Professional Cleaners.... Scams?

G_M

lampard wrote: »

Would love too and have done in the past but it is written into the contract as it was pro cleaned before i came in that it should be pro cleaned on checkout with receipt as proof.

That clause in the contract cannot be enforced. Ignore it.

Your obligation is to leave the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition as it was at the start (as described in the inventory - there was an agreed inventory?), less wear and tear.

How you achieve that is none of the landlord's business. Leave it as clean as at the start and no deduction can be made from your deposit.

IF the LL makes a deduction, go to the deposit scheme arbitration - the 'professional cleaning clause will be ignored. If you have photos from when you move out showing the condition (and an independant witness statement?) that is what the arbitration will look at.
edit: England/Wales? (Scotland has different rules)

lampard

G_M wrote: »

That clause in the contract cannot be enforced. Ignore it.

Your obligation is to leave the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition as it was at the start (as described in the inventory - there was an agreed inventory?), less wear and tear.

How you achieve that is none of the landlord's business. Leave it as clean as at the start and no deduction can be made from your deposit.

IF the LL makes a deduction, go to the deposit scheme arbitration - the 'professional cleaning clause will be ignored. If you have photos from when you move out showing the condition (and an independant witness statement?) that is what the arbitration will look at.
edit: England/Wales? (Scotland has different rules)

Oh that is an intresting development

My deposit is held with the DPS (Deposit Protection Service) in England (living in Hersham surrey). I was under the impression as it is actually written in the signed contract that it was to be pro cleaned on checkout.

Yes I have a signed inventory here indeed also.

I don't see how that is legally possible when I've signed the contract where it states I agree to have it pro cleaned....

Please let me know more

G_M

A LL/agent can put anything they want into a contract - doesn't mean they can enforce it! I've seen contracts saying "The Landlord will keep the deposit" - clearly illegal, deposit schemes are legally required. I've seen "No overnight guests" - clearly an infringement of the right to quiet enjoyment. "Monthly inspections"? - can't be enforced etc etc.

So what does the inventory ay regarding condition/cleanliness at the start. THAT is what matters.

lampard

G_M wrote: »

A LL/agent can put anything they want into a contract - doesn't mean they can enforce it! I've seen contracts saying "The Landlord will keep the deposit" - clearly illegal, deposit schemes are legally required. I've seen "No overnight guests" - clearly an infringement of the right to quiet enjoyment. "Monthly inspections"? - can't be enforced etc etc.

So what does the inventory ay regarding condition/cleanliness at the start. THAT is what matters.

By that logic i don't even have to pay rent :rotfl:

In all seriousness though I think it may be easier to go with a pro clean. I may contact the DPS directly and ask them about it and maybe the citizens advice at a stretch during a lunch break.

may_fair

lampard wrote: »

Would love too and have done in the past but it is written into the contract as it was pro cleaned before i came in that it should be pro cleaned on checkout with receipt as proof.

If (big if) it was clean to a professional standard when you moved in, then you are liable for leaving it clean to a professional standard when you move out. That doesn't mean you have to hire professional cleaners to do it - you'd be entitled to DIY.

However, most people/tenants (in my experience) don't appreciate the difference between clean to a professional standard and clean to a domestic standard.

That £225 + VAT I mentioned above, for 2-beds/2-baths - the actual labour involved was three people working for five and a half hours, or 16.5 man hours, to achieve clean to a professional standard.

daisiegg

I'm moving into a five bedroom, three bathroom house and want to get it professionally cleaned before moving in (as the current owners have a dog and I'm really, really allergic).

Including cleaning carpets, I've had quotes for around £300 - £350. They tend to be based on two people working for six hours.

For my rental property that I'm moving out of, though, I'm going to get my usual cleaning lady to come for three hours after we've moved everything out and give it a go-over - costing me £33, as she charges £11 an hour!

Doshwaster

G_M wrote: »

Why is your landlord charging you? Have you left it a tip?
Why not either get your marigolds on and clean up after yourself, or check out the local newsagents window and find a local cleaner who'll come in for... £8 per hour?

For an end of tenancy clean I would go for a professional cleaning company rather than do it yourself or a cash-in-hand amateur.

The professionals know the standards expected by letting agents and many will guarantee that is passes the inspection. It's a hell of a lot of back breaking work to do for yourself and Mrs Mop may be fine for regular cleaning but an end of tenancy deep clean is a totally different thing. If you have a large deposit it's not worth the risk,

I had a two bed unfurnished house done last year for about £150 (though I hired a Rug Doctor to do the carpets myself) and they did a fantastic job. I hardly recognised the kitchen when I came back!

InkZ

Take a look on Check A Trade as well.

Scho

may_fair wrote: »

However, most people/tenants (in my experience) don't appreciate the difference between clean to a professional standard and clean to a domestic standard.

Surely this depends on the tenent?
I've come out of 2 rental properties in the last 6-8 months (1 for a year, 1 for the last 6 months) and both have been cleaner than when I went in. The last place had professional cleaners visit before I moved in and I still did a better job.

Seriously Lampard - about 6-8 hours work is all it will take and will save you the £200-£300. I did the following on my last place;
Clean the windows, wipe down the walls, window sills, skirting boards and wood work (incl doors) with water and a disinfectant (recommend zoflora - just need a splash), clean the bathroom and kitchen and apply bleach in toilet and down all plug holes. Use OvenPride on the oven shelves etc (do this first and let work during the day) and then give the rest a wipe down as best you can. Hoover the place and you're done.
You'll be surprised how good it looks and the weak disinfectant/water mix you wipe the walls down with makes it smell clean too. Total cost - £15-£20 max.

lampard

Cheers for all the replies guys... Think I will clarify it with the DPS and my landlords agent firm in terms of the wording of the contract. Would be one less thing to worry about anyway and some well needed cash in the pocket.

Just don't wanna !!!!!! up my deposit