unfair term in contract: pay for professional cleaning when moving out

rexmedorum

Hi,
I uregently need your views. I'm about to pick up the keys of a new (rental) appartment. Previously contracts have always stated that properties should be returned in a clean stahe. This time there is a clause that we have to pay for professional cleaning. The agency insists they want to either see receipts or us to pay them for it.

I see no reason why I would not be able to clean the place myself, we have previously always satisfied landlords/agencies.

I feel this term, apart from a waste of money, is extremely unfair and I am very upset about it. What do you guys think and where do I stand legally (both before and after siging)?

Rexmedorum

anselld

It could only possibly be fair if the agency can prove that it has been "professionally cleaned" when you move in and you sign to that effect on the check-in inventory.

Arguably you would then need to return it in the same state less fair wear-and-tear.

Legally - if you accept and sign, only court/dispute resolution could decide. If you don't accept prior to sigining they don't have to let the property to you.

dancingfairy

I believe that it is considered an unfair term - in fact I think it might be the OFT who have said they think it is unfair but I'm not sure if any court case has actualy tested this fact. Hopefully one of the more experienced people can advise further.
df

snugglepet20

If the landlord previously had properties handed back in a filthy state then this clause would protect them from that happening again. Perhaps you could negotiate with the letting agent and get the clause to say something like if the flat is cleaned by you to a professional standard and checked by them this is acceptable and if not you will have to pay for a cleaner, that seems fair. However if they will not negotiate and you really want the flat you will have to agree but clean the flat yourself and pay a cleaner for 1 hour so you get a receipt!

westlondonbuyer

A professionally cleaned flat usually bears no resemblance to one that has been cleaned by its residents. Carpets, upholstery and all hard surfaces are steam cleaned, windows are cleaned inside and out, an industrial hoover is used on all soft surfaces and crevices, floors are waxed and polished. It's expensive - it cost nearly £500 to have my tiny two bed place cleaned when it was last vacated. But it makes a property look wonderful, and good quality tenants in good quality properties usually demand it.

If your landlord had this carried out before your tenancy, they should be able to substantiate this with receipts (not to mention the condition of the rented property when you move in). Surely it's only fair that you return it in the same condition, less wear and tear, to your landlord and his/her future tenants?

angrypirate

It should state that the property will be return at the end of the tenenacy in the same state as detailed on the inventory at the start of the tenancy.

dizziblonde

Got ours professionally done (well the carpets which were a condition of having pets) by the LA's recommended cleaning bods when we moved out - waste of flipping time! Their proper thing broke down so they were using a rug doctor which I could have hired myself from Tesco... was not best impressed. Whole thing was just an exercise in getting the reciept to wave under their noses so I could get the deposit back.

clairet707

westlondonbuyer wrote: »

A professionally cleaned flat usually bears no resemblance to one that has been cleaned by its residents. Carpets, upholstery and all hard surfaces are steam cleaned, windows are cleaned inside and out, an industrial hoover is used on all soft surfaces and crevices, floors are waxed and polished. It's expensive - it cost nearly £500 to have my tiny two bed place cleaned when it was last vacated. But it makes a property look wonderful, and good quality tenants in good quality properties usually demand it.

If your landlord had this carried out before your tenancy, they should be able to substantiate this with receipts (not to mention the condition of the rented property when you move in). Surely it's only fair that you return it in the same condition, less wear and tear, to your landlord and his/her future tenants?

Seriously £500 for a 2 bed flat?

I think youve been ripped off - either that or you have the Queens cleaners doing it... Though you do live in London (?) so maybe thats why its costs more

I have had to have the house we rent out professionally cleaned as the ex tenant left it in a state and they didnt clean the windows or wax and polish the floors but that only cost £200 for a 3 bed house...

They did clean the house thoroughly though including the oven and cleaned the carpets..

rexmedorum

renting a rug doctor is exactly what we always do anyway (for amoy 15 quid). If I had to pay stupic money for somebody to come and do the same I'd be very unhappy!

dizziblonde wrote: »

Got ours professionally done (well the carpets which were a condition of having pets) by the LA's recommended cleaning bods when we moved out - waste of flipping time! Their proper thing broke down so they were using a rug doctor which I could have hired myself from Tesco... was not best impressed. Whole thing was just an exercise in getting the reciept to wave under their noses so I could get the deposit back.

Marvel1

If you don't like the terms, then look elsewhere.

rexmedorum

Don't think we will find something for a move on Friday though?

cjdavies wrote: »

If you don't like the terms, then look elsewhere.