Are you looking to move out of your rental property but concerned about getting your deposit back because of your furry friend? Don’t worry! Here at The Happy House Cleaning, we understand pet owners’ challenges regarding end of tenancy cleaning. Let’s face it: pets leave their mark. From fur-covered carpets to lingering odours, the presence of our cherished companions can make achieving a spotless clean at move-out a daunting task. However, with some planning and the right approach, you can ensure your rental sparkles and your deposit returns safely to your pocket.

This guide provides valuable tips and highlights the importance of proper end of tenancy cleaning to ensure a a smooth deposit return and a happy landlord.

Read also: Your Guide to a Successful End of Tenancy Cleaning

Pet hair is one of the most common issues during end of tenancy inspections.

Challenges for Pet Owners During an End of Tenancy Cleaning

Pets bring joy, but they also leave behind traces of their presence. Here are some common issues tenants with pets face:

  • Allergens and microbes: Pet dander, saliva, and urine can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Microbes like bacteria and fungi thrive in pet-inhabited areas.
  • Pet hair: Fur gets stuck everywhere. The sight of any pet hair during the final inspection of the property leads to deductions from your tenancy deposit 100% of the time.
  • Unpleasant odours: Lingering smells from pet accidents and specific body odours can be challenging to eliminate.
  • Stains: Pet stains can be a nightmare to remove, from muddy paws to vomit and urine.
  • Damage: Scratching, chewing, and digging can leave their mark on the rental property.

Remember, your tenancy agreement outlines your cleaning responsibilities. While “reasonable wear and tear” is expected, pay close attention to areas where pets might have caused extra wear.

Check also: What’s Better: DIY or Professional End of Lease Cleaning

A stained or stinky sofa will surely set you back with a deposit deduction.

Cleaning Areas of Focus When Moving Out with Pets

While the overall end of lease cleaning requirements remain the same for everybody, pet owners need to pay extra attention to specific areas:

  • Carpets & furniture: Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet dander and hair. It’s best to rent a vacuum with HEPA filters, as they trap microbes and allergens. Use stain removal products and enzymatic cleaners to treat pet stains and deal with odours.
  • Behind appliances: Remember to vacuum behind and under appliances, as pet hair and dust easily get trapped there.
  • Hard floors: Pet hair gets everywhere, not just in carpets and upholstery but also between floorboards and laminate. HEPA filter vacuums are your best friend for this task, trapping pet dander, pollen, and dust mites to reduce allergens. Use attachments designed for upholstery and tight spaces to remove pet hair lurking in corners.
  • Walls & skirting boards: Pets love to rub against walls, leaving marks. Sugar soap or a damp sponge can remove these marks. Remember to wipe the skirting boards to remove pet hair and dirt build-up.
  • Windows & window coverings: Clean the windows inside and out to remove pet nose prints and paw marks. Vacuum the blinds and window coverings to remove dust, debris, and pet fur. Fix or replace any fly screens damaged by your pet.
  • Pet areas: Items like litter boxes, cages, or pet enclosures require extra attention. Use disinfectant to sanitise these zones thoroughly and enzymatic cleaning products to remove any lingering pet odours from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.

Read also: The Most Important Things to Consider Before an End of Tenancy Cleaning

Loud noises and increased activity in the home can be stressful for your pet, so moving them before the end-of-lease cleaning takes place is best.

4 Ways to Ensure a Flawless Pet-Friendly End of Tenancy Cleaning

For a genuinely deposit-worthy clean, consider these specialised approaches and take some proactive steps:

  1. Move your pet out: To make moving out easier, move your pet to temporary accommodation a week before your move-out date. Relocating your animals gives you enough time to focus on repairs and cleaning without being disrupted by them. It’s also better for the pets, as all the commotion related to moving out can be stressful.
  2. Book professional cleaning for carpets and upholstery: Carpets and soft furniture are known for trapping pet hair, odours, and dander. It is essential to schedule upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, as regular vacuuming is insufficient to remove deeply embedded dirt. Professionals use powerful equipment and solutions to leave the furniture and carpets fresh, spotless, and allergens-free.
  3. Air it out: Fresh air works wonders! Open windows and doors whenever possible, particularly during the cleaning process. Ventilating the property helps eliminate lingering pet odours and ensures a fresh scent for your landlord’s inspection. Invite honest friends for a sniff test and consider air fresheners.
  4. Honesty is the best policy: Minor pet-related damage can happen. Be upfront with your landlord about any scuffs or scratches caused by your pet. Explain your efforts to rectify the situation and outline areas you haven’t been able to fix. Communicating the issues in advance shows responsibility and allows them to assess the situation calmly, enhancing the chances you get most, if not all, of your deposit back.

Bonus Tip: Landlords and tenants benefit from clear communication regarding pet-related expectations and responsibilities. Routine inspections of the property can help pinpoint and address potential issues early on.

Check also: The Cleaning Must-Dos When Moving Out

Besides dealing with pet-related issues on the property, trained cleaners ensure spotless kitchens and bathrooms – areas that are often the subject of cleaning disputes.

Why Hire Professionals for a Pet-Friendly End of Tenancy Cleaning?

Here’s why professional cleaning is an investment that pays off:

  • Specialised techniques: Experienced cleaners use advanced methods to tackle pet hair, dander, and odours beyond surface-level cleaning. HEPA-filtered vacuums trap allergens, while enzyme-based cleaners eliminate pet odours at the source.
  • Deep cleaning techniques: Hot water extraction (a.k.a. professional steam cleaning) removes embedded dirt, hair, and allergens from carpets, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Trained cleaners also ensure proper drying to prevent mould growth.
  • Attention to detail: With all the challenges of moving, no matter how thoroughly you clean, there’s always a chance of missing something. On the other hand, cleaning companies work according to detailed end of lease cleaning checklists and procedures tested over the years. Professional move out cleaners reach hidden areas like behind appliances and under furniture, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning that addresses pet-related issues.
  • Peace of mind: Hiring an end of tenancy cleaning service takes the stress out of the job! You can focus on your move while the experts ensure a flawless end of tenancy clean that maximises your chances of getting your deposit back in full.

Read also: Is Hiring Move Out Cleaners Worth Your Money? We’ve Checked Reddit So You Don’t Have To!

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? We Can Help!

Happy House Cleaning offers customised move out cleaning plans designed specifically for pet-friendly homes. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us help you achieve a stress-free move-out!

With the right approach and professional help, you can ensure a flawless end of tenancy clean and a smooth transition to your new home. Happy moving!