Author: Patrick Martel

In Toronto, landlords must comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards. Although tenants share responsibility for maintaining a reasonable level of repair and cleanliness in the unit, the bottom line is that you won’t find new tenants if the unit is dirty. 

In this article, we will share four professional cleaning tips for a successful clean between tenants.

1. Enlist current tenants

In Ontario, tenants leaving their rental units must give at least 30 days’ notice for yearly or monthly leases and at least 28 days’ notice for daily or weekly leases. 

Once a tenant gives notice, send a polite note reminding them they are responsible for cleaning their unit before they go. You can include a list of tasks to help them understand what this involves. 

It sometimes helps to highlight the clause in the lease indicating the terms related to the condition they must leave the unit in when they move. This ensures they know what needs to be done while reducing the amount of cleaning you’ll have to complete once they move out, thus saving you time and money.

2. Inspect the unit

You have a right to inspect the unit before your tenants move out. You must provide 24 hours’ written notice to inspect the unit. To keep things amicable, try to work with your tenant to find an agreeable time for your inspection. This will just make it easier for everyone involved. 

Although normal wear and tear is a given, look for obvious damage caused by the tenant and create a list, preferably with images, of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Share the list with the tenant and let them know they need to address the damage before they go. 

In most cases, this will not be necessary. However, in Toronto, tenants are responsible for repairs to damage caused while they live there—even if it was damage caused by guests. 

Make a list of major concerns that you can address before showing the unit to potential tenants. This is important as it ensures the unit is as presentable as possible. You want tenants to feel safe in the space and clean apartments in good repair feel secure and homey. 

If you need to make repairs or updates in the unit, the law requires you to give the current tenant 24 hours’ notice if they are still living there. This is especially important for things you are responsible for providing under landlord regulations, such as heating, running water, etc.

3. Create a go-to apartment turnover checklist

Create an apartment turnover cleaning list you can use for every cleaning between tenants. This will include:

Kitchen:

• Floors
• Cabinets
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Stove and oven
• Counters, sink, and garbage disposal

Bathroom:

• Toilet
• Floors
• Vanity
• Sink and cabinets
• Bath, shower, and surrounding area
• Grout

All rooms:

• Light fixtures
• Trim moulding
• Walls and doors
• Windows and blinds
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Professional carpet cleaning
• Laundry and storage areas

You can also include general maintenance on your checklist, such as:

• Paint touch-ups or repainting
• Replacing air filters and lightbulbs
• Tightening loose cabinet and door knobs
• Clearing clogs
• Ensuring smoke detectors are working with new batteries
• Addressing leaks in drains and pipes
• Mould clean-up
• Appliance maintenance

This will ensure you have a solid apartment turnover process that you can follow between tenants.

4. Schedule professional Toronto cleaning services

Once you receive notice that a tenant is moving, schedule move-out Toronto cleaning services to manage the work. No matter how hard you clean, you won’t reach the level of cleaning that your tenants deserve. 

You can reduce your own workload and ensure the job gets done to the highest possible standards. It will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding complaints and keeping your new tenants happy. 

Before choosing Toronto cleaning services, review their move-out cleaning list to ensure it meets your expectations. Discuss any specialty jobs you might want to see if they can handle those details as well. For example, a deep cleaning is advisable, as this ensures every inch of your unit is spotless. In fact, many landlords opt for a disinfecting clean to kill germs and bacteria. Our Germblasters service is an excellent option.

Tips to Help Attract and Retain Tenants

To help attract and retain tenants, you should always take a proactive approach to maintenance, including:

• Keep up with tenant requests: Listen to current tenants’ needs when they request repairs to reduce tenant churn. They live in the unit and are familiar with its shortcomings. In most cases, requests are reasonable, and it is a major benefit to make repairs while they are affordable instead of waiting for the issues to cause further damage. 
• Manage unit systems: Pay close attention to things, like in-unit HVAC and appliance maintenance, to increase life and improve performance and energy efficiency. It takes minimal time, and when part of a comprehensive maintenance plan, it also saves money. 
• Examine plumbing: Leaks can lead to mould and water damage, which are hard to clean and costly to repair. They can also compromise the structure of floors and walls if the leaks are allowed to settle in major wood components such as joists and supports. 
• Check smoke detectors: Let tenants know you will check smoke detectors in the spring and fall to make sure they work. This way, you keep tenants safe and avoid liabilities should a fire or C02 leak occur. 
• Clean exterior windows: Exterior window dirt and grime interfere with natural light and make units appear uncared for. Cleaning exterior windows at least once a year improves views from inside the unit while increasing natural light, a highly desirable feature for most tenants. 
• Maintain doors and windows: Replace damaged door and window seals with the change of the seasons. This helps provide a tight seal to protect against air and water infiltration and also improve energy efficiency.
• Replace anything broken: Replace broken light fixtures, window panes and screens, etc. as soon as possible to keep the unit and common areas looking their best. 
• Improve security: Ensure unit entry doors are secure with functioning locks and consider installing smart locks to make the change over to new tenants easier, safer, and more affordable. 

Your tenants will appreciate your efforts and might even decide to stay, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning between tenants as often.

Call the Cleaning Professionals

If you would like more information about Maid4Condos’ professional Toronto cleaning services between tenants, click here for a free quote. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

It’s true that house cleaning is a pain. However, using the right approach to cleaning can make life easier. In this article, we will share our do’s and don’ts to keep your home clean without causing more harm than good.

Professional Cleaning Services Housekeeping Do’s

• Do wash before you disinfect: Although washing with soap and water first adds a second step to your washing, it is particularly important in the bathroom and kitchen. These areas call for disinfecting cleaners. However, they won’t work if you use them on a dirty surface.
• Do kill viruses and bacteria on high-touch surfaces daily: COVID-19 taught us that germs spread when we cough and sneeze, as well as through touch. Washing high-touch areas with an antibacterial wipe will reduce the spread of germs.  
• Do wash toys: Tossing dryer-safe soft toys in the dryer every now and then kills dust mites and helps remove allergens. You can also put most plastic toys in the dishwasher. Just check labels to make sure you won’t ruin them.
• Do use surface-appropriate cleaners: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any cleaning product on the surfaces in your home.
• Do clean your coffee machine: The reservoir in your coffee machine can become contaminated if you don’t clean it often enough. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how often they recommend cleaning and follow the recommended steps.
• Do clean your garbage disposal: If you have a garbage disposal, keep it germ and odour-free by feeding it some lemons or baking soda and white vinegar weekly.
• Do deep clean your major appliances monthly: Use this schedule to keep your appliances clean:
  • Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle using baking soda and white vinegar once a month.
  • Fridge: Clean your fridge shelves and drawers every month or two.
  • Washer: If you have a front-loading washer, use a washer-cleaning product every three to four months to remove soap scum from the seal.
  • Oven: Deep clean your oven every three to four months to remove greasy buildup.
• Do dry work first: Dusting and sweeping/vacuuming should always be done first before you apply wet cleaning solutions. Otherwise, you’ll be creating a mess that adheres to surfaces.
• Do clean from top to bottom: Cleaning from top to bottom allows you to remove dirt as you work. If you start at the bottom, any cleaning you’ve done will be ruined as dust falls from areas you clean above. 
• Do use the least harmful cleaners first: Instead of always reaching for the bleach and heavy-duty toxic cleaners, use a mild cleaner to see if it works first. This reduces toxins in the home and avoids wear and tear on your surfaces.
• Do put together a cleaning caddy: Use a cleaning caddy stocked with all your housecleaning staples. You can carry it around from room to room to make your cleaning more efficient. You won’t have to keep running to grab the right tool or cleaning product. Opt for all-purpose cleaners that tackle multiple jobs and surfaces so you’re not lugging around a massive caddy.
• Do be careful using cleaning products: Drips from cleaning products should be avoided, as they can damage other surfaces. For example, a strong cleaner used on your oven will damage wood floors. Drips into electronics can also cause permanent damage.  
• Do follow manufacturers’ instructions: When using any cleaning product, always read the instructions first. You might find that you can’t use it on certain surfaces, or it requires a soaking period or special protective equipment like gloves or a mask. The same rule applies to your belongings. Don’t try to wash anything without reading the manufacturer’s care manual or label.
  

Professional Cleaning Services Housekeeping Don’ts

• Don’t forget out-of-sight areas: Out of sight is out of mind, but that hidden dirt is still harmful. Dusty buildup can irritate allergies and asthma symptoms, so don’t overlook those nooks, corners, and areas like ceiling fans/lighting fixtures, baseboards, under the furniture and appliances, the tops of kitchen cabinets, etc.
• Don’t ignore spills: If you spill something, whether it’s on the kitchen counter, the floor, or anywhere else, always wipe it up immediately so it doesn’t get sticky or cause stains.
• Don’t wipe away disinfectants before they do their job: Disinfectants need time to kill bacteria and germs. Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure they’re doing their job.
• Don’t use bleach if you don’t have to: Bleach is a harsh cleaner and disinfectant that can be hard on your skin, lungs, and eyes. If you don’t need it, use other cleaners instead, including natural solutions like vinegar. If you do use it, keep the windows open.
• Don’t assume natural cleaners are safe on all surfaces: Natural, non-toxic cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda can damage surfaces such as marble and wood. Don’t assume it is safe to use just because it’s natural.
• Don’t put cleaning off: Putting basic cleaning tasks off just leads to a bigger mess. As a result, you end up working much harder. Keeping on top of small cleaning tasks allows you to avoid major cleaning marathons.
• Don’t waste time: Work smarter, not harder. You’re probably catching on that working in small bursts with regular cleaning avoids long-haul cleaning marathons. You can also do double duty by tackling a few jobs at once. If your disinfectant is at work, move on to another job, like washing the dishes. You’ll finish your cleaning sooner.  
• Don’t forget to spot-test cleaning products: When cleaning soft surfaces, always do a spot test in a hidden area first. This will avoid damaging items like upholstered furniture or carpeting.
• Don’t mix cleaning products: Never mix cleaning products. For example, if you’re scrubbing your tub and find the cleaner you used isn’t working, don’t apply another cleaner. First, thoroughly rinse the other cleaner away. Also, don’t try to make your own concoction by mixing full-strength cleaners together. Most cleaners will cause a chemical reaction that produces toxic fumes that can lead to serious injury. 

These do’s and don’ts will keep you safe, protect your belongings, and also make the job easier.

Maid4Condos: Your Cleaning Experts

If you’d prefer to avoid house cleaning altogether, click here to learn more about Maid4Condos’ deep cleaning and professional cleaning services. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.

Managing rental properties is a time-consuming job requiring a team of professionals to keep things running smoothly. You have a responsibility to maintain the building to meet the needs of your tenants, whether it is a three-story “walk-up” or a high-rise building with over 100 units. 

Building a relationship with a professional cleaning company can help streamline cleaning processes and maintain a high standard of cleanliness to attract and retain tenants. Cleaning companies make your job easier, taking over the daunting task of cleaning all apartment units as tenants come and go. 

Here we look at the benefits of cleaning companies and why you should use one to help manage one, especially during the busy apartment turnover process at month’s end. 

What are the Benefits of Hiring Cleaning Companies for Rental Properties?

The more units you manage, the more difficult it becomes to keep your property presentable. There are several benefits to working with a cleaning company to help maintain your property, including:

Reduced Tenant Complaints

Clean apartments provide the living standards all tenants deserve. When you keep the units in your building well-maintained, tenants are kept happy, which helps to reduce complaints. 

You can also do a better job because you’re not dodging bullets from angry tenants who expect their units to feel safe and sanitary.

Attract Tenants

First impressions matter when prospective tenants arrive at an apartment or condo they hope to call home. Part of your job is to ensure the unit makes an excellent first impression to attract tenants. 

Tenants are also more likely to stay longer if satisfied with the building and feel confident you are meeting their needs. Professional cleaners provide superior move-in/move-out cleaning services, so tenants are always happy with their new homes. 

There are no delays on moving day because your move-out cleanings are prearranged with your professional cleaning partners. Your team has time to do a quick inspection feeling confident the cleaning will be up to snuff. 

The work involved in the move-in/move-out cleaning process is challenging to manage when you are dealing with multiple moves each month. Working with a cleaning partner specializing in the apartment turnover process helps streamline move-out cleanings, so property management and superintendent aren’t forced to manage these cleanings alone. 

Hiring a specialist is essential as they provide a deep cleaning that sanitizes the entire space from top to bottom and room to room, including the bathrooms and kitchen area. As a result, tenants feel safe and comfortable in their new home. 

Higher Tenant Retention

High tenant turnover costs property owners money. The more empty units you have, the less rent is collected and the less income the property generates. As a property manager, your job is to ensure that the property retains its value and that tenants are happy. 

Cleaners provide first-class move-in cleaning services so the unit meets tenant expectations. Your tenants will never feel they made a mistake signing their lease. 

An excellent first impression from day one helps set the tone for the relationship, improving tenant retention.

Improved Property Management

When you no longer worry about apartment turnover cleaning, you can focus on higher-value tasks. As a result, the property has improved levels of property management with increased efficiency. 

You can manage tenants effectively and reduce operational costs through your new efficiencies. You can enhance property management productivity, including:

• Ease of use to arranging for cleanings with a cleaning company on board
• Improved optics for corporate social responsibility
• Simplified, affordable true billing and invoicing
• Time and cost savings through monthly volume discounts
• Master class trained and certified cleaners with a proven move-out cleaning technique

Your cleaning partners “own” the apartment turnover process. As a result, your team is free of cleaning tasks and related administrative tasks, such as:

• Managing cleaning teams
• Coordinating work orders for move-out cleaning
• Ensuring every apartment is move-in ready by the first of each month, aka – moving day 

Safe, Hygienic Cleaning

Professional cleaners follow industry best practices to maintain a consistent, high level of cleanliness to meet the expectations of tenants and property owners. They help keep your building safe and hygienic, removing bacteria and germs that make people ill. Not only are tenants healthier, but you also reduce sick days for your property management team.

Condo cleaners specifically specialize in condo unit cleaning, including rental units, making indvidual owners’ lives easier as landlords. You don’t have to worry about cleaning the unit yourself and can rest assured that your new tenants won’t call with complaints because the unit is not up to their standards.

Demonstrate Your Competence

A building with clean, welcoming units reflects well on you, and everyone involved in the management of the buility. Whether you’re an owner or property manager, your ability to delegate and call in the pros to manage tasks effectively speaks to your understanding of your role. 

As mentioned above, you also free up more time to focus on critical tasks, making you more strategic, saving time and money. Whether you work directly for the building owner or with a property management company, the ability to deliver top-notch service helps you maintain a reputation of excellence. 

What to Look for in Rental Property Cleaning Companies

Before committing to a cleaning service, you want to ensure they offer the following:

• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: This is a must as it shows the company stands behind its work.
• Experience: A company that has only been operating for a few years will need more expertise to manage the cleaning needs of a large rental property.
• Customization: No two properties are alike, and customization ensures you meet the specifics of your building’s needs.
• Timely and Flexible Service: Your cleaners should accommodate your schedule with flexible availability.
• Training Process: Professional cleaning services have a robust training process that ensures each cleaner that enters your building is master class trained and certified.
• Supervision: Ask how cleaning crews are supervised, and if so, how. Supervision improves quality control and reduces the risk of poor quality.  
• Insurance: Your professional cleaning company should be fully insured with at least $5,000,000 in liability.
• Cleaning Staff: All staff should be bonded, covered by WSIB, and undergo a thorough background check.
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods: Today, tenants worry more about the environment and their health. Your cleaners should use professional-grade, biodegradable products free of harsh chemicals that are safe for the environment.
• Excellent Communication and Responsiveness: Your cleaning company should have a contact you deal with, so you can discuss changing needs. They should also be open to feedback and willing to accommodate your needs.

Cleaning companies that meet the requirements of this checklist are sure to provide the level of cleaning you expect. In addition, hiring a professional cleaning company reflects well on the building and your ability to do your job.

Looking for a professional cleaning company?

If your current rental property cleaning method doesn’t meet the needs of your tenants, call the team at Maid4Condos. As one of Toronto’s best cleaning companies, we can help. Click here for a quick quote or contact us here.

Those longer spring days draw more attention to the dirt that builds up in your home over the winter months. That’s likely one of the reasons many of us celebrate the arrival of spring with a bucket of warm soapy water and a pair of rubber gloves! 

Spring Cleaning Checklist

When spring cleaning season arrives, it’s time to hunker down and tackle that long list of cleaning to-dos. To ensure you don’t “miss a spot,” we’ve used our residential cleaning services experience to create the only spring cleaning checklist you’ll ever need.

Remove Cobwebs and Ceiling Dust

Spring cleaning calls for a top-down approach. Before you do anything else, grab your broom and run it along the line where your ceiling meets the wall. Your broom is a cobweb magnet and will capture the clumps of dust so you can grab them and toss them in the garbage.  

Dust Off Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans

With the cobwebs cleared, you can move on to the light fixtures and ceiling fans. Use a duster with an extendable handle to remove dust and cobwebs. The mess will fall everywhere, so you need to get this out of the way before you can dust the area below.

Tackle the Walls

Use your duster to wipe down your walls and remove any clinging dust and cobwebs left behind. Using a duster takes care of anything that can fall, making cleaning the rest of the home difficult. 

The walls won’t be filthy in most spots. However, you want to pay special attention to areas like wall corners, lower spots in high-traffic areas where there might be scruff marks, and on and around switchplates. An all-purpose cleaner will do the trick.

Get Down and Clean Baseboards

Baseboards are real dust collectors and, during the spring-cleaning process, are also drip collectors. Once your walls are clean, get down and give your baseboards a good wipe with an all-purpose cleaner to complete cleaning your walls. 

Professionally Clean Carpets

If you have carpets or area rugs, this is the perfect time of year to have a professional carpet cleaner come in and clean them. Most will pick up your area rugs, clean them and then deliver them once they’re done. Doing this will create an excellent clean base for your rooms and makes it easier to keep your carpets clean with regular vacuuming.

Dry Clean Window Treatments

Although many curtains today are machine washable, sending them out for a professional dry cleaning is best. You’ll get out all the dust and brighten them up. Your dry cleaner will also press them, making them nice and smooth. 

Dust and Clean Blind Slats

Dusting and cleaning blind slats is an essential spring cleaning chore that helps reduce dust in your home and keeps indoor air quality slightly healthier. It’s worth investing in a duster with static power to handle this particular job.

Vacuum Kitchen Drawers and Shelves

Vacuuming kitchen drawers and shelves is tedious, but it is the best way to remove crumbs. If you don’t have a vacuum to do this, use a cloth to brush crumbs from shelves into a dust pan. Then, pull out the drawers and shake the crumbs into the garbage or sink. 

You should also remove everything from the drawers and shelves. Removing everything allows you to clear the crumbs and then wipe everything down. Before putting everything away, reorganize your cupboards and drawers to free up space. Consider laying down shelving paper and drawer liners for a nice finishing touch.

Dry Clean Your Duvet and Pillows

Although you are washing the rest of your bed linens frequently, your duvet and pillows are not always washer and dryer safe. You can send them out to the dry cleaners to get them nice and clean. If you have tons of throw pillows throughout your home, bring them along. Most dry cleaners offer a throw pillow-cleaning service.

Shampoo Your Upholstered Furniture

Ask your carpet cleaning company if they offer upholstery cleaning services as well. You don’t have to do this, but keeping your furniture looking its best is a nice touch. 

Steam Clean Tiles and Grout

Whether it’s your kitchen or the bathroom tile, a good steam cleaning will make your tile and grout look brand new. It also removes a year’s worth of bacteria and germs! Many residential cleaning services offer deep cleaning for tile and grout, so your home is healthy and sanitized. 

Clean Under Furniture and Appliances

Let’s assume you don’t do this during your weekly cleaning. Pulling out your furniture and appliances reveals a mess you wish you hadn’t seen. However, vacuuming the mess and following up with a thorough cleaning for hard floor surfaces will help you lose the ick factor and feel much better about your home.

Wash the Windows

Don’t let all that spring sunshine go to waste. Let lovely clean windows fill your home with natural light. If you live in an apartment, you might not be able to clean the outside of your windows, but you can still make your windows look great inside. The best window cleaner is a mix of vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Spritz the windows and use newspaper or a microfibre cloth to wipe away the spray for a spotless, streak-free shine.

Clean Your Closets

While you’re in the mood for cleaning, open up your closets and organize them. Remove your heavier winter clothes to make room for your lighter-weight sweaters for spring. 

Remove anything you haven’t worn in a year, give it to charity, or sell it. Invest in some baskets to help organize everything and use free spaces for additional storage. While you’re at it, sweep the floor. 

Remove the Boot Tray

That crusty old boot tray in your entry can be removed and stored away until the fall. Take the tray outside, shake it well, then rinse out all the crusty mess. Vacuum the floor, and wash away any salty, dirty boot residue to remove all evidence of the messy winter. 

Contact Maid4Condos for Residential Cleaning Services

If spring cleaning isn’t your idea of fun, call the team at Maid4Condos residential cleaning services to perform a deep cleaning for your entire home. To learn more, visit our website or contact us here.