It’s a well-known fact that hiring an apartment move out cleaning service in San Francisco to extensively sanitize your previous home before you leave is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your move goes smoothly.
We previously wrote about why move out cleanings are necessary and which types of cleaning they include. Now we’ll answer a question that many tenants wonder about: how thoroughly should you clean the carpets and rugs in your old place before moving out of it? Read on to find out.
Do I have to clean the carpet when I move out?
Most landlord-tenant contracts require the tenant to take excellent care of the property and leave it in the same condition it was in when they first entered it (with the exception or regular wear and tear). One of the ways this requirement is met is by giving the home an in-depth cleaning prior to leaving it for good.
If you haven’t damaged or excessively stained the floor coverings, you’ll only have to give them a standard cleaning (vacuuming and blotting out stains) before you move out. However, if the damage is more extensive than that, you may need to go the extra mile to avoid complaints from your landlord.
Here are 3 ways to deal with a dirty carpet before moving out:
Hire a certified cleaner
Pet and baby urine, food and drink spills, and other nasty accidents can all leave stains that can’t be removed with a normal cleaning. If this has happened to you, your best option is to have the carpet cleaned by the experts before your landlord sees it.
Align the carpet cleaning with your moving day
The carpet cleaning should be done after the movers have already taken all of your stuff away, but before your landlord has inspected the property. This will ensure the carpets are 100% dry and as clean as possible when the landlord inspects them.
Stretch the carpets or have them repaired
Bubbles or wrinkles can appear as the carpet ages, or if it has been installed improperly. An effective way to fix this is by stretching the carpet in an empty room. If the carpet has been torn in places or has holes, consider taking it to a professional carpet repair service.
Can my landlord charge for carpet cleaning?
The answer to this question depends on whether the condition of the carpet can be attributed to normal wear and tear, or if it goes beyond that.
In most states, basic carpet cleaning is considered to be a part of the overall turnover costs incurred by the landlord. If the costs of the cleaning aren’t higher than a professional cleaner’s regular rate, and the carpet hasn’t suffered any unusual damage, the landlord won’t be able to charge the tenant for carpet cleaning.
However, if the carpet is excessively grimy or damaged, the landlord has the right to deduct the cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement from the tenant’s security deposit. Examples of excessive dirt or damage include burns, holes, tears, stains from oil, paint, pet urine, etc.
Where can I book a top-quality apartment move out cleaning service in San Francisco?
If you want to make your big moving day as stress-free as possible, don’t hesitate to give Mythical Maids a call. Every San Francisco cleaner we work with has been carefully vetted and background checked to ensure maximum dependability.
By outsourcing your move out cleaning to the experts, you’ll not just be avoiding disagreements with your landlord, you’ll also be getting back some of the free time you need to attend to your other obligations or relax with a leisurely walk down Ocean Beach with your loved ones. Book your cleaning today!