The rental property market is booming, with the national average apartment retention rate hovering between 50-58%, indicating an average apartment turnover rate of 42-50%. For landlords, this means frequent tenant turnovers and the constant need for efficient cleaning processes. The average time a rental property stays on the market is 23 days, making quick turnovers essential for maintaining cash flow.
Whether you’re a seasoned property manager or a new landlord, mastering the art of fast, thorough rental cleaning between tenants is crucial for maximizing your rental income and maintaining property value.
Why Speed and Quality Matter in Rental Cleaning
For landlords, thorough cleaning ensures the property is immediately ready for viewing, significantly reducing the turnaround time between tenants. The cleanliness of a property can greatly influence potential tenants’ first impressions, affecting the rental process’s speed and success.
The cleaning services market reflects this growing demand. The global cleaning services market was estimated at USD 415.93 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 616.98 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9%, with rental property cleaning representing a significant portion of this growth.
Essential Pre-Cleaning Steps
1. Conduct a Thorough Move-Out Inspection
Before diving into cleaning, you should check the property and check for any issues that may need fixing before the cleaning process. Inspect the property for any damage or wear and tear left by the previous tenants.
Key areas to inspect:
- Walls and Floors: Check the wall for holes, stains, scuff marks, and the floor condition
- Appliances: Check all the appliances to see if they are still functioning properly and if there are still items left inside the refrigerator and other cabinets
- Plumbing and Electrical: Check all the plumbing fixtures and the electrical outlets to confirm that they are in good condition for use
2. Handle Repairs Before Cleaning
Sometimes, it’s easier to perform any maintenance or repairs before cleaning, simply because these projects are often messy. Address any necessary repairs first to avoid re-cleaning areas after maintenance work is completed.
The Fast and Efficient Room-by-Room Cleaning Strategy
Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen requires special attention as it’s often the most scrutinized area by prospective tenants.
Essential kitchen tasks:
- Clean the oven, stovetop, and microwave. Make sure there is no leftover grease or food particles on the surface. Wipe inside and outside the refrigerator and ensure no food remains in it
- Clean all cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Degrease range hood and exhaust fan
- Sanitize all surfaces and countertops
- Deep clean the sink and faucet
Bathroom Renovation
One of the most common reasons for bad Airbnb reviews is the bathroom – so make sure yours hit the mark. This principle applies equally to long-term rentals.
Critical bathroom cleaning steps:
- Remove soap scum, polish mirrors, and wipe down countertops. Clean the cabinets, including the inside, and remove any leftover personal items from previous tenants. Remove soap scum from shower doors and scrub the bathtub
- Be sure to check for mold or mildew, especially around grout lines
- Hair can quickly build up in bath and shower drains, leading to blockages. Always check drains and plugs before new guests stay
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Focus on high-impact areas that create the best first impression:
- Clean the walls, dust the skirtings and if necessary, paint over stubborn marks. Wash windows and clean window frames. If there are curtains or blinds at the windows, these should be cleaned too. Mop tiled floors, sweep wood floors, and deep-clean the carpeted areas
Time-Saving Professional Tips
1. Work from Top to Bottom
When cleaning walls, doors and ceilings, start high and work your way down. This prevents dust and debris from settling on already-cleaned surfaces.
2. Don’t Forget Often-Overlooked Areas
These areas can collect dust, debris from foliage, and even dead insects. Use a hose attachment to vacuum dust and debris and follow up with a microfiber cloth. Spray a gentle multipurpose cleaning solution onto your cloth and you will ensure that your windows are truly highlighting the great aspects of your unit.
Commonly forgotten areas include:
- Don’t forget to clean dirty air filters, clogged furnace filters, ceiling fans, appliances, light switches, and outlet covers too
- Between tenants, change the filter to ensure that the job is done
- Window sills and baseboards
- Interior of closets and cabinets
3. Use the Right Tools and Products
Having the proper cleaning supplies can significantly speed up the process:
- Microfiber cloths for dusting and window cleaning
- All-purpose cleaners and degreasers
- Vacuum with various attachments
- Mop and bucket or steam cleaner
- Scrub brushes for tough stains
Professional vs. DIY Cleaning: Making the Right Choice
When to Hire Professional Services
According to Homeguide.com, in 2024, the average cost for move-out cleaning ranges from $90 to $390, with factors such as the number of rooms and additional services influencing the final price.
Consider professional services when:
- A professional cleaning service will have your entire space looking its best; after all, a clean rental is much easier to sell than a dirty one. Leave the cleaning to the professionals so your rental property will look spotless
- You manage multiple properties
- The previous tenant left the property in poor condition
- You need carpet cleaning or specialized services
DIY Cleaning Timeline
According to the cleaning professionals, it typically takes 1 hour for every 250 sq. ft. of living space. So for a 1,500 square foot apartment, we’d recommend reserving at least 6 hours (1,500 sq. ft. / 250) for move-out cleaning.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Security Deposit Management
However, you may charge the previous tenant for the cleaning costs if they did leave the property in a poorer condition than when they received it. Always document the property’s condition with photos and detailed notes.
Setting Cleaning Standards
The standard required will be ‘exactly’ the same as when you moved in, so make sure you refer to your check-in inventory… it’s important that tenants understand their end of tenancy cleaning responsibility, which is to leave the property cleaned to the same standard as when they moved in.
Technology and Automation Solutions
The rental industry is embracing technology for more efficient operations. Improving efficiency continues to be the benefit that property management professionals are most excited about regarding technology adoption. Technology adoption stands out among defining property management trends for 2025, with efficiency ranking as companies’ second-highest priority.
Consider investing in:
- Digital inspection apps for documenting property conditions
- Automated scheduling software for cleaning services
- Property management platforms that integrate cleaning workflows
Final Inspection and Quality Control
Create a Standardized Checklist
Plus, having a comprehensive cleaning checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked. It streamlines the move-out inspection and avoids future disputes.
Essential final inspection points:
- All surfaces dust-free and sanitized
- All appliances clean and functional
- Windows and mirrors spotless
- Floors thoroughly cleaned
- No odors present
- HVAC filters replaced
Document Everything
Be sure to document the property’s condition before the new tenants arrive. Take photos of each room and keep detailed records for future reference and potential disputes.
Conclusion
Fast, efficient rental unit cleaning between tenants is both an art and a science. By following these proven strategies, maintaining quality standards, and considering professional services when appropriate, you can minimize vacancy periods and maximize your rental income.
Remember that the goal is to get the home as clean as possible and as fast as possible. Whether you choose to handle the cleaning yourself or hire professionals, consistency and attention to detail will help you maintain satisfied tenants and protect your property investment.
The key to success lies in developing efficient systems, using the right tools and products, and never compromising on quality – even when time is tight. With the rental market’s continued growth and increasing competition, a spotless, move-in-ready property will always give you the competitive edge you need.
References
- RentCheck Blog: Do Landlords Have To Clean Between Tenants?
- Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Made Simple for Tenants and Landlords | NW Maids
- Tips for Cleaning Rentals Between Tenants | Professional Home Cleaning, LLC
- Quick Services for Foreclosure or Rental Turnovers | EZ CleanUp
- Move-Out Cleaning Cost Guide for Tenants and Landlords – Azibo
