The definition of the word ‘clean’ can vary from person to person, which is why most deposit disputes between landlords and tenants arise around the end of tenancy cleaning. It is the tenant’s responsibility to hand the property back over to the landlord in the same condition they found it in on move-in day, and most would prefer to do so without having to fork out for professional cleaning.

Tenants are not obligated to pay for professionals to clean the property if it is left in good condition. This is why a ‘deep clean’ is pinnacle, as dust and dirt can collect in every nook and cranny and is easy to miss during everyday clean-ups. Once you’ve packed up your personal items, you should tick all of these key cleaning steps off your checklist before handing the keys over:

Planning in advance

Cleaning an entire property from top to bottom can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to start planning early and budgeting for any necessary equipment. A deep clean will take more planning and effort than a typical spring clean, so make sure you allow yourself enough time, and factor in how long cleaning will take on top of your move.

One step at a time

The larger tasks in each room might call for your attention first and foremost, but the best protocol is to take things one room at a time. This way, you won’t find yourself overwhelmed and burnt-out early into the process, as cleaning from one room to the next allows a sense of order and you won’t end up forgetting the smaller details which matter just as much.

Deep cleaning

It’s best to make sure the property is completely empty before completing a deep clean, as personal items can get in the way, and you might end up having to go over the same areas more than once. A deep clean can match the results of professional cleaning if you put in the effort and attend to all of the essential tasks, these can include:

• Mopping floors and tiles
• Hoovering and steaming carpets and rugs
• Cleaning and polishing taps and other water fittings
• Removing cobwebs from walls, ceiling, and skirting boards
• Cleaning windows, doors, and handles
• Degreasing the hob, oven, and all components
• Dusting and polishing surfaces, such as tables and sideboards
• Removing limescale from sinks, showers, and bathtubs
• Scrubbing and disinfecting the toilet
• Removing mould from walls and tiles
• Wiping down kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Cleaning all appliances (kettles, toaster, and microwave etc)
• Emptying and cleaning the fridge and freezer
• Cleaning out large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers
• Emptying and cleaning bins (inside and outside ones)
• Sweeping and tidying outside areas
• Hoovering mattresses and sofa cushions

Check the cupboards and drawers

A kitchen can appear clean at a glance, but once you start opening things up, you’ll probably find that there is more work to be done. Make sure all the cupboards and drawers are completely empty and clear of any food residue or marks left by pots and pans. Try sticking to gentle cleaners such as dish soap and water as harsh chemicals, and too much water can damage the cabinets. 

Defrost and descale

If your landlord provided the property with white goods, it’s your responsibility to leave them in the condition you found them in. You can descale the kettle by filling it with equal parts white vinegar and water and bringing it to a boil. As for the freezer, use disinfectant to ensure it’s completely clean before unplugging and leaving the door open to allow any ice build-up to melt.

If you’re considering the points within this article, you may be on the hunt for your next rental property. Browse the homes we have available here.

With Christmas on the horizon and a chilly winter around the corner, there are many things to look forward to (and prepare for) at this time of year. To get your home ready in time for winter’s festivities and inclement weather, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

Replace floor protectors on chairs

Particularly if your home has hardwood floors, the influx of guests brought in by the festive season could result in your dining chairs scraping and scratching your flooring. Check their feet, and add or replace floor-protecting pads if necessary.

Check paths, stairs and railings for safety

As icy mornings set in, your pathways will become more slippery, and could lead to risk if the footing is uneven or a railing isn’t sturdy. Be sure to inspect the outside of your home, paying special attention to walkways, stairs, and railings, and make repairs where needed, before the evenings grow even darker and the temperatures drop.

Welcome nature into your garden

Although hibernation season is upon us, there are still some critters and feathered friends who could use extra help when wild food becomes scarce and water sources freeze. Create a safe spot for nonmigrating birds, by keeping your feeders full and replenishing any water sources in your garden daily. You could also consider adding a bug hotel in your garden, so our pollinators and their friends have somewhere warm and dry to rest.

Get a head start on Christmas prep

If you plan on hosting around the Christmas period, it’s a good idea to take some time now and prepare a few things in advance. Polish your special occasion silverware and favourite plates, clean and iron the fancy linens and tablecloths, and plan out your dining table décor – you’ll thank yourself later.

Deep-clean the bathroom

Aim to schedule a deep clean of the bathroom and guest toilet, so that a quick surface wipe-down will be all you’ll need to get things looking spotless again during the festive season.

Cover any gaps

Minor misalignments of windows and doors, or cracks in the walls may not seem like much of an issue, but your home could lose a considerable amount of heat, and rainwater has a better chance of entering. Check your home for any gaps and cracks and make sure they’re sealed – whether it’s through DIY or investing in a tradesperson.

Remove the last of the autumn leaves

Aim to fit in a gutter-cleaning session once the last leaves have fallen — but before the first fall of snow.

Fix plumbing issues before waiting times skyrocket 

If you’re experiencing problems with your plumbing, don’t wait until the busy festive season, when it may be more difficult to find an available plumber. You’ll avoid a Christmas without running water if you fix it now, before the issue worsens over winter.

Bring bulbs indoors

Potted bulbs make a lovely, thoughtful gift, and if you’re potting them for yourself, it’s easy enough to make a bunch to give away throughout the holiday season.

Stock up for winter

Dark, icy, and snowy mornings are hardly the ideal time for last minute trips to the shop for essentials. Taking the time now to stock up on winter gear and supplies will ensure less stress when the weather is not all that desirable.

• Check scrapers and de-icers; replace as needed
• If you use a fireplace or wood stove, order extra firewood
• Stock up on pet and plant safe ice melt
• Replenish emergency kits for car and home

If you’re considering selling in November, we can help you. Book a valuation today.

Every decade brings along a new wave of first-time buyers, and this time around, millennials are on the market. To help you draw in this new pool of potential buyers, we’ve found the top features that most millennials will seek out in their ideal homes…

Sustainable and eco-friendly

Most modern buyers will be deterred by poor energy efficiency, as the impact it has on the environment (and monthly bills) is becoming a notoriously unattractive factor. Millennials want to reduce their carbon footprints as much as possible in their homes – from air source heat pumps to solar panels – even if this means pushing out the budget a little further. Homes that offer energy saving solutions are hot on the market for younger buyers and will become increasingly more valuable over time.

Good value for money

Millennials will want to know that their bills are being kept to a minimal while also having a home that caters to their every needs. These types of buyers will be new to the house buying process and might still be finding their financial feet, so being careful with money and making responsible choices is key. Often, they are also savvy about the schemes that are available to help them onto the ladder, and switched-on about which properties will cost more to run.

Visual appeal

Even while the market experiences unprecedented levels of short supply, millennial buyers are known for being selective about properties based on their appearance. They’re also drawn to visuals, and many will expect video tours to be available on the listings they browse, before committing to a booking. The information provided on the listing should also be as thorough as possible, as millennials like to know all the ins-and-outs of a property before attending a viewing. They will also undoubtedly read reviews online beforehand.

Location

Millennials will prefer to be in the heart of a great location, surrounded by a good community and local amenities for convenience. With many young buyers on the market being remote workers, location has become more important than ever before. The working from home buyer will seek out a quiet, scenic spot, with enough local shops and footpaths close by to fill up the lunch hour. While a commuting buyer will want a spot right in the city, with good commuter links and plenty of amenities available for the morning rush.

Convenience

After years of apartment living, millennial buyers will be highly attracted to a house which offers good storage space. Laundry rooms and pantries may also be important to these buyers, and they are likely to be attracted to a ‘ready-to-go’ home complete with all appliances, if it comes within budget.

Do you have a property that ticks all of these boxes? We could have a buyer waiting for you. Get in touch with us today to discuss the local demand for properties like yours.