requiring excess labor on your part as the property owner. Not only is cleaning yourself a lot of work, but you might not have sufficient equipment for a full cleaning. 

Not Checking Air Quality

The unit needs to have clean air to host tenants safely. Many gases, such as carbon monoxide, are colorless and odorless, making them difficult to detect. Test the air quality to ensure there aren’t any issues or concerns before the next tenants move in. You may need professional-grade air purification equipment if there are gas leaks or any other type of major indoor air pollution. Replace HVAC filters before new tenants arrive, and get any gas appliances inspected. Ensure that any carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

Poor Documentation

If a tenant has left the unit in poor condition beyond normal wear and tear, it’s often your word against theirs if you do not have proper evidence and documentation. Before starting the cleaning process, ensure you take photographs and documentation of the unit’s current state, in case it is necessary to withhold a security deposit or take legal action. You may also want to document normal wear and tear; it’s good to have a reference in case of emergencies.

Forgetting Pest Control

Even if you perform routine pest control while your tenants are in the unit, you’ll want to take some thorough preventative measures when no one is in the unit for safety purposes. You can hire a professional or do DIY pest control, but ensure you utilize products that allow for application both inside and outside the unit. Pests can easily accumulate during both the moving process and when units are vacant. Taking preventative measures can help mitigate most pest concerns. If tenants leave behind pest problems, you’ll want to address them before any new tenants move in, for both your convenience and theirs.

Conclusion

Cleaning in between tenants can be a labor-intensive task, but it’s necessary to provide a safe and pristine unit for new tenants. Cleaning can be particularly difficult when tenants leave behind bulky furniture, pest issues or excessive clutter. Hiring professional cleaners can make this process easier; they have the equipment and expertise to handle any mess, including biohazards, if you hire the right company. Avoid a rush job; the cleaner the unit, the more satisfied your tenants will be, which can skyrocket your rental returns and your image as a real estate investor.