Cleaning a rental property thoroughly before showing it to prospective tenants is crucial for making a positive first impression. When an existing lease term ends, or whatever the reasons the previous tenant leaves, the house may look awkward. This will lower the value of your home to the prospective tenants.
That’s why we created this complete checklist for landlords. So, your rental property can attract high-paying prospects, and you get the best value for your investment.
However, if you don’t know, showing an occupied home to prospective tenants is the best option for many reasons. I explained these benefits in another post. Please feel free to check it afterward.
I assume your home is vacant, and the previous tenant has left. How can you clean the property at this stage? This is exactly what I am going to show you now.
Shall we proceed? Let’s get started.
A complete checklist for cleaning a rental property
Every house differs according to size, features, equipment, appliances, etc. So, in a few cases, some landlords may need additional steps. For example, if your home roof is built with ancient asphalt shingles and a few are missing or covered with debris, you need additional steps.
Anyway, here I will point out what every type of home needs—at least widespread steps for cleaning.
Create a Cleaning Checklist:
- Break down the cleaning tasks room by room to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Prioritize areas that potential tenants are likely to inspect closely, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Related: Can a landlord show an apartment while occupied?
Gather Cleaning Supplies:
- Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies, including cleaning solutions, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, vacuum cleaners, mop, and garbage bags.
Related: List of handyman services and their meaning
Start with Decluttering:
- Remove any personal items left by the previous tenant.
- Declutter common areas to make the space look more spacious and inviting.
Related: What is a good return (ROI) on a rental property?
Clean Walls and Baseboards:
- Clean the walls using a moist cloth to eliminate dirt and fingerprints.
- Clean baseboards using a mild cleaning solution.
Dust and Clean Light Fixtures:
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Clean light switches and outlets.
Clean Windows and Window Treatments:
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Clean blinds or curtains.
Deep Clean Carpets and Floors:
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly.
- Consider professional carpet cleaning if necessary.
- Mop hard floors and clean grout if applicable.
Scrub Kitchen Appliances and Surfaces:
- Clean inside and outside of appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher).
- Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes.
- Clean the sink and faucets.
Disinfect Bathroom Surfaces:
- Scrub the bathtub, shower, and tiles.
- Clean the toilet, including the bowl, seat, and surrounding areas.
- Wipe down bathroom counters and clean mirrors.
Check and Replace Furnace/Air Filters:
- Ensure that HVAC filters are clean or replace them if necessary.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Make sure detectors are functioning properly and have fresh batteries.
Pay Attention to Outdoor Areas:
- Sweep and clean the entryway.
- Trim bushes and mow the lawn, if applicable.
- Clean outdoor furniture if present.
Attend to Odors:
- Identify and eliminate any unpleasant odors.
- Consider using air fresheners or opening windows for ventilation.
Final Walk-Through:
- Conduct a final walk-through to ensure all cleaning tasks are completed.
- Address any remaining issues before showing the property.
Professional Cleaning Services:
- If needed, consider hiring professional cleaners for a more thorough job.
Remember, a clean, well-maintained property will attract quality tenants. Taking the time to prepare the rental property and spending money for cleaning is worth it.
Conclusion
In the future, if you get the chance, try to show your rental home to the prospects when it’s occupied. It has lots of advantages. I mentioned the link to that post at the being of this post.
Avoiding any extra or silly things, I tried my best to keep this post short so you can get the gist from the very beginning. However, if you have any questions or suggestions to improve this post, please let me know in the comments.
