Does Landlord Have to Clean Before The Tenant Move In?

Does the landlord have to clean a residential property for leasing before the tenant moves in? It is a practical and common question most people searching for a house or unit to rent should ask and know the answer of. Being a tenant is stressful, especially when you are at the end of tenancy and looking for a new property that is suitable and habitable. For making any residential property habitable, it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure the house/unit is clean and disinfected. He/she has to follow the guideline provided by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) which states that real estate has to be in good condition for a tenant to live safely. Here is a complete guide to help understand the responsibilities of a landlord regarding cleaning, actions a tenant can take if the property is not clean, and how to inspect a property before moving in.

What are the Responsibilities of a Landlord Related to Cleaning a Property?

Before a tenant moves into a residential property, the landlord has certain responsibilities to fulfil regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the house/unit. These responsibilities are mentioned as follows, and before moving in a tenant must make sure they are completed.

• The property has to be deep cleaned in-between tenancies. The option to get it purged by expert end of lease cleaners is viable.
• The property should be free of dust, dirt, bric-a-brac, grime, and other contaminants
• There shouldn’t be any mould or pest infestation
• While renting a property during a pandemic outbreak, the property needs to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly
• Depending on the lease agreement, the landlord may or may not request the previous tenants to perform end of tenancy cleaning by hiring professional end of lease cleaners in Townsville
• The property’s air vents, windows, and doors should be clean to avoid making tenants fall sick due to allergies or any other respiratory problems
• Products and tools used for cleaning the house/unit should be safe for tenants

What Actions Can A Tenant Take If The Property Is Not Clean?

When leasing a property in most rental agreements, it is stated and agreed by both parties that the property is clean and habitable. Therefore, in case the property is not cleaned as per the agreed terms upon/before the occupation, the tenant can take the following actions.

• Contact the landlord regarding the cleanliness problems and see what measures the property owner takes. If for any reason the property couldn’t be cleaned as per agreement, and the landlord is ready to make amends, then a decision should be reached among the tenant and landlord. The landlord can hire end of lease cleaners in Townsville to deep clean the real estate.
• It will be a breach of contract if the property is inhabitable due to poor hygiene, maintenance, and sanitation. If the landlord makes no amends, then the tenant can file for a breach and take legal actions to terminate the tenancy

Please Note: In case the tenant had agreed to occupy an unclean property then it is a mutual understanding between the landlord and lessee. The option for the lessee to get the property deep cleaned by professional end of lease cleaners in Townsville before moving is also plausible.

How to Inspect a Property before Leasing?

It is wise to inspect the property thoroughly when planning to inhabit a rented house or unit to ensure it is clean and liveable. In terms of sanitation, here are the things to inspect before leasing a new home.

• The floors, walls, countertops, and other surfaces are free of dust, dirt, and other pollutants
• The carpets are in good condition and don’t have dust, hair, debris, etc. If the previous occupant had pets, then double-check the carpets
• Check all the vents, ducts, and grills to see they not dirty
• There is no mould growth in the house
• There are no rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, or other pest infestation
• The cabinets, wardrobes, and other storage units are sanitary
• Windows and doors along with their frames are clean
• The kitchen and bathroom are clean and disinfected
• If the property has upholstery, then make sure it is clean and doesn’t smell
• There should not be any rubbish on the premises. For newly constructed properties, the tenant should inspect the property for spillages and bric-a-brac

If the property meets the tenant’s expectations and is in good condition, then it would be practical for the tenant to click pictures of the place. Taking pictures would help the tenant keep them as a reference and at the end of tenancy get it cleaned accordingly. Doing this is necessary because according to the guidelines of RTA in Townsville, Queensland, the property has to be returned in the same condition it was in during occupation. If professionals cleaned the property before moving in, then the tenant has to hire experienced end of lease cleaners in Townsville to sanitise the property as well.

The Bottom Line

It is a landlord’s responsibility to rent a property that is clean and disinfected, making it welcoming and habitable for the tenant. Therefore, before moving in a property, a tenant may expect the real estate to be free of contaminants and germs. The property may be cleaned by the previous tenants or professional end of lease cleaners in Townsville. In any case, it should be cleaned and ready for occupation by the new tenant as per the lease agreement.