How do you prepare for the post-tenancy clean, and what do you need to do before the actual cleaning to obtain best results?
Are you a tenant looking for a proper professional wipe-down to acquire back your security deposit? Or, are you a landlord or property agent seeking to ensure the unit or premise is properly handed over in pristine conditions?
Professional post-tenancy cleaning is handled by trusted cleaning agencies, platforms and companies around Singapore. Trust MEIDE to be one of your few best, if not the only choice you got to get the cleaning done!
Let us assist you, free-of-charge here, to get ready and get the optimal cleaning outcome from the Post Tenancy Cleaning:
(1) Understand the differences between post-tenancy versus other cleaning types
There are many different types of cleaning available in Singapore. Although one can largely differentiate the two major types – regular versus deep cleaning, it can be confusing between deep cleaning v.s. Post-tenancy v.s. Move out cleaning. To make matters worse, many cleaning agencies even use these terms interchangeably!
To fully understand each TYPE of cleaning, check out our detailed article HERE.
Of note, POST-TENANCY CLEAN is a very specific type of cleaning that is required at the end of tenancy. The significance of a “post tenancy clean” is that it comprises a specific checklist of cleaning tasks to be followed. Upon completion of the checklist tasks, and often coupled with a rundown check by the property agent or landlord, the monetary security deposit is to be refunded to the tenant. This is a standard procedure followed by many professional property agents in Singapore.
In fact, it is important to know that post-tenancy clean is quite different and often separate from “move in cleaning” (this should be done just before a new resident moves in), “move out cleaning” (this may not be part of a tenancy agreement), “deep cleaning” (this is too broad a term and not necessarily mean post tenancy), and other similar-sounding terms.
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(2) Have in hand, and prepare the cleaning checklist
Great! Now that you know the post-tenancy clean is quite a formal (some say rigid) cleaning, it is not surprising that a checklist is vital.
In order to ensure everything is done properly, trusted cleaning providers should include a detailed checklist of the cleaning tasks!
Before your post-tenancy clean, prepare the checklist, print it out, and bring a few copies to the cleaning sesion to ensure all items are checked in order.
(3) Schedule the cleaning session(s) based on handover date(s) properly
Next, be careful about scheduling the post-tenancy clean.
On top of ensuring the cleaning is done after aircon servicing and other required services like curtains cleaning, we strongly advise that post-tenancy cleaning with private properties (eg. Condominiums) be arranged only AFTER approval from their respective authorities. For most private condos, the building authority in charge is the MCST. Hence, the easiest way is to look for your MCST office and seek their assistance.
Usually, the MCST will provide certain restricted dates, timings and require a deposit from you before providing the approval. This is often required for moving, cleaning and all other works post-tenancy. Without the approval, clients take the risk of forfeiting the session(s) or face inconvenience of scheduling mess-up when the cleaning or moving team(s) cannot enter the premises.
Finally, the cleaning is should also be done JUST before the handover date.
For example, if the handover date is on 20 January, the post-tenancy clean should be done BEFORE 20 January. Importantly, ensure that you have fully vacated (see below) the premises too. For example, if you are moving out fully on 15 January, and your handover dates 20 January, then you can choose to schedule your post-tenancy clean on 16, 17, 18, or 19 January. Of course, avoid last minute cleaning too!
Oh, and avoid scheduling the clean on peak periods and public holidays or Sundays. During these periods, you will either find it arduously hard to get available cleaners, or pay hefty surcharges.
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(4) Ensure the landlord, property agent, or relevant personnel are around to conduct pre and post-tenancy clean checks
On the same topic as above, ensure that the relevant person in charge is physically present to open the residence, do a quick briefing or check. At the minimum, the person in charge should also be present at the end of the post-tenancy clean to do a run-through check. In general, once the helper(s) leave the premises, further concerns or requests for cleaning or touch-ups will NOT be entertained.
For extra “touch ups” or finishing up cleaning tasks, extra charges would likely be incurred if the client(s) failed to ensure this.
As it is often the property agent and landlord who controls the security deposit, we would advise this person(s) to be the one to conduct the pre and post post-tenancy clean checks on site.
(5) Clear out the entire unit before the cleaning session(s)
Although you may be in a rush to get back your security deposit, remember that a “post-tenancy clean” is usually not just “for show”. The cleaning actually entails deliberate wiping and elbow grease to get stuff cleaned!
In order to fulfill the cleaning tasks properly, as explained above too, the unit needs to be cleared out. For your reference, here is a NON-EXHAUSTIVE list to prepare the unit for post tenancy clean:
BEDROOMS
- Clear all belongings from bedroom wardrobes, dressing area, and drawers
- All loose items may be thrown away without your knowledge or approval
BATHROOMS
- Clear all toiletries and remove all detachable fixtures from bathroom
- Remove suction hooks from glass doors and mirrors
LIVING AND DINING ROOM
- Remove all movable fixtures like hooks, paintings, photographs, clocks if not part of the original residence
- Clear out furniture that is not part of the original residence pre-tenancy. These are usually not covered by post tenancy cleaning. Extra fees apply for dismantling and moving and need to be requested early.
KITCHEN
- Clear out your entire fridge and freezer
- Do your own simple wipe-down and leave the appliances turned off and doors opened for aeration
- Do not leave perishable item or foods or beverages in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, or other parts of the kitchen
BALCONY
- Dispose your plants, decorations, removable lightings, fixtures and the like
BOMB SHELTER / STOREROOM
- Dismantle and dispose of your movable racks and shelves (these are usually not covered by post tenancy clean). Extra fees apply for dismantling and moving and need to be requested early.
GENERAL
- Remove adhesives, stickers and other non-permanent fixtures not there before you moved in
- Dispose of rubbish and do not leave loose items around
(6) Check your tenancy agreement if cleaning add-ons like curtains dry clean is needed
The standard post-tenancy clean already comprises a detailed checklist. However, sometimes, the checklists are not exactly what is stipulated in your tenancy agreement.
Sometimes, your property agent or landlord may require specific add-ons too. Based on MEIDE’s extensive experience, these are considered add-ons, and not always included in post-tenancy clean:
CURTAINS CLEANING
There are a variety of ways to clean it and we summarize these available curtain cleaning services here in Singapore (all offered by MEIDE too):
- Dry Cleaning
- Vacuum / Suction Clean
- Steam Cleaning
- Disinfection Clean
- You can select one, multiple or all types!
Also, in order to quote for curtains cleaning, please advise MEIDE on the following:
- Full or half length?
- How many pieces and the width of each?
- And blackout curtains?
- Material of curtains
- Type of hook or attachment – you can send photos!
- Required to detach?
- Required to re-install?
UPHOLSTERY / SOFA CLEANING
Bed mattresses, sofas, and other rugs or carpets may need to be cleaned. There are a variety of ways to clean it and we summarize these available upholstery services here in Singapore (all offered by MEIDE too):
- Dry Cleaning
- Vacuum / Suction Clean
- Steam Cleaning
- Specialized POTEMA Cleaning
- Disinfection Clean
- You can select one, multiple or all types!
Hence, be sure to arrange for these to be done too before you can get back your security deposit!
In fact, these add-on tasks should be arranged either simultaneously or BEFORE the post-tenancy clean.
(7) Obtain your cleaning receipt or invoice
At MEIDE, you can always request for a receipt and/or invoice for the cleaning. This is pertinent for most tenants to get back their security deposit! Landlords or property agents would want a copy for records and safekeeping.
Book your #1 home services today, or join our team!
meide.sg is here for you, always.
Now, you are ready and prepared for the best post-tenancy clean results!