How can you get tenants to clean regularly is a challenge for many property managers, so this week maintenance company Keepe provides some ideas on how to get tenants to clean regularly in order to help keep your rental property in good condition.
In fact, with the coronavirus pandemic, now is the best time as a property manager to ensure that your tenants adopt regular cleaning practices.
But how do you get tenants to clean regularly?
Here are five tested ways to get your tenants to clean your rental property regularly.
No. 1 – Include cleaning as part of the lease
The truth is that most property managers fail to include this clause in the lease agreement. By not adding this requirement in the agreement, it may not be easy for you to enforce it in reality.
You should add this clause in the lease from the beginning.
Even though you can amend the contract to accommodate a new cleaning requirement, remember that the tenants are under no legal obligation to accept it at this point.
No. 2- Communicate your expectations
As a property manager, it is necessary that you communicate your cleaning expectations to your tenants.
As the American Bar Association points out, the tenant has the duty not to “commit waste.” In layman’s terms, that means a tenant can’t cause permanent and unreasonable damage to the property.
While statements such as, “When a tenant moves out, the property must be returned in original condition” are usually found in lease agreements, they unfortunately do not clearly communicate your expectations.
In your lease agreement with incoming tenants, clearly state your cleaning expectations and how they can achieve it.
No. 3 – Be very specific
Including a clause that requires your tenants to clean may be vague and confusing for them to adhere to. Your requirements must be specific and achievable.
Your cleaning requirement must cover the following:
- When to clean
- Where to clean
- How to clean, and other essential aspects.
You may decide to add a clause that allows you to hire a cleaning company with the expense paid by your renters if they fail to keep the premises clean.
Check with your legal representative if it is legal to do so.
No. 4 – Document the mess
Documenting the mess created by tenants is a good way to gather evidence either when they are moving out, or you are doing inspections.
It is also advisable that you have documented proof of the mess since your tenant might challenge your right to keep their security deposit.
Taking photos and video may be the easiest way for you to document a mess at no real cost.
No. 5 – Embark on regular inspections
You must do regular inspections. This may be at least three to five times a year.
Include a clause in the lease agreement that gives you the right to entry so you can visit regularly.
Usually, you must inform your tenants at least 24 hours before the date of the visitation. Chances are that they may step up their cleaning energy and get the property in an appealing condition before your visit.
What could be a good cleaning schedule?
According to research, it good practice to have a consistent cleaning schedule.
Whenever possible, deep cleaning every other month is strongly recommended, and this usually requires a professional in order to clean the property more thoroughly. Deep cleaning includes disinfecting less-commonly touched areas like bathroom floors, bathtubs, ceiling fans, refrigerator tops, window sills, etc.
As for more regular DIY cleaning by tenants, vacuuming and mopping commonly visited areas and disinfecting commonly touched objects once a week would be ideal.
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