Resolution case study - cleaning and landlord costs
We offer an independent and impartial resolution service for landlords, agents and tenants who are unable to reach an agreement on distributing the deposit when the tenancy ends.
We look at a recent case and break it down. Our Resolution Department Lead, Suzy Hershman, helps you to understand our approach, which in this case is related to cleaning and landlord costs.
Deposit details
Deposit £1,462
Unresolved amount £142
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What happened?
The tenant said:
- the property was not professionally cleaned when they moved in
- they cleaned it to the best of their ability, and it was left clean enough
- the landlord said they would be doing any work needed themselves so what they are claiming is unreasonable
The landlord responded, saying:
- their tenants made no attempt to clean the property before they moved out
- the only areas that were reasonably clean were two of the bedrooms
- the rest of the property needed additional cleaning as the check-out report shows
- it was a cheaper option for the tenants for the landlord to clean the property rather than employ a cleaning company
What evidence was provided?
Tenancy agreement, check-in report, check-out report, estimate, receipts, emails
What was decided and why?
- The check-in report confirmed the property was a large four-bedroomed house with a ground floor extension and that it was cleaned to a good domestic standard when the tenants moved in
- The check-out report was detailed, and a good comparison could be made from the written description and photos to show that most of the property was only left cleaned to a poor domestic standard with some deeper cleaning needed in the kitchen and bathroom
- The landlord claimed costs for personally carrying out the cleaning, which took five hours, and has provided receipts for all the cleaning equipment used (£42)
- The landlord also provided a professional cleaning company estimate for £180 +VAT
- The decision found the tenant responsible for cleaning and the proposed costs reasonable, as landlords should be allowed to claim for their time to carry out work to their property if they choose
Key takeaway points
Maintaining a good relationship with tenants is key and:
- carrying out a pre-check out inspection can avoid the need to negotiate cleaning or other costs
- provide tenants with end of tenancy guides, including advice to review the check-in report and carry out any work themselves
Landlords wishing to carry out any work themselves can do so if:
- the tenant is found responsible for costs
- the cost is reasonable for the work needed, as shown by the evidence
- the cost is more effective than employing a contractor
- their hourly rate is reasonable (averaging £20 an hour)
Top tip
Landlords cannot claim costs for organising any work or travel costs to get to their property. These are seen as part of a landlord’s role and one that they should accept is their responsibility.
For more information read our insurance partner, Total Landlord’s article, ‘End of tenancy cleaning checklist for landlords and tenants’, which looks at the end of tenancy cleaning rules, explains landlords’ and tenants’ cleaning responsibilities, and provides an end of tenancy cleaning checklist to help landlords and tenants avoid end of tenancy negotiations related to cleaning. end of tenancy.