Do Landlords Have to Clean Between Tenants?
There are so many varied things that landlords need to worry about from one tenant to the next. One of the obvious ones that you notice when it isn’t done: is clean up. At the same time, knowing who exactly is responsible for what can be a little murky. After all, the previous tenants can’t exactly leave a place completely trashed. Do landlords have to clean between tenants? That’s a somewhat complicated question.
Our Boston property services include every part of the rental journey… and cleaning up between tenants is certainly part of what we oversee. That doesn’t necessarily mean we are the ones bending down and scrubbing floors. But a big part of property management is knowing the roles and responsibilities and making sure the different pieces are taken care of by someone. Let’s jump into this topic to outline these roles and go over the expectations for both landlords and renters.
Table of Contents
Do Landlords Have to Clean Between Tenants?
States can vary slightly since they all have their various sanitary codes. When it comes to Massachusetts, landlords are legally required to provide rental units that meet the state’s Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. This means making sure that, before a new tenant moves in, the property is safe, clean, and free from health hazards. While the code doesn’t explicitly dictate any specific cleaning requirement, it does require landlords to address any conditions that could affect the “habitability”… which is subject to some interpretation. Other states outside of Massachusetts likely have similar regulations and sanitary codes, but of course, it’s important to investigate your particular state’s wording and verbiage.
When it comes to the question do landlords have to clean between tenants, some of the key responsibilities that the landlords take on include verifying that the unit is free from pests and making sure that all plumbing and heating systems are operational. Generally, that means all the amenities are in good working order.
Ultimately, it’s the previous tenant’s responsibility to clean thoroughly when moving out, aiming to leave the property in the same condition as when they moved in… minus normal wear and tear. The exact level of cleaning may vary depending on the lease agreement and local regulations, but it generally involves a deep clean of the entire unit. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to check this afterward and see that it was done and make a judgment on whether it was enough and if more cleaning (or repairs) is needed. Then it gets into security deposits and the right of landlords to charge the previous tenant for cleaning (including holding part of the security deposit). Landlords can make tenants pay for repairs and/or excessive cleaning so that is a possibility.
At the end of the day, while tenants are expected to maintain cleanliness, it’s the landlord’s duty to make sure that the space meets the required standards before a new tenant moves in. Landlords should get to know their own local regulations and housing codes to have a good grasp of them so they can make these judgments.
FAQ
What are some of the key things to know about this topic? If you’re asking yourself do landlords have to clean between tenants, you probably have a lot of related questions. Let’s dive into some of the more frequently asked related questions that people have.
Can a landlord charge a cleaning fee after a tenant moves out?
A landlord can charge a cleaning fee if the lease agreement specifies it, or if a tenant leaves the unit in excessively dirty conditions beyond normal wear and tear. In many states, “standard cleaning costs” are considered part of a landlord’s responsibility and cannot be deducted from a security deposit unless the tenant causes unusual damage or extreme filth that requires professional cleaning. Always check local laws and lease terms to determine what is allowed.
Are tenants required to clean before moving out?
Tenants are generally expected to return the rental in the same general condition it was in when they moved in… minus normal wear and tear. What does that mean? It leaves a bit up for interpretation. That said, it generally means sweeping, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and removing all personal belongings and trash. Some leases may specify additional cleaning requirements. Carpet shampooing, actual professional cleaning services, those sorts of things. So, it’s always good to review the lease before there is a move-out.
What should I do if my new rental isn’t cleaned before I move in?
As a new tenant if a rental unit is dirty or unsanitary when you move in, notify the landlord immediately and document, document, document… that means take pictures. Many landlords will arrange for cleaning. If the landlord refuses to address major cleanliness issues, tenants may have legal options depending on state laws.
How Property Management Could Help
Just as owners expect renters to clean a property upon move-out thoroughly, new tenants expect landlords to deliver a clean property when they move in. Thorough cleaning before the property hits the market can go a long way to attract a healthy pool of tenants. If you own a rental property, hiring Boston property managers can help streamline the make-ready process. This all means setting your property up for success to attract a high-quality tenant pool.
Bay Property Management Group has experience in making sure the property is fully clean, as well as the resources to advertise your vacant property and a thorough tenant screening process in place. So, if you are looking to maximize both profits and peace of mind, contact BMG today. We provide professional property management services in Boston, Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and elsewhere.
