Checklist For Cleaning Your Home For Renters

There are many homes for rent in Utah, and good presentation of a property will help secure a tenant quickly, making the process less painful and more lucrative for you.

One of the Most Important Aspects of Preparing a Rental Property Is a Thorough Cleaning

Before showing the property and immediately prior to tenant occupation, you’ll want to make sure your home is as clean as possible. This aids the process of obtaining a tenant and makes the landlord’s job easier. A property that it is clean and well-maintained will help encourage the tenant to clean the property according to the lease agreement upon leaving. Cleaning a rental property can seem like a daunting task but by following some basic principles it can be made easier and more efficient.

Plan Ahead

Assess each room in the house. Take note of special items that may require specific cleaning products that need to be addressed individually.

Gather Supplies

Nearly any rental space can be properly cleaned with the following supplies:

• All-purpose cleaning solution
• Gentle abrasive cleansing powder
• Sponges
• Window cleaner
• Micro-fiber cloths
• Duster with extension rods
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum
• Mop and bucket
• Carpet Shampooer

Work Efficiently

Any cleaning professional always addresses rooms individually, works from top to bottom, left to right, and dry to wet. The first thing to do in any room is start with dusting the ceiling and removing cobwebs, and moving around the entire room. If the rental property will be completely empty there is no need to dust furniture, otherwise, vacuum or dust that first, and remember ceiling fans, window sills, and wood trim will also need attention.

Focus on walls and doors next. Chances are there will be dirt, smudges, and hand prints on every vertical surface. Spot check the all-purpose cleaner in an inconspicuous area of the wall to make sure it will not remove the paint, and begin wiping down the walls. Pay extra attention to window sashes and any door knobs – including the space above and below latches and door knobs as they will have built up grime from use. Electrical outlet and light switch plates can be cleaned by turning off the power at the main circuit and using a barely damp cloth to spot clean them.

Vacuuming or sweeping and mopping should happen last in each room, and properties with carpeting can have the carpets shampooed all at once as the very last step.

Use a Checklist

All properties are unique, but here is a general checklist to make things easier.

All Rooms:

• Dust from top to bottom, including wood trim
• Wipe down walls, doors and door knobs
• Clean all glass fixtures and windows
• Vacuum or sweep and mop floors

Bathrooms:

• Mirrors
• Toilet bowl and exterior of unit
• Shower or tub
• Sink and faucet
• Countertops
• Inside and outside of vanity cabinets or drawers

Kitchen:

• Interior and exterior of all drawers, cabinets and shelves
• Oven and stovetop
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Other appliances if applicable
• Underneath any movable appliances

Taking these steps to present a clean, attractive and desirable rental unit can provide a real edge in the competitive rental market of Utah’s Dixie.