It is important to keep your house clean. Not only will this make it more pleasant to live in, but it will also help to protect your health. However, sometimes it can be difficult to know how clean you should be keeping your house. This is especially true if you are a tenant and your landlord tells you that you need to clean up more.
Can a landlord tell you how clean to keep your house? In this blog post, we will explore this question and provide some tips on how to stay compliant with your landlord’s cleaning expectations!
Contents
The Importance Of Cleaning
Cleaning your rental unit is important for many reasons. It can help to keep your home free of dust, dirt, and other allergens that can cause problems for people with asthma or allergies. It can also help to prevent the spread of illness-causing bacteria and viruses plus there are safety or fire hazard possibilities to consider. Keeping your house clean can also be a way to show pride in your home and to keep it looking its best.
What Tenants Need To Know About Cleaning
Tenants need to know that while keeping rental units clean, there are certain standards that they are expected to meet. Check the laws in your area, specifically local landlord-tenant law, and lease and state laws so you know where you stand.
These standards may be written into your lease contract as rental lease clauses or they may be verbal expectations that your landlord has communicated to you.
Either way, it is important that you understand what is expected of you in terms of keeping this rental property clean.
How To Stay Compliant With Your Landlord’s Cleaning Expectations
There are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are staying compliant with your landlord’s cleaning expectations.
What The Landlord Expects
First, be sure to ask your landlord what their specific expectations are. This way, you will have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
Cleaning Checklist
Next, create a cleaning schedule for yourself and make sure to stick to it. This will help you to keep on top of the cleaning and make sure that everything is getting done. Cleaning the unit regularly means less hassle and heartache in the long run.
Don’t forget to clean the windows. This will help to let in more light and make your home look its best.
Also, don’t neglect the little things as well as the bigger cleaning chores. Wipe down surfaces, sweep the floors, vacuum carpets and take out the trash.
Cleaning Products
Finally, be sure to use high-quality cleaning products and equipment. Avoid potentially dangerous chemicals.
This will make a big difference in the results that you are able to achieve.
Appliances And Fittings
Ensure you report leaking plumbing fixtures, the need for minor repairs, or even major repairs, keep an eye on seasonal pest control, and keep up with weekly trash day. Your landlord or property owner will appreciate this, and they won’t want you to leave!
Can A Landlord Tell You How Clean To Keep Your House?
It’s a common question – can your landlord or property owners tell you how clean to keep your house? The answer is maybe. It depends on the language of your lease agreement and state law. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask your landlord directly.
Generally speaking, landlords can set standards for cleanliness in rental properties. This might include requiring tenants to sweep floors, do dishes daily, or take out the trash regularly. Landlords might also specify that certain areas (like kitchens and bathrooms) must be kept spotless at all times.
However, there are some limits to what landlords can require. For example, they cannot dictate how often tenants should use the vacuum cleaner or what kind of cleaning products they should use. And in some states, landlords cannot enter rental units without giving tenants advance notice – even if they just want to check on the cleanliness of the property.
If you’re ever unsure about your landlord’s expectations, the best thing to do is ask. By having a direct conversation, you can avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Can You Be Evicted For A Messy Apartment?
Most of us have experienced a messy roommate at some point in our lives. Maybe they never picked up after themselves, or maybe they left their dirty dishes in the sink for days. Regardless of the reason, living with a messy roommate can be frustrating. But what happens if your landlord tells you that your apartment is too messy and you need to clean it up? Can you be evicted for having a messy apartment?
The answer to this question depends on the rental laws in the area where you live. Some states have “implied warranty of habitability” laws, which require landlords to provide tenants with livable conditions. This generally includes things like running water, heat, and basic repairs. However, there is no standard definition of “livable conditions,” so it is up to the courts to decide what this means. In some cases, courts have ruled that a messy apartment can be considered unlivable.
If you live in a state with an implied warranty of habitability law, your landlord may not be able to evict you for having a messy apartment. However, they may be able to give you the option to clean up your apartment or face eviction. If you choose to clean up your apartment, make sure you keep a record of the work you’ve done, in case your landlord tries to say you didn’t do enough.
If you don’t live in a state with an implied warranty of habitability law, your landlord may be able to issue an eviction notice for having a messy apartment. In this case, it is important to read your lease carefully. Many leases have clauses that require tenants to keep their apartments in clean and habitable condition. If your lease has such a clause, your landlord may be able to use it as grounds for eviction.
If you are facing eviction because of a messy apartment, there are a few things you can do. First, try to negotiate with your landlord. Explain the situation and see if they are willing to give you more time to clean up your apartment. If negotiation is not an option, you may need to get help from a lawyer or legal aid organization.
Living in a dirty house can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you know your rights and take action accordingly.
Does A Landlord Have To Clean My Apartment Before I Move In?
When it comes to move-in day, you might be wondering what kind of condition your new place will be in. After all, it’s only natural to want to start fresh in a clean and tidy home. So, does a landlord have to clean your apartment before you move in?
The answer may vary depending on your lease agreement and the state you live in. For example, some states require landlords to provide tenants with a “habitable” dwelling, which generally means that the unit must be fit for human occupancy and free of health and safety hazards. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your unit will be spotless when you move in – so it’s always best to check with your landlord beforehand to see what their cleaning policy is.
In most cases, your landlord will likely do a general cleaning of the unit before you move in – but they’re not required to go above and beyond to make it sparkle. So if you’re looking for a truly clean start, you might want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to give your new place a deep clean before you settle in.
Whatever you decide, remember that it’s always best to communicate with your landlord ahead of time to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Routine Inspections During Your Lease
Routine inspections are an important part of being a tenant. They help ensure that the property is being well-maintained and that any potential problems are caught early on.
If the landlord has instructions about cleaning after a routine inspection, be sure to follow them. This will help ensure that the property is kept in good condition and that any potential problems are caught early on.
Ask for a further inspection after you’ve rectified the problems as a follow-up so you know for sure there are no lease violations.
If you’re living in a rental property, it’s important to keep things clean and tidy – not just for your own sake, but also to avoid getting on your landlord’s bad side.
Here are seven signs that your rented property is getting too dirty for comfort:
Dust
There’s dust everywhere. Dust bunnies in the corners, dust on the shelves… if there’s one thing that screams “this place needs to be cleaned,” it’s a thick layer of dust. Don’t allow your apartment to collect dust.
Floors
The floors are sticky. The apartment has dirty carpets. If your feet start sticking to the floor when you walk, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to break out the mop. Sticky floors are not only gross, but they’re also a safety hazard.
Windows
The windows are gross. If you can’t see out of your windows because they’re so dirty, that’s a problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it’s also a fire hazard.
Bathroom And Kitchen Areas
There’s mold growing somewhere. Bathroom mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you see mold growing anywhere in your rental property, it’s important to clean it up immediately and take steps to prevent it from coming back.
There are dishes in the sink. A few dishes here and there is no big deal, but if your kitchen sink is constantly full of dirty dishes, that’s a sign that you’re not keeping up with the cleaning.
The trash is overflowing and there is rotten food on display. The sight of overflowing garbage bins is just plain gross, and it’s a surefire way to attract pests. If you’re not taking the time to empty your trash regularly, your landlord will definitely notice – and probably not be happy about it.
Odor
Does the rental unit smell bad? Bad smells are a sure sign that something needs to be cleaned – whether it’s the garbage, the bathroom, or something else entirely. If your rental property has a persistent bad smell, chances are your landlord is going to notice – and again, probably not be happy about it.
Pet Packages
If there is dog waste inside or outside the house, your landlord will not be happy. Cleaning up your pet’s waste will keep your landlord calm.
Bottom line: if you want to avoid getting on your landlord’s bad side, it’s important to keep your rental property clean and tidy. If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s time to break out the cleaning supplies and get to work!
Landlords appreciate tenants who take pride in their home and keep it clean, so following these tips should help make for a smooth inspection process.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Apartment When You Move Out?
No one wants to move into a messy apartment and leaving it in a mess can result in some pretty unpleasant consequences. Here’s what can happen if you don’t clean up before you move out.
Security Deposit
Your security deposit is likely to be forfeited. Most leases include a clause that requires tenants to leave the unit in “broom-clean” condition when they move out, which means sweeping and mopping the floors, cleaning the counters and appliances, and taking out the trash. If you leave your apartment dirty, your landlord may keep your entire security deposit (which is usually one month’s rent) to cover the cost of professional cleaning services.
Sued By The Landlord
You could get sued. In some states, landlords can sue former tenants for the cost of repairing the damage they caused, and that includes things like stains on the carpet, holes in the walls, and burned-out light bulbs. If you’re being sued by your former landlord, it will go on your credit report and could make it difficult to rent another apartment.
Cleaning Fee
You may have to pay a cleaning fee. Even if your lease doesn’t require you to leave the unit clean, your landlord may charge you a cleaning fee if they have to hire professional cleaners to get the apartment ready for the next tenant. This fee can be substantial, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and do a thorough job of cleaning before you move out.
Preparing To Move Out
Leaving a dirty apartment may not seem like a big deal, but it can have some pretty serious consequences. So before you move out, take the time to clean up your place and make sure everything is in order.
Create a move-out checklist for your place to follow the cleanliness clause in your rental agreement. Include a clean bathroom, including bathroom walls, empty garbage bins, no mold growth, as well as how you clean regularly. Also, don’t forget the property’s exterior, if applicable.
It’ll save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to keep your rental property clean not only for aesthetic reasons but also for safety and practicality. If you are unsure of what needs to be done in order to pass inspection, consult with your landlord or look up your state’s requirements. And when in doubt, err on the side of caution. Your future self will thank you!