Not all landlords require a cleaner, but some see great value. This may be because you are leasing out your own family residence while on holiday or work visa. It may also be an expensive property that requires higher maintenance. Either way, some landlords employ a cleaner to ensure the property is in great condition while also being able to increase the rent.
There are many benefits to hiring a cleaner in your investment property. In this market insight, we’ll take a look at why you should consider using one.
Tenants are time poor
A happy tenant will always lease your property longer and pay more for it. Many tenants are time poor as they juggle all of life’s requirements. If you offer a cleaner, this is a nice incentive for the tenant to remain satisfied with living in the property.
Tenants don’t always have the same attachment to a landlord
A landlord often works hard to save the money to own an investment. It is an incredible achievement to do so. The landlord will always be more emotionally and financially attached to the property. It is generally held long term, so the landlord will want the home maintain in top condition.
A tenant will appreciate the home, but as they don’t own it, they aren’t as attached to the home. Some tenants may intend on living there longer term, which is great. These tenants will grow more attached over time, but ultimately they will never feel as connected to it from a financial sense.
Including a cleaner in your lease agreement
If you wanted to include a professional cleaner, you should look to insert this condition into the lease agreement. It should also be added to the advertisement in advance. If it is in the lease agreement, you can include the cleaning services company, scheduled dates and times of access. This will ensure it is done promptly and in accordance to the privacy of your tenant. It may be your investment property, however its technically the tenants home, so it will need to be done respectfully. The lease agreement can provide transparency and peace of mid for both the landlord and tenant.
Cleaners provide a thorough job
Tenants may keep things tidy, but cleaners go the extra mile when taking care of your investment property. Many cleaners clean both inside and out of each kitchen appliance and cabinets. One appliance often neglected by tenants is cleaning the oven. Since cleaners do their job on a daily basis, they know which parts of the property needs more attention.
Cleaners will prevent further property damages
When your tenant occupies your investment property, your property manager may only get access to the property to inspect once or twice a year. If you have professional cleaner, you may find potential issues within the home before the become problematic. A professional cleaner can prevent further damages by either cleaning it or raising the awareness of it to all parties involved. By preventing damages, the home will last longer too.
You may find damages that have been over looked for a long time
There are many areas within a home that can be ignored. One area of a home is the laundry. No one spends their social time in a laundry. Using the laundry as an example, you the professional cleaner may find damages that haven’t been noticed. If a tenant has occupied the property for 10 years, the washing machine or freezer may have never moved. A professional cleaner may find some problems under these whitegoods. It could be mould, rotten floorings/walls or pests to name a few.
Improve your sales value
The cleaner the property, the more presentable. The property will last longer too. With a clean property, it will increase the buyer’s demand and in turn potentially improve the sales value.
A clean front facade makes a home more inviting. A clean alfresco makes the back yard more flexible to entertain. The tidy open floor plan helps a buyer visualise how they would live in the home. With less clutter and a clean presentation, it can influence your property sale.
Mold and mildew
A cleaner will reduce and potentially eliminate the risk of having mould in an investment property. Mould can cause many serious issues within your property. As mould dries it releases spores. The spores of bacteria, algae or fungi can cause terrible illnesses. This can be particularly worse for people who have existing health issues.
Mould can also cause nasty odours or smells. The odour is very unpleasant and gives out moist smell in the room. Some people compare it to the smell of wet socks, or rotten wood or paper. As the mold accumulates it starts to damage building materials and home contents. It can accumulate without being unnoticed. If unattended it can potentially create structural damages.
Increase your tenant demand
A tenant may in their best endeavours clean the property when leaving their lease. It’s an obligation under the lease agreement and required if they want their bond back. The clean may very much be acceptable, but a cleaner will take further steps to ensuring the property is highly presentable for the next tenant. This will flow into a higher rate of tenant demand and potentially increasing your rental asking price. Please read our market insight on ‘tips to increasing rent‘ for more helpful ideas.
Why use a cleaner in your investment property?
At first glance, it seems that cleaning your own investment property would be a cheaper option or leaving it to your tenant costs you nothing at all. However for some properties, a cleaner will outweigh the cost and/or time. If you have a luxury residence or a high quality designed home, you may want the peace of mind of a cleaners service. It may not be for everyone, but it certainly provide great value to many.
You may also learn that an included professional cleaner could be mutually beneficial to both the landlord and tenant. Before considering, make sure you’ve done your research before selecting someone. Your property manager may also be a useful partner to help source the right company.
If you are wanting to buy an investment property, please feel free to contact us. We source brand new and off the plan properties for buyers.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
June 2021
