When renting an apartment, tenants often wonder if landlords provide cleaning services for the rented space. While this is not a standard practice in most rental agreements, there are exceptions and specific circumstances where cleaning services may be available. Here’s what tenants should know.
What’s Typically Covered by Landlords?
In standard rental agreements, landlords are usually responsible for maintaining common areas and ensuring the property complies with health and safety standards. This includes:
- Cleaning hallways, lobbies, and shared facilities (e.g., gyms or laundry rooms).
- Maintaining outdoor spaces, such as landscaping and snow removal.
Inside individual apartments, tenants are generally expected to handle day-to-day cleaning themselves.
When Landlords May Offer Cleaning Services
- Luxury or High-End Apartments
- In upscale rental complexes, landlords or property management companies might include cleaning services as part of the rent or offer them as an optional add-on for an extra fee.
- These services often include periodic deep cleaning, such as carpet cleaning or appliance maintenance.
- Furnished Apartments
- Some furnished rental agreements, particularly for short-term or corporate housing, may include cleaning services as part of the package.
- Move-In or Move-Out Cleaning
- Landlords often provide cleaning services before a new tenant moves in to ensure the apartment is in good condition. Similarly, they might arrange for cleaning after a tenant vacates, deducting the cost from the security deposit if the apartment is left in poor condition.
- Optional Services
- Some landlords partner with local cleaning companies and offer tenants discounted or recommended cleaning services. This is especially common in complexes with many busy professionals.
How to Determine If Cleaning Services Are Available
- Check the Lease Agreement: Look for any clauses that mention cleaning or maintenance services.
- Ask the Landlord or Property Manager: Inquire directly if such services are included or available for an additional fee.
- Explore Local Options: If the landlord doesn’t offer services, they may have partnerships with cleaning companies you can use.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Responsibility for Cleanliness: Most lease agreements require tenants to maintain the cleanliness of the unit. Failing to do so can result in fees, loss of the security deposit, or even eviction.
- Service Costs: If cleaning services are offered, ensure you understand the fees and how they’ll be billed.
- Customization: Optional services may allow tenants to choose specific cleaning tasks, such as bathroom cleaning, kitchen deep cleaning, or full-apartment services.
Conclusion
While landlords typically don’t provide regular cleaning services for individual apartments, there are exceptions, especially in luxury or furnished rentals. Tenants who value professional cleaning should inquire upfront or explore third-party services. Maintaining a clean apartment not only ensures comfort but also helps avoid disputes during move-out inspections.
For those renting high-end or corporate apartments, cleaning services can be a convenient perk worth exploring when comparing rental options.