5 Tips For Keeping Your Rental Clean Between Tenants

5 Tips For Keeping Your Rental Clean Between Tenants

March 20, 2023

Keeping your rental property clean between tenants is one of the most important things you can do as a landlord. A clean rental home allows you to charge higher rents and it makes your tenants happier. However, this task can be tricky. It’s not uncommon for a tenant to leave behind some grime and clutter, so it’s critical to do a thorough cleaning between tenants. 

1. Ask The Previous Tenant To Clean 

The in-between time between tenants can be a busy period for landlords, but keeping the property clean is essential. Taking the time to keep your rental clean shows potential renters that you value the property and expect them to do the same. A dirty rental can lead to issues such as pest infestations, mold growth, and other damage to the property. It can also affect the property’s marketability. If you notice that the previous tenant is leaving your rental in a messy state, consider contacting them. This is an effective way to get the issue addressed and to help prevent problems in the future. 

2. Add A Cleanliness Clause To Your Lease Agreement 

A cleanliness clause in your lease agreement is one of the best ways to keep your rental property clean. It gives you clear legal grounds to withhold the tenant’s security deposit if they fail to uphold the standards you have set for cleanliness. A well-written cleaning contract will also have the power to persuade your tenants that you’re more than a mere property manager. This type of agreement should include a detailed description of the standard of cleanliness that you expect from your tenant, as well as a checklist that highlights the key areas to be cleaned. For instance, your housekeeping etiquette should require that your toilet and bathtub be regularly scrubbed to remove mildew and other grime. The best part of this is that it also shows your tenants that you care about the quality of your property and that they have an active role to play in maintaining it. 

3. Set Cleanliness Standards 

When you require your tenants to clean their rental unit, they will be more likely to keep it in good condition. This helps you save on cleaning costs and reduce the risk of your property being damaged due to uncleanliness. It’s also an important part of your overall tenant screening process, and it can help you avoid evicting a problematic tenant who doesn’t care about cleanliness. If your tenant is not following the standards you set for cleanliness, bring it up immediately. In most cases, they’ll be more responsive to your communication efforts and will quickly fix the issue. 

4. Enforce Cleanliness Standards 

One of the best ways to help your tenants stay on top of cleanliness is by enforcing standards. It may sound a little picky, but setting cleanliness standards from the start of your lease can make it easier to keep your rental clean in the future. Create a checklist when your tenant first moves in and take photographs of the property to show when they move out that it was in the same condition it was in when they moved in. 

5. Conduct Inspections 

If you’re a landlord, it’s important to conduct inspections regularly. This will help you verify the condition of your rental property before, during, and after a tenant moves in or out. It can also help you prevent severe problems from forming and allow you to document any damage or repair requests before they’re too late. While some tenants may object to conducting inspections, it’s a smart move for any landlord to make. They can be a great way to create a positive relationship with your renters and ensure they’re taking care of their rental. 

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