Vacating a rental unit is enough of a source of stress—losing part of a security deposit due to unanticipated cleaning fees can be extremely disappointing. Most tenants believe that hiring an end-of-lease cleaning service is, at worst, a somewhat straightforward fixed cost—this is, for the most part, untrue. If you are not careful, hidden costs in end-of-lease cleaning can cost a lot of money at the end of your lease.
In this article, we will discuss Hidden Costs in end-of-lease cleaning and how to avoid these mistakes.
Why There Are Hidden Expenses
Cleaning at the end of your lease is not the same as cleaning on a normal basis. The type of cleaning that occurs at the end of your lease typically will follow a strict checklist given to you by your landlord or property manager. You can incur additional costs if your cleaning service does not complete all the items required of you based on this checklist, or if there are additional clean-up tasks that were not originally anticipated and/or required.
Many companies advertise low base prices to entice customers. However, by the time a company finishes your cleaning as per the original checklist and/or responds to requests for additional tasks, you will receive a much higher bill than what was originally agreed upon.
The main common hidden cost that you should look out for
Deep Cleanings Qualify As Additional Services
Basic cleaning packages will usually cover basic surface cleaning like dusting/vacuuming/mopping); however, you will not find deep cleaning included in your basic package. Examples of deep cleaning you may expect to be included with your package are as follows:
- Removal of excessive stains
- Cleaning of bathroom and kitchen tile/grout
- De-greasing of kitchen surfaces
Carpet Cleaning Fees
If you have a carpet in your rental unit, many landlords will require that the carpet is professionally cleaned before you move out. Some cleaning businesses:
- Do not include the cost of carpet cleaning in their base/normal rates
- Charge based on the number of rooms or the square footage of each room cleaned
This can add up fast, especially if you have more than one carpeted room in your rental unit…
Appliance Cleaning Add-Ons
Cleaning the major appliances like the oven/refrigerator/dishwasher, is typically charged as an additional service. The cleaning of the oven is, by far, the most expensive of the appliance cleaning fees due to the time and work involved.
Be sure to ask:
- Are appliances included with my package?
- Which appliance has additional fees?
Wall Marks and Spot Washing
It is common to have scuff marks/fingerprints/stains on walls; however, most cleaning companies do not wash walls as standard in their packages.
When your walls need to be cleaned you may be charged separately or could have funds deducted from your security deposit by your landlord.
Window and Blind Cleaning
The interior of your windows may be cleaned as part of the cleaning package, but there will usually be an additional cost for:
- Cleaning the exterior of the windows
- Cleaning the blinds and curtains
Cleaning both the exterior of the windows and the blinds and curtains often takes more time and/or requires specialized equipment.
Pest Control and Odour Removal
If your rental has:
- Pet odours
- Stale cigarette odours
- Minor pests
You may need to pay for treatment(s) to remove any/all of these items
Final Minute Booking Charges
If you engage a cleaning service at the final minute, particularly in peak moving times, you might encounter:
- Last-minute booking fees
- Limited availability results in higher prices
By planning, you can eliminate these hidden charges.
Parking or Access Fees
This is perhaps the most commonly neglected hidden expense. If your cleaners are faced with any of the following:
- No parking
- Long distance to walk
- Difficult access to the property
They will typically charge you additional fees.
Re-cleansing Fees
Many cleaning businesses offer a “bond back guarantee”; however, this typically has requirement restrictions. If your landlord is unsatisfied and requests a re-clean:
- You may be charged again
- There may be areas that the bond back guarantee will not cover.
So before making any bookings, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as well as the full extent of the services being provided.
How do You Avoid These Hidden Costs?
Request a Detailed Quote
Make sure to obtain a complete, itemized cost estimate prior to engaging any type of cleaning company. It should clearly state:
- What is included
- What is not included
- Any potential for additional fees
Understand Your Rental Agreement
Typically, your lease will set forth the requirements with regard to cleaning. This information allows you to:
- Select the right package for your needs
- Avoid paying for unnecessary service
Inspect the Property
You should visit the property yourself to inspect all rooms and identify areas to which cleaners may need to devote extra time to cleaning.
Book Your Cleaning Service Early
By booking your cleaning service in advance, you will be able to:
- Avoid higher rates for booking at the last minute
- Be able to find a deal that meets your needs
- Have more options when it comes to getting your cleaning done
Ask About Cleaning Service Guarantees
If a cleaning company provides a bond-back guarantee, it can be very useful to know what the company covers with the bond-back guarantee and if there are any limitations placed on your order.
This will help ensure that you do not get ripped off by different marketing claims made by companies.
Ask for Multiple Estimates
Don’t just take the cheapest quote you can find. It is always wise to get:
- 2 or 3 different estimates based on different levels of service offered
- Comparison of pricing (including warranties and guarantees)
- Comparison of the features offered by each company
Sometimes by choosing to pay a little more up front can be beneficial in the future.
Blockquote
“Hidden cleaning costs add up fast—clarity upfront saves your deposit.”
Conclusion
Quality Bond Cleaning is a top company that provides the best rates for end-of-lease cleaning services. The company does not include any hidden costs and provides upfront and transparent pricing. Feel free to know more about their services.
Contact details
Company name – quality bond cleaning
Address – 19 Hillgrove St, Taigum QLD 4018, Australia
E-mail – help@qualitybondcleaning.com.au
Contact – + 61 490 038 575
Frequently asked questions
Which company provides the best end-of-lease cleaning services?
Quality Bond Cleaning is a top company that provides the best cleaning services at reasonable prices and does not charge any hidden prices for its customers.
What are the “Hidden Costs” associated with End of Lease Cleaning?
Cleaning companies may charge hidden costs that they do not include in your original quote but add during end-of-lease cleaning. Examples of hidden costs would include:
- Deep Cleaning Service
- Appliance Cleaning Service
- Special Cleaning Service
Is Carpet Cleaning Included in the Typical Base Price?
Cleaning companies generally exclude carpet cleaning from the standard price because they charge a separate fee based on the number of rooms cleaned.
Cleaning companies usually offer oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher cleaning as additional services alongside regular cleaning.
Will I be charged again if my landlord is not satisfied?
If the cleaning company you hired does not provide a clear bond-back guarantee, you may have to pay a fee to have your home cleaned again.
Does Standard Cleaning Include Wall Stains Or Marks?
Cleaning companies generally consider wall cleaning an additional service, so they do not include it in standard cleaning.
