Why Should you Hire a House Cleaner before Listing the House?

Before listing the home for sale, hiring a house cleaner should be part of your preparations. Professional cleaning of rental properties is an indispensable yet often forgotten aspect of property management. In today’s competitive rental market, cleanliness can make or break a property’s success; an immaculate space attracts potential tenants while setting the scene for their rental experience.

This guide discusses the many facets of professional cleaning services within the rental property industry, illuminating how pristine environments powerfully influence tenant satisfaction, property value, and rental success. From creating incredible first impressions to long-term property preservation, professional cleaning should be top of mind for landlords and property managers. 

2. Benefits of Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning services offer many advantages to rental properties:

First Impressions and Property Value

• Clean property immediately conveys quality care and value.
• Increasing perceived property values, which in turn justify higher rental rates.
• Produces positive emotions, which increases the chances of renting successfully

Tenant Attraction

• Clean properties are more desirable and likely to attract tenants when listed online and shown during viewings
• Demonstrates landlord’s commitment to maintaining high standards
• Attracts quality tenants who are more likely to maintain the property’s cleanliness

Faster Rental Process

• Reducing Time in the market by offering clean properties
• Clean properties tend to rent faster and reduce multiple showings due to cleaning concerns 
• Expediting the move-in process as the property is ready for immediate occupancy.

Property Preservation

• Routine professional cleaning helps identify and address maintenance 
• Prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, and allergens that damage surfaces over time.
• Extend their lifespan by keeping surfaces and appliances looking their best for longer.

According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 89% of agents believe that clean homes sell faster and for higher prices; this belief also applies to rental properties, emphasizing its significance on market success.

3. Professional vs DIY Cleaning

While landlords might opt for DIY cleaning as a cost-saving measure, professional services offer several distinct advantages over DIY methods:

Quality Standards

• Professional cleaners adhere to Quality Standards.
• Consistently clean all areas of the property. 
• Using professional-grade products and techniques for maximum effectiveness.

Time and Efficiency

• Professional teams can clean a property more quickly than individuals. 
• Allow landlords more time and efficiency with property management.
• Reduces property turnover time between tenants.

Equipment and Expertise

• Access to industrial-grade cleaning equipment that most individuals don’t have access to.
• Special expertise in dealing with various surfaces and stubborn stains. 
• Trained in proper sanitation techniques that are essential in today’s health-minded environment

Cost-Effectiveness

• While initially seeming more expensive, professional cleaning can be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Reduced damage from improper techniques. 
• Decreased need for deep cleaning or repairs due to neglect.

Studies by the Cleaning Services Industry Association have found that professional carpet and floor care services can extend carpet life by up to 50% – offering long-term financial advantages in return for expert care.

4. Areas Requiring Professional Attention

Professional cleaners specialize in areas that are easily overlooked or difficult to clean on their own thoroughly:

Deep Cleaning Requirements

• Carpets and upholstery: Utilizing deep steam cleaning methods embedded dirt and allergens must be extracted through deep steam cleaning.
• Air ducts and vents: Improved air quality as well as HVAC efficiency
• Windows and tracks: Ensure the clarity and proper function of these devices

Common Problem Areas

• Kitchens: Degreasing and sanitizing surfaces, appliances, and cabinets
• Bathrooms: Eliminating soap scum, mold, and mildew
• High-touch surfaces: Disinfecting door knobs, light switches, and handles

Sanitization Needs

• Professional-grade disinfectants to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses. 
• Focus on often neglected areas like remote controls and light fixtures for maximum sanitation. 
• Proper sanitization of shared spaces in multi-unit properties.

Maintenance Aspects

• Identification and Report of Maintenance Concerns.
• Treating Surfaces to Prevent Wear-Tear.
• Cleaning Specialty Flooring such as Hardwood or Natural Stone  Reporting Potential Maintenance Concerns.

5. Impact on Property Management

Professional cleaning can significantly impact multiple aspects of property management:

Tenant Satisfaction

• Clean properties lead to happier tenants who are more likely to renew leases
• Setting a standard of cleanliness that encourages tenants
• Reducing potential disputes over cleanliness during the tenancy.

Reduced Complaints

• Fewer issues regarding cleanliness or maintenance.
• Decreased emergency calls regarding property conditions. 
• Enhance landlord-tenant relations through proactive property care

Property Value Maintenance

• Preserve property value over time.
• Preventing degradation of surfaces and fixtures while protecting its value. 
• Increasing annual inspection efficiency checks.

Professional Image

• Positive effect on property management or landlord’s reputation 
• Increase chances of positive reviews and referrals
• Positioning the rental property as a premium offering on the rental market.

6. Return on Investment

Investing in professional cleaning services can reap significant returns:

Higher Rental Rates

• Well-kept properties often command higher rental prices 
• Justifies premium pricing in competitive markets
• Attract tenants willing to pay more for quality living spaces. 

Faster Occupancy

• Decrease vacancy periods between tenants. 
• Minimize lost rental income due to extended cleaning or repair times.
• Allows for faster turnaround in high-demand rental markets.

Reduced Vacancy Periods

• Clean properties are more likely to be rented quickly.
• Reduces marketing time and costs associated with extended vacancies. 
• Enabling smoother transitions between tenants.

Long-term Cost Benefits

• Prevents costly deep cleaning or restoration projects
• Decreasing wear and tear on property features to prolong their lifespan.
• Eliminating major renovation or replacement needs.

According to a report released by the Building Owners and Managers Association, properties receiving professional cleaning on an ongoing basis may experience up to 7% higher property values; underscoring the financial benefits of keeping cleanliness.

7. Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

Finding an ideal cleaning service provider is of utmost importance to achieve maximum results: 

Professional Standards

• Look for professional cleaning companies with proper licensing and insurance.
• Check for memberships in professional cleaning associations
• Ensure they follow industry-standard safety and health protocols.

Service Packages

• Choose services that offer comprehensive cleaning packages tailored for rental properties
• Look for flexible scheduling services and customization according to your property needs
• Consider add-on services like carpet cleaning or window washing

Quality Assurance

• Ask about their quality control processes and satisfaction guarantees.
• Available references or case studies from other rental property clients, 
• Enquire into any cleaning issues or oversights and their policy for dealing with them.

Experience and Expertise

• Focus on companies with specific experience in rental property cleaning. 
• Seek teams trained on the most up-to-date techniques. 
• Consider services that also provide property management insights as part of the cleaning service package.

8. FAQ Section

Q: When should my rental property undergo professional cleaning 

A: Ideally, This should occur between each tenancy or at least annually if renting long-term.

Q: Can professional cleaning help remove odors? 

A: Yes. Professional services utilize specialized equipment and products that effectively eliminate rather than mask odors. Professional cleaning for small rental units can certainly justify its expense, leading to faster rentals and greater tenant satisfaction.

Q: How long does professional cleaning usually take for rental properties?

A: The time frame for professional cleaning varies based on property size and condition; typically, standard-sized properties can be thoroughly cleaned in four to eight hours.

Q: Can professional cleaning services assist in identifying potential maintenance issues? 

A: Absolutely. Experienced cleaners often detect and report maintenance concerns that would otherwise go undetected.

Q: Can rental properties access eco-friendly cleaning options? 

A: Many professional cleaning services now provide eco-friendly solutions by using sustainable products and methods.

Q: How does professional cleaning influence the move-out process? 

A: Professional cleaning ensures the property meets move-out cleanliness standards, potentially reducing disputes over security deposits and deposits.