Cleaning Fees – Part Two

In Part One, we covered setting the fees in the lease agreement for cleaning fees.  Now, let’s cover the initial inspection during move in.  It is vital that during move-in, you walk through the unit taking photos with a digital camera.  Walk in to a room and take photos of the walls, carpet and ceiling.  Make sure you include the tenant in a few photos so they can’t later say they weren’t there.  Also, take good photos of the bathrooms and kitchen.  These are not only high use areas but high abuse areas.   Founder/Managing Partner Lamar Hunt Jr. also recommends taking photos of switch plates where greasy hands often slide up and down the light switch leaving a mess.  One property had several car mechanics so you can imagine the mess those hands were leaving throughout the property.  Before you finish the move-in phase, carefully go over the cleaning fees in the lease so the tenant knows you expect them to keep it clean.  That is vital in setting their expectations and avoiding problems during move-out.  A thorough move-in procedure is a money saver. For more real estate tips on rental real estate property or other subjects, see our blog at  https://lorettoproperties.com/.  You can also call us at 913-236-2902 if you have a property to sell.