We often hear people say that they were charged a house cleaning fee when moving in or moving out, but they don't know what it costs or what the average price is.
Recently, there have been some problems regarding billing for house cleaning services.
So, this time we will explain the details of house cleaning for rental properties and answer questions such as the average cost.
If you are looking for a room or moving, use this article as a reference for finding out about house cleaning.
This article is also recommended for those who want to arrange their own house cleaning or want to keep costs down.
About house cleaning for rental properties
The work involved and the average cost of house cleaning for rental properties will vary depending on the property and the cleaning company.
I think there are some people who are billed by the real estate company and pay without knowing the details.
First, let us explain the work involved in house cleaning and the costs involved. Let's remember the costs and the work involved.
House cleaning work
The main tasks involved in cleaning a rental property are as follows:
- Cleaning the kitchen (including ventilation fans and range hoods)
- Cleaning the bathroom (sink, changing room, toilet, etc.) and other areas around water
- Cleaning windows and sashes
- Cleaning the veranda and balcony
- Cleaning each room, including the living room, dining room, bedroom, and hallway
- Cleaning the air conditioner
In areas around water, traces of use by previous tenants are likely to remain, and it is particularly difficult to remove oil stains on ventilation fans and range hoods, toilet bowls, and limescale around bath drains.
When it comes to cleaning around the bathroom, it's better to hire a professional to do it than to do it yourself, and some companies offer plan fees for bathroom areas, so we recommend that you hire them.
Although you can clean each room yourself to a certain extent, such as the living room, dining room, bedroom, and hallway, there are times when you are unable to remove all the dirt.
In particular, it is difficult to notice invisible dirt in areas where large furniture is placed, and house cleaning will thoroughly remove such invisible and fine dirt.
Verandas, balconies, and around windows tend to collect dust, so dirt is very noticeable. Furthermore, since these areas are hard to see, many people don't clean them after moving in.
When dirt accumulates on windows, they turn black and become difficult to remove, but housecleaning uses special detergents to clean them and leave them clean.
Air conditioners are also difficult to clean unless you are a professional.
Not only the filter is cleaned, but all parts are disassembled and cleaned thoroughly, leaving no odors behind.
Even if the room has been cleaned, it is often the case that when the air conditioner is turned on, there is a dusty smell, so we recommend leaving air conditioner cleaning to a house cleaning service.
In particular, air conditioner cleaning is done by " Your Meister
House cleaning costs and rates
House cleaning fees vary depending on the size of the room.
The average cost is as follows. The larger the space, the higher the price.
| Studio/1K | 20,000 to 50,000 yen |
| 1DK/1LDK | 40,000 to 80,000 yen |
| 2DK/2LDK | 30,000 to 70,000 yen |
| 3DK/3LDK | 60,000 to 200,000 yen |
| 4DK/4LDK | From 70,000 yen |
The above costs are for all areas cleaned. Depending on the company, it may be possible to request partial cleaning.
It is also a good idea to request services according to your budget, such as using house cleaning services only for areas that are difficult to clean.
The cost varies depending on the area you want cleaned, so for reference, here is the average cost for partial cleaning. Please refer to the table below.
| Range hood | Approximately 20,000 yen |
| bathroom | Approximately 17,000 yen |
| Air conditioning | Approximately 12,000 yen |
| Flooring | Approximately 13,000 yen |
| Windows | Approximately 11,000 yen |
Prices may also be cheaper depending on when the work is done.
For example, periods when there is low demand for moving, such as the beginning of the year, April, and September to November, are off-seasons, and the rates during these periods can be lower for the same work.
Who pays for house cleaning for rental properties?
House cleaning costs are borne by the landlord
The person who pays for house cleaning costs when moving in and moving out will be determined in accordance with the restoration guidelines established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
If the tenant cleans the property themselves when they move out, the landlord will generally be responsible for the cleaning costs.
However, since the scope of cleaning is not clearly defined, there have been cases where people have been charged house cleaning fees for restoring the property to its original condition.
The only times when the tenant is required to pay for house cleaning fees are when the property cannot be restored to its original condition, such as when there are stains that cannot be removed or mold in the living room.
Even if the tenant pays the cost, it is generally deducted from the security deposit. You can assume that you will not be charged a separate house cleaning fee.
When should the tenant pay for house cleaning costs?
The tenant will be responsible for house cleaning costs if the cost of restoring the property to its original condition exceeds the deposit.
In addition, in properties that have a "cleaning special clause," the tenant will be responsible for the cost of house cleaning.
In particular, properties with zero deposits and key money often have this cleaning clause written into the rental agreement, meaning the tenant is responsible for the cost of house cleaning.
What is a cleaning contract?
A cleaning clause is a clause in a rental agreement that allows the tenant to pay for house cleaning costs. In this case, the tenant will be responsible for the house cleaning fee.
Recently, more and more properties are offering this special cleaning service.
Generally, landlords use the security deposit to cover house cleaning, which is why some tenants refuse to take out a cleaning contract.
However, if you refuse the cleaning clause, the landlord will not allow you to move in.
If you don't want to pay the cost of house cleaning, you will have to look for a property that doesn't have a cleaning clause or that requires you to pay a deposit.
Be careful with properties that have no deposit or key money
Normally, the landlord will use the deposit paid by the tenant to carry out restoration work and house cleaning.
Therefore, for properties that do not require a deposit, you will often be charged a house cleaning fee when you move out.
In this case, the rental contract will state that the tenant is responsible for house cleaning costs. Be sure to check this before signing the contract to avoid any issues when you move out.
How to keep house cleaning costs low
When moving in and moving out, a lot of money is spent on moving expenses and other costs, so I think many people want to keep house cleaning costs down.
Here are 6 ways to cut down on your house cleaning costs:
- Clean and ventilate regularly
- Clean up before you move out
- Please request after moving your belongings and furniture
- Apply during the off-season
- Take advantage of campaigns and set plans
- Get quotes from two or more places and compare them
Clean and ventilate regularly
It goes without saying, but it is important to clean the property regularly while you are living there.
If you don't clean regularly and dirt accumulates, it can become difficult to remove, and if the dirt is severe, the costs of house cleaning will increase.
Mold builds up especially around range hoods and water areas, and can be difficult to remove on your own.
In addition to cleaning habits, frequently ventilating your room can help prevent stubborn stains.
Clean your room regularly to avoid having to pay extra when you move out.
Clean up before you move out
Make sure to clean up properly before you move out.
The state of cleaning before you move out will determine how much the house cleaning fee will be.
Be sure to look out for any dirt that may not be visible due to larger objects while you are renting, and clean it up before you move out.
Also, if the property is badly soiled before you move out, you may be charged house cleaning fees and not get your deposit back.
Don't end up regretting the expense of not cleaning.
Please request after moving your belongings and furniture
When setting up furniture or large items, you may not notice invisible stains.
The gaps behind the refrigerator and in the washing machine van are hard to reach and tend to accumulate dust.
First, move any large items and furniture away and clean any dirt that you can remove yourself before hiring a house cleaner.
With less visible dirt, there will be fewer areas to clean, resulting in lower costs.
Apply during the off-season
The off-season periods are April when the moving season ends and from September to November, and house cleaning fees are also set lower.
For this reason, some people hire house cleaning services at this time of year. Depending on the company, you may be able to negotiate the price.
If you can't move during the off-season, try taking advantage of early bird discounts.
Take advantage of promotions and set plans
Some companies offer set plans such as a plumbing package at a lower cost.
When requesting house cleaning services, some companies offer discounts if you request cleaning of multiple areas, and some even run campaigns depending on the areas they clean.
It's also a good idea to take advantage of the great deals available.
Recently, the number of house cleaning companies has increased, and they sometimes offer special prices to attract customers. Please make use of them.
Get quotes from two or more places and compare them
House cleaning costs can vary by more than 10,000 yen depending on the company, even for the same cleaning content.
Also, some cleaning companies charge more than the market rate.
Be sure to get quotes from two or more contractors, compare the quoted amount with the work to be done, and choose a trustworthy contractor who can explain the details to you.
Things to keep in mind when requesting house cleaning services
You can also find and hire a cleaning company for your rental property yourself.
Some people want to clean specific areas before moving in and start their new life, while others want to request house cleaning services while they are tenancy.
Here are three things to keep in mind when hiring a house cleaning service for your rental property:
- Check with the management company and Mr. Otani
- Check if the cleaning company has liability insurance
- After the work is done, check to see if the cleaning is complete.
Check with the management company or landlord
Depending on the area you are cleaning, you may need permission from the management company or landlord.
For example, the air conditioner and water heater in the room are the property of the landlord.
Air conditioner cleaning requires disassembly of all parts, so be sure to check with your landlord in advance.
If the air conditioner doesn't work or if any of its parts are damaged, you will have to pay compensation.
Also, if there is an unpleasant odor or dirt when you move in, the landlord may be responsible for paying for it.
Be sure to check with the management company or landlord before requesting any work.
Check if the cleaning company has liability insurance
Check in advance whether the cleaning company has liability insurance.
If your belongings or room facilities are damaged during cleaning work, you will be covered by the cleaning company's liability insurance.
However, some cleaning companies do not have liability insurance.
Even if the cost is low, it is quite dangerous to hire a company that does not have liability insurance. You can check on the website whether a cleaning company has insurance.
After the work is done, check to see if the cleaning is complete.
Once your house cleaning job is complete, be sure to be there to check how it is done.
You should also check to see if all dirt has been removed and if the room's facilities are broken.
When cleaning an air conditioner, you need to check that the air conditioner and ventilation fan are working properly.
Make sure to check that the equipment is working properly before you leave.
[Finally] Please be aware that in principle, the landlord is responsible
This time, we explained about house cleaning for rental properties.
We also introduced the work involved in house cleaning, the average cost, ways to keep house cleaning costs low, and things to keep in mind when hiring a professional.
Generally, house cleaning costs are borne by the landlord.
Unless the property has a special cleaning clause, you will not have to pay any fees, so be sure to check the contract if you are charged.
Also, cleaning clauses are often found in properties with zero deposits. Be sure to check the contract details before signing to prevent any problems in advance.
