Property managers face an ongoing struggle to meet the needs of both their clients and tenants. One of the most efficient ways to do so is to ensure occupant satisfaction. This strategy can go a long way in improving efficiency by reducing tenant complaints to save time and money.
In this blog, we will look at the importance of move-out cleaning to increase tenant satisfaction, reduce property manager workloads, and meet the demands of your clients.
What is a move-out cleaning?
A move-out cleaning is a thorough unit cleaning performed between tenants. Most leases require tenants to leave their units as close to their original condition as possible on moving day.
As a result, tenants often hire professional cleaners to conduct a move-out cleaning. It’s also common for new tenants to arrange for professional move-in cleaning services for peace of mind.
However, property managers who invest in a professional move-out cleaning service are more likely to reduce complaints when new tenants move in. Exceptional property managers view professional move-out cleaning as a critical step in the tenant turnover process.
They understand that regularly scheduled turnover cleanings give them an upper hand, ensuring clean, hygienic, and stress-free walk-throughs that help improve tenant satisfaction.
What is included in move-out cleaning services?
Move-out property cleaning services are designed to touch every surface and corner of the unit to create a clean slate for new tenants. The following property cleaning tasks are typically performed to the highest standards:
- Bathtub and shower enclosure
- Inside, outside, and behind toilet
- Lights, mirrors, sinks, countertops
- Vacuum ceiling fan cover
- Vanity inside and out
- All unit light switches and door knobs
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Wipe all baseboards and window ledges
- Inside microwave, fridge, and oven
- Stovetop
- Polish fridge front
- Backsplash, counter tops, cupboard fronts
- Wipe inside cabinets and drawers
- Clear air vent and lint trap in laundry room
- Wipe the washer and dryer
Each of these steps ensures the unit is presentable, hygienic, odour-free, and liveable so tenants can move in without complaints. It is also the perfect opportunity to take pictures of the unit’s pristine condition as a reference for the final walk-through when a tenant moves out.
Compliance With the Landlord and Tenant Act
Move-out cleaning services provide property management teams with an end-to-end professional cleaning service to improve compliance with the Landlord and Tenant Act. Although tenants are responsible for keeping units clean, any mess left behind must be handled before the new tenant moves in.
Even if you are seeking compensation for damage or unhygienic conditions left behind by the old tenants, you have a duty to take care of the cleaning regardless of lawsuits, etc.
As well, money from the deposit can be applied to the move-out cleaning services. It’s important to conduct a thorough inspection and schedule a move-out cleaning in a timely manner to avoid complaints.
A Move-Out Cleaning Creates Stronger Tenant/Landlord Relationships
Tenant churn costs property owners money. By arranging for regular move-out cleaning services, you can help build stronger tenant/landlord relationships by starting off on the right foot.
Property management plays an essential role in maintaining relationships and reducing tenant churn. Your bottom line is also impacted by tenant complaints that require action at your expense.
The time and effort invested in regular property cleaning services will reduce complaints, enhance occupant satisfaction, help decrease vacancies, and improve optics on the performance of your property management team.
Property Management Can Reduce Administrative Tasks
Depending on the size of the property you manage, moving day can be hectic. This is especially true in the summer months which tend to see the highest number of unit turnover. By ensuring you effectively manage every step, you can reduce the administrative tasks required on moving days.
Move-out cleanings are one of those steps, and also the step most likely to generate complaints if not handled well. If you partner with a professional move-out cleaning company, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, effectively reducing administrative tasks related to tenant turnover.
Move-Out Cleanings Show Vacant Units Well
For unexpected moves, or in situations where tenants break a lease and move without notice, move-out cleanings help present vacant units well. You can have a team perform a thorough property cleaning, addressing critical tasks on your list.
You’ll have the confidence to show the unit without concerns about unexpected discoveries such as unhygienic bathroom conditions, built-up kitchen grease, crusted food in the microwave, or mould and mildew under the sink. As a result, you can quickly fill vacancies.
Reduce the Risk of Pests With a Move-Out Cleaning
Dirty vacant units can increase the risk of pests. This can lead to a complete infestation of the entire property, which will cost thousands of dollars to eliminate. It can also reduce lease renewals, thus increasing vacancies.
Food particles in crevices, empty drawers, under the stove, etc., can attract pests such as ants, roaches, and rodents. Arranging for a move-out cleaning between tenants helps ensure every crevice is clean and free of food debris to help reduce the risk of pests.
How Property Management Companies Can Retain Clients
Property management companies must offer a superior level of service to retain their portfolio of clients. A major aspect of property management success lies in contributing to happy, satisfied tenants.
As mentioned, move-out cleanings help create stronger landlord/tenant relationships by improving satisfaction. This is critical to your success and plays a major role in retaining your clients.
Taking extra steps that improve the overall efficiency of your team’s performance contributes to your clients’ satisfaction. The cost of move-out cleanings is small, making it a wise investment that helps free up time for your property management team. As a result, you can remain more responsive to both tenants and your property owner clients.
Contact the Move-Out Cleaning Experts
Move-out cleaning services help support and streamline the tenant turnover process for property managers. Therefore, it is a step worth investigating as part of your property management strategy.
Property managers are welcome to learn more about Maid4Condos’ professional move-out cleaning services. We specialize in thorough cleanings, and also offer special services ideal for move-out cleaning jobs, such as our GermBlasters and deep cleaning services. To learn more about our move-out cleaning services, call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.
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