Moving out of a rented property is stressful enough, but failing to clean certain areas can cost you your tenancy deposit. A common mistake tenants make is neglecting the outdoor spaces during their end of tenancy cleaning. Your landlord will likely inspect every corner, including the lawn, garden, patio, and even the balcony.
This guide will walk you through the essential outdoor cleaning tasks that will help you avoid penalties and increase the likelihood of getting your full deposit back.
Why Outdoor End of Tenancy Cleaning Matters
Many tenants focus solely on cleaning the interior, leaving outdoor areas like the lawn, garden, and balcony unattended. However, landlords and property managers are just as concerned with the condition of the exterior of the property.
By ensuring these outdoor spaces are clean and well-maintained, you’ll avoid common pitfalls during the final inventory check.
Lawn and Garden End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
If your rental property includes a lawn or garden, it’s essential to return these areas to their original, well-maintained condition. Ignoring these areas could lead to deductions from your deposit, so take the time to tidy up.
1. Mow the Grass and Tidy the Garden
For properties with a garden, ensure the lawn is neatly mowed. If you’ve kept up with regular garden maintenance, this will be an easy task. For those who haven’t, expect to put in a bit more effort. You’ll need to:
- Mow the grass to its proper height.
- Trim hedges and bushes to restore the garden’s appearance.
- Pull weeds from garden beds and paths.
2. Remove Debris and Clean Outdoor Furniture
Be sure to remove any fallen leaves, branches, or debris that could make the space look untidy. If there’s outdoor furniture, give it a thorough wipe down and remove any grass stains or dirt that may have accumulated over time.
By completing these tasks, you’ll ensure the garden and lawn look neat and presentable for your landlord’s inspection.
Patio, Veranda, and Decking: Essential Areas for End of Tenancy Cleaning
Your patio, veranda, and decking areas are just as important as the interior when it comes to end of tenancy cleaning. These areas are often the most overlooked, yet they can make or break your chances of getting your full deposit back.
Patio Cleaning Tips
Start with a thorough decluttering of the patio. Remove furniture, potted plants, and any personal items. Next, use a broom to sweep away dirt and debris. Follow up with a pressure washer or a wet mop for a deeper clean.
If the patio has stone or concrete surfaces, consider sealing them after cleaning to protect them and enhance their appearance. This simple step can leave the area looking freshly updated.
Veranda Cleaning Hacks
For verandas, use mild detergents to clean glass or aluminum surfaces without causing damage. Ensure any fabric materials, like cushions, are cleaned thoroughly and free from stains or foul odors.
For wooden surfaces, opt for pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the material. Regularly wiping down the veranda will help avoid wear and tear from the elements.
Decking Maintenance
Cleaning wooden decking requires careful attention, especially if it has accumulated dirt, mold, or stains. A pressure washer is an effective tool for removing grime. If you have outdoor furniture on the deck, move it aside before cleaning. Once done, check for any damage and consider applying a wood sealant to protect the deck from future wear.
How to Clean a Pool for End of Tenancy: Step-by-Step Guide
If your rental property includes a swimming pool, cleaning it is a crucial part of your end of tenancy cleaning routine. A dirty pool could result in substantial deductions from your deposit, so it’s essential to do a thorough job.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your pool cleaning is as smooth and effective as possible:
- Remove debris from the pool water, such as leaves and other floating materials.
- Shock the pool by adding chemicals to balance the water and eliminate bacteria.
- Use a soft brush to scrub the pool walls and floor, removing stubborn stains.
- Vacuum the pool thoroughly to get rid of remaining dirt and debris.
- Clean or replace the pool filter to ensure proper water circulation and cleanliness.
By following these steps, you’ll leave the pool in pristine condition, avoiding any potential issues during the final inspection.
Don’t Forget Bins and Garbage Disposal Cleaning
Bins and garbage disposal areas are often overlooked but play a significant role in your end of tenancy cleaning. Make sure to empty all outdoor bins, clean them with disinfectant, and scrub away any grime or foul odors. Neglecting this could lead to penalties, as many landlords specifically check garbage disposal areas during inspections.
House Exterior and Outdoor Window Cleaning: A Must-Do Task
Once you’ve completed the interior and outdoor space cleaning, don’t forget the house exterior and outdoor windows. These areas often accumulate dirt and dust, and leaving them uncleaned could result in an incomplete end of tenancy cleaning.
Exterior House Cleaning Tips
The house exterior should be wiped down and cleaned to remove any dirt or cobwebs. Pay special attention to areas like the roof, gutters, and fence. If the property has any garden furniture or a swing set, make sure these are cleaned as well.
Outdoor Window Cleaning
Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the windows from the outside. Ensure that all windows are streak-free, as this is often one of the final areas your landlord will check.
Balcony End of Tenancy Cleaning: Don’t Forget This Space
For properties with a balcony, make sure to give it a thorough clean. Sweep away any dirt, dust, or debris, and wash down the railings and floor. If the balcony has glass doors or windows, clean both the inside and outside to ensure they are spotless.
Balconies often accumulate more dirt than indoor spaces, especially if windows are left open, so take extra care to make it shine before the final inspection.
Final Outdoor Cleaning Tips and Tricks
To wrap up your end of tenancy cleaning, here are a few additional tips and tricks to ensure every corner of the outdoor space is spotless:
- Clean from top to bottom: Just like inside the home, start from the top and work your way down when cleaning the exterior. This will ensure that dust and debris don’t fall on areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Avoid white vinegar on wood furniture: While white vinegar is a great natural cleaner, it can damage wooden surfaces. Use mild dish soap for wood furniture cleaning.
- Garage cleaning: Don’t forget to declutter and clean the garage. This is often part of the end of tenancy cleaning checklist, and landlords will inspect it just like other areas.
- Focus on hidden areas: Landlords will often inspect areas like behind sheds or under outdoor furniture, so make sure to clean these “hidden spots” too.
- Use protective covers: After cleaning garden furniture, cover it to prevent it from getting dirty again while you clean other areas of the yard or garden.
Conclusion: Complete Your End of Tenancy Outdoor Cleaning for Full Deposit Return
Completing a thorough end of tenancy cleaning isn’t just about the interior—the exterior of the property is equally important. From the lawn and garden to the balcony and bins, every detail matters when it comes to passing the final inspection and securing your deposit return.
If the outdoor cleaning tasks seem overwhelming or you’d rather leave it to the experts, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Companies like Fantastic Cleaners offer comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning services, ensuring both the interior and exterior of your rental property are spotless, giving you peace of mind that your deposit will be returned.
By following this guide and covering all the necessary outdoor cleaning tasks, you’ll increase your chances of getting your full tenancy deposit back. If outdoor cleaning seems overwhelming, you can always rely on professional cleaning services to ensure the job is done right.
FAQ
What outdoor areas should I clean for an end of tenancy inspection?
Make sure to clean the lawn, garden, patio, veranda, decking, pool (if applicable), bins, house exterior, and outdoor windows. Neglecting any of these areas can result in deductions from your deposit.
How should I clean the patio before moving out?
Start by decluttering the patio, sweeping away dirt and debris. Use a pressure washer or mop for a deep clean and seal the stone or concrete surfaces to enhance their appearance if necessary.
Do I need to clean the garden before moving out?
Yes, the garden should be part of your end of tenancy cleaning. Mow the lawn, pull weeds, remove debris, and clean any outdoor furniture to ensure the garden looks neat for the final inspection.
What is the best way to clean outdoor windows?
Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar. Clean both the inside and outside of the windows for a polished, clear finish.
