Is this normal?

Fireflyaway

We are in the process of moving out as landlord wants to move back in. Just received an email from letting agent 'reminding ' us that we must get a professional clean done as the landlord is allergic to pet hair ( we had a cat).

I dont remember being asked this previously when we rented. I'm guessing it will be quite expensive. I had planned to clean the place myself. There are no carpets downstairs and apart from some curtains there is no furnishings either.

davidmcn

I suggest you "remind" the agent that they've never told you this before, and as it's not in your contract you're not obliged to do it.

Bob_Bank_Spanker_2

Why must you? Is it in your contract?

Fireflyaway

I think the landlady is in some financial difficulties and not moving back through choice. She was always very slow in authorising repairs and has already been in the office to ensure we are moving out. She also asked if we could leave early as it would be more ' convenient' for her! I get the impression she is trying to inconvenience us for the sake of it.
I don't remember reading anything in the contract about the need for professional cleaning. Its not flea infested! So long as its clean I personally don't see it matters who did it.

steampowered

The first thing you need to do is dig out your contract and read it.

If your contract says you need to have a professional clean done, that is what you need to do. If not, then you don't.

bouicca21

And just what is the definition of a 'professional clean'?

Rain_Shadow

bouicca21 wrote: »

And just what is the definition of a 'professional clean'?

It's one done by somebody who you pay for the privilege despite their entire lack of 'professional' qualifications.

Fireflyaway

bouicca21 wrote: »

And just what is the definition of a 'professional clean'?

Exactly what came to my mind. They didn't say I had to fumigate or shampoo the carpets etc. So nothing i cant do myself. I was going to dry clean the curtains but removing them is going to cause the rail to fall down!
Im thinking i will go in and do it myself and see what happens.

davidmcn

bouicca21 wrote: »

And just what is the definition of a 'professional clean'?

Something done by a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Mop-Bearers.

Pixie5740

Even if your tenancy agreement says you need to have the place "professionally" cleaned you don't have to pay someone to do it. It's an unfair term, all you need to do is leave the property in the same condition as it was in at the start of your tenancy minus any fair wear & tear. It does not matter if you apply some elbow grease to achieve this or if you pay someone to do it. Paying someone is no guarantee of quality.

sparky130a

Fireflyaway wrote: »

I think the landlady is in some financial difficulties and not moving back through choice. She was always very slow in authorising repairs and has already been in the office to ensure we are moving out. She also asked if we could leave early as it would be more ' convenient' for her! I get the impression she is trying to inconvenience us for the sake of it.
I don't remember reading anything in the contract about the need for professional cleaning. Its not flea infested! So long as its clean I personally don't see it matters who did it.

And what exactly has she offered to embellish this deal to YOU?