Moving out at the end of a lease can be a stressful time. You want to make sure you get your full bond back, but after years of wear and tear, your property likely needs some work to restore it to its original state.
That’s where professional end of lease cleaners come in. Hiring a professional end of lease cleaning Geelong services takes the hassle out of move out and ensures your property meets the standards for a full bond refund.
But not all cleaning companies are created equal. Finding a high-quality, reputable service takes research.
This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the process of hiring professional cleaners to handle your end of lease cleaning. We’ll cover establishing your requirements, comparing quotes, verifying credentials, inspecting services, and more.
Following these steps helps you protect your bond, avoid cleaning headaches, and ensure your property looks pristine.
Define Your Cleaning Requirements
Before hiring professional cleaners, take time to define exactly what cleaning tasks you need them to complete. This will help ensure you hire the right cleaners and don’t pay more than required. Consider the following:
Types of Cleaning Tasks Required
- General cleaning: Vacuuming floors, mopping, dusting surfaces, cleaning bathrooms, etc.
- Oven/appliance cleaning: Thorough cleaning inside and out of oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.
- Window cleaning: Interior and exterior window cleaning.
- Carpet cleaning: Shampooing carpets and rugs.
- Pest control: Treating property for fleas, bed bugs, cockroaches, etc.
- Yard work: Mowing lawn, trimming bushes, clearing gutters, etc.
Make a comprehensive list of all cleaning tasks needed to meet end of lease requirements. Be as specific as possible.
Areas of the Property to be Cleaned
- Living spaces: Kitchen, bedrooms, living room, etc.
- Bathrooms: Showers, toilets, sinks, tiles, mirrors, etc.
- Common areas: Hallways, stairs, garage, patio, balcony, etc.
- Outdoors: Lawn, garden beds, gutters, exterior windows, etc.
Walk through the entire property and make note of all areas that require cleaning attention. Check your lease agreement for any specific inclusions/exclusions.
Clearly defining the cleaning tasks and areas needed will allow you to get accurate quotes and ensure the property meets end of lease standards.
Get Quotes from Multiple Companies
Getting quotes from several professional end of lease cleaning services in Geelong is highly recommended for a few important reasons:
- It allows you to compare prices and services. Rates can vary greatly between different cleaners, so it pays to shop around. Getting multiple quotes prevents you from overpaying.
- You can gauge the quality and professionalism of each company. By communicating with several providers, you’ll get a sense of their responsiveness, knowledge, and customer service. This helps determine who will best meet your needs.
- It provides flexibility and backup options. If your first choice falls through or you’re unhappy with their quote, you have alternate companies to turn to. Having multiple quotes line up gives you a safety net.
- You can use quotes as leverage in negotiations. Make companies aware you’re exploring multiple options. This creates healthy competition, which may motivate them to offer their best price or service package upfront.
Where are some places to get quotes from reputable and experienced end of lease cleaners?
- Ask property managers for references. They likely have partner companies they trust and can recommend.
- Search industry association websites for accredited members. For example, the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI).
- Check Next-door or neighbourhood Facebook groups. Neighbours may have recent recommendations for cleaners they’ve personally used.
- Look into franchise cleaning companies. Their national reputation may provide peace of mind despite higher prices.
Ideally, get 3-5 quotes for comparison. This will likely involve a mix of online research, referrals, and direct outreach to local cleaning companies through their websites or by phone.
Taking the time to gather multiple estimates will pay off in finding the right cleaner at the right price.
Check References and Reviews
Getting references and reading reviews is crucial when hiring professional end of lease cleaners. This helps ensure the company has a proven track record of providing high-quality cleaning services.
When checking reviews, look for consistent trends and patterns. No company is perfect, but you want to see that the majority of customers have been satisfied with the level of service. Pay attention to recent reviews, as they reflect the company’s current practices.
It’s also important to actually speak with references the company provides. Here are some key questions to ask:
- How long have you used this cleaning company? Were you satisfied with their services for your end of lease cleaning?
- Was the cleaning thorough and meet your expectations? Did they clean everything outlined in the contract?
- Did the cleaners arrive on time and finish within the timeframe estimated? Were there any communication issues?
- Would you recommend this company to your friends and family? Why or why not?
- Are there any areas of improvement you’d suggest for this company?
Speaking directly with references gives you an opportunity to get candid feedback. Pay attention to any hesitation, lack of specifics, or answers that raise red flags. Quality professional end of lease cleaners should have multiple references who enthusiastically vouch for their work.
Taking time to check references and reviews prevents unpleasant surprises down the road. It helps ensure the cleaners will live up to their promises and provide the level of service you need when vacating your rental property.
Don’t skip this important step!
Verify Licenses and Insurance
When hiring professional end of lease cleaners, it’s important to verify they have the proper licenses and insurance to operate legally and protect you from liability. Here’s what to look for:
Licenses and Certifications
- Business License – This ensures the cleaning company is registered with the state or local government to operate. It’s illegal for them to provide services without one.
- Bonding – This protects against theft or damage. Make sure the bond is current and covers all their employees.
- Eco WATER Certification – This indicates training in green cleaning methods and chemical handling. It’s not legally required but shows a higher standard.
- IICRC Certification – Issued by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, this demonstrates expertise in restoration and sanitisation. Relevant for biohazard cleaning.
- Other Specialty Licenses – If handling hazardous waste removal, mould remediation, etc., verify specific licenses.
Insurance Requirements
- General Liability Insurance – Protects against property damage or bodily injury caused by the cleaners. Require at least $1 million in coverage.
- Worker’s Compensation – Covers injuries to the cleaning staff. This is mandatory for all professional cleaning companies.
- Bonding – Provides protection if the cleaners steal or damage valuables in the home. Supplements general liability.
- Umbrella Insurance – Additional liability coverage beyond general insurance. Recommended for large cleaning jobs.
During the interview process, ask cleaners to provide copies of current licenses and proof of insurance. Reputable companies will readily provide this documentation. Avoid those unable or unwilling to verify proper credentials.
Schedule a Walkthrough
Before hiring a professional end of lease cleaning services in Geelong, schedule an on-site walkthrough. This allows the cleaners to evaluate the property and provide an accurate quote. It also gives you a chance to meet the cleaners in person.
A walkthrough offers several benefits:
- The cleaners can inspect every room and get a realistic idea of the work required. This prevents surprises or disputes later on.
- You can point out problem areas you want addressed, like carpet stains or dusty vents. The cleaners can then factor that into their quote.
- You can get a feel for the cleaners’ professionalism and cleaning expertise. Observe how thoroughly they inspect. Do they seem knowledgeable? Are they friendly and polite?
- It’s a chance to ask questions and go over expectations. Make sure you’re on the same page about what’s included and the timeline.
During the walkthrough, look out for these things:
- Do the cleaners seem to be meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny? Or are they rushing through? Thoroughness is essential.
- Are they using checklists or forms to document the condition of the property? This shows preparedness.
- Do they examine areas that are often overlooked, like inside cabinets, behind appliances, and under sinks? Deep cleaning matters.
- Are they friendly, punctual, and professional? You want cleaners who make a good impression.
- Do they ask clarifying questions and discuss your cleaning needs? Good communication is key.
Taking the time for an on-site walkthrough helps ensure you hire the right cleaners for the job. Both parties can set clear expectations, leading to better results.
Get it in Writing
Signing a contract with your end of lease cleaner is critical to protect yourself and ensure the work is completed properly. The contract should clearly spell out the services to be performed, timeline, and payment terms.
Elements of a Good End of Lease Cleaning Contract
- Clearly defined scope of work – All services to be performed should be enumerated, from general cleaning to specifics like oven cleaning, window washing, carpet cleaning etc.
- Timeline for completion – The contract should specify start and end dates for the cleaning service. Make sure they align with your lease end date and allow time for inspection.
- Payment terms – Deposit amount, final payment terms, and refund policies in case of cancellation or disputes should be outlined.
- Liability – The contract should state who is responsible in case of damages during cleaning.
- Insurance – Verify proof of insurance is attached to the contract.
Payment Terms
The payment structure may vary but often includes:
- Deposit upon signing contract
- Progress payments
- Final payment after completion and inspection
Avoid paying 100% upfront. Agree on deposit amount and tie payments to completion of cleaning stages. Hold back about 20% for final payment after a satisfactory final inspection.
Timeline
- Initial consultation: 1 week before cleaning
- Contract signed: 3-5 days before cleaning starts
- Cleaning: 2-3 days generally
- Inspection: On last day
- Final payment: After inspection approval
Having a solid end of lease cleaning contract in place is crucial to get the peace of mind that the cleaning and handover process will go smoothly.
Prepare the Property
Before the cleaners arrive, you’ll want to prepare the rental property by removing all personal belongings and clutter. This allows the cleaners to access all areas that require cleaning.
- Declutter and empty the entire rental. Take everything you don’t want to leave behind, including furniture, decor, appliances, clothes, toys, etc. The cleaners are there to clean, not clear out your belongings.
- Remove all food from the fridge, cabinets, and pantry. Empty any trash cans throughout the property.
- Strip all beds and linens so the cleaners can fully clean the mattresses.
- Clean out the garage, shed, attic, etc. The cleaners will likely only clean interior living spaces.
- Important precautions:
- Disconnect and take small appliances like coffee makers. The cleaners won’t transport your belongings.
- Take valuables like jewellery, cash, and small electronics. Don’t leave anything you wouldn’t want stolen.
- Remove any weapons, hazardous materials, or illegal substances.
- Take prescription medications.
- Back up electronic files and wipe devices. Remove any confidential documents.
- Turn off and unplug TVs, computers, game consoles, etc., so the cleaners can access those areas.
Thoroughly preparing the rental beforehand allows the cleaners to work efficiently and ensures nothing gets unintentionally left behind. It also protects your privacy and belongings.
Conduct a Final Inspection
Before the cleaners leave, do a thorough final inspection of the property. Walk through each room carefully, checking their work. Here are some things to look out for:
- Check all surfaces – floors, walls, windows, cabinets, appliances etc. Ensure they were properly cleaned with no dirt, dust or stains left behind. Pay special attention to problem areas like oven, refrigerator, bathroom and corners.
- Look for streaks, film or residue on surfaces. All surfaces should be spotless without any residue from cleaning solutions.
- Inspect any areas you asked to be deep cleaned, like carpets, grout, tiles, and windows. Make sure the job was completed properly.
- Check for any missed or untouched areas. Look along edges, under furniture and appliances.
- Test that all appliances, fixtures, lights, etc, are in working order.
- Ensure no belongings, supplies or cleaning equipment were left behind.
- Check for any damage that may have occurred during cleaning.
- Sniff test – there should be no unpleasant odours remaining.
- Take photos or videos of any unsatisfactory work.
Thoroughly inspecting their work will ensure you only pay for a quality end of lease clean. If issues are found, point them out immediately and do not pay until they are properly rectified.
A final inspection is crucial to get your full bond back.
Conclusion
Hiring professional end of lease cleaners is an important process requiring careful due diligence to ensure you find a reputable company that thoroughly cleans your rental property.
By following the key steps outlined in this checklist, you can feel confident you have done your research and selected the right cleaning service.
The most critical steps are getting quotes from multiple companies, checking their references and reviews, verifying their licenses and insurance, scheduling a walkthrough, and getting the service agreement in writing.
Taking the time upfront to vet potential cleaners will pay off when you can avoid hiring an unqualified or disreputable company.
During the final inspection, be meticulous in looking for any missed or subpar cleaning to ensure you receive the quality of service outlined in the written agreement. Pay particular attention to the kitchen, bathroom, carpets, walls, windows, and any other areas prone to dirt and grime.
The time invested in finding professional end of lease cleaning services in Geelong is well worth it for the peace of mind and satisfactory outcome.
