How Do You Handle Cleanliness Concerns With Mid-Term Rental Tenants?

Question

I called a previous landlord reference that a potential tenant I’m currently screening provided. Overall, the landlord said the tenants were great, but they left the place really dirty when they moved out.

Question for other landlords, outside of stating cleanliness expectations in the lease, are there any smart ways you help ensure a property stays clean during a tenant’s stay?

For mid-term rentals specifically, do you do periodic walkthroughs/check-ins, or does monthly visiting feel too intrusive?

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Mose Gebremeskel

I generally have someone stop by monthly or every other month to change air filters to confirm the upkeep of the unit. I don’t know the degree of cleanliness issues that are being referred to. That sometimes is a relative term. I know I expect people to return the property back in the relative same condition they found it in.

I do on occasion receive feedback from my cleaners about how the property was left.  I always ask them to send pictures so i can evaluate the issue.  I think some of these issues are part of the deal being a landlord.  If it’s extreme and you collected a security deposit you could use it to offset the cost, but make sure you have enough evidence to justify it.

Jonathan Klemm · Answer

If this is specific to a mid-term rental, what is the duration of the stay?

I'd agree with Victor monthly walkthrough seems aggressive unless you just wanted to do it the first month or two to get a vibe for the upkeep.

In all honesty, I think your best bet could be just having a genuine conversation with the prospective tenant and let them know of your concern.  We've had good luck with taking that direct approach with some of our mid-term tenants here in Chicago.

Lastly, you could always provide some BASIC level cleaning every other month just for peace of mind.

Ralph Pombo · Answer

We do several things:1) Housekeeping cleans all of the common areas every other week. The guests all know when this is scheduled and are told that a light cleaning can be done in their room if requested. This means that they will pick up their rooms prior to the housekeeper coming in.2) All plates, cups, and dishes are color coded. This makes it really obvious when someone leaves dirty dishes.3) We have written house rules that stress cleanliness and state that a member stay can be voided if there are repeat offenses. These rules are clearly posted. 4) My new idea is to have an app that allows people to whine, moan, and complain if they feel the need. The QR code is posted on the frig and they are taken through a conflict resolution questionnaire that is short enough to allow them to finish easily, but long enough to make it a little bit of a hassle to finish.

Mose Gebremeskel · Answer

Yes, I am. Just looking at other ways to make sure the place is left in good shape.

Drew Sygit · Answer

Aren't you getting security deposits?

Mose Gebremeskel · Answer

Thanks!

Mose Gebremeskel · Answer

Appreciate the insight.

How Do You Handle Cleanliness Concerns With Mid-Term Rental Tenants?

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