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Moving out of a rental property can be exciting until you realize your landlord is holding back your caution fee. Many tenants in Nigeria and across the world face this problem, often wondering why their money isn’t refunded immediately after they leave.
One of the biggest reasons is failure to deep clean the property before handing over the keys.
In this post, we’ll explain why your landlord may withhold your caution fee if you don’t deep clean.
What Is a Caution Fee?
A caution fee is a refundable money paid by tenant to Landlord in case of any future damage in the house. It is also called a security deposit. Caution fee is usually paid at the beginning of a rental agreement.
Why do you pay caution fee?
It acts as a form of insurance for the landlord covering any potential damage, unpaid bills, or cleaning expenses once the tenant moves out. Caution fee is fully refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided you leave the property in good condition.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is an intensive kind of cleaning that goes beyond regular cleaning routine. It means thoroughly cleaning every part of the property including those hidden or neglected spots you may have ignored during your stay.Deep cleaning usually involves scrubbing surfaces, polishing floors or tiles, removing cobwebs and dirt from corners and ceilings and many more.
Why Landlords withhold Caution Fees
Landlords do not try to frustrate tenants, they do all they can to protect their investment. Here are some reasons why your landlord might withhold your caution fee if you skip deep cleaning:
1. The Property as left dirty
Generally, Landlords want to hand over a clean, welcoming home to new tenants. He expects that the property should be clean just the way he gave it to you. If you leave behind dust, grime, or bathroom stains, they’ll need to hire a professional cleaning service before showing the property again and this will cost you your caution fee.
So, to help yourself and your landlord, always keep the property clean before moving out.
2. Visible dirt reduces property value
We all know how dirt can change the look of things. A dirty apartment can make the property look old or poorly maintained.
Even if there’s no permanent damage, accumulated dirt can make paint fade faster, attract pests, or cause odors forcing your landlord to spend extra on repairs, cleaning or fumigation.
3. Your activities
If you cooked heavily spiced foods, smoked indoors, or had pets, the apartment may retain odors. Deep cleaning removes lingering smells that could drive away new tenants or lower rent value. If your landlord has to call in professional cleaners or fumigators, you do not expect them to return your caution fee.
4. Unclean bathrooms and kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchen are two areas landlords inspect. Some people do not keep these places clean. If your bathroom tiles are discolored or the kitchen has oil stains and cobwebs, your landlord is likely to see it as neglect and charge you for restoration.
5. You signed a contract to it
Most times you do not even bother to properly understand what is stated in tenancy agreement you signed before moving into a property. Tenancy agreements in Nigeria usually contain a section stating that tenants must return the property in the same condition they met it. Default to this will me your caution fee will not be refunded and you may have to pay extra depending on what damage is done to the property.
How to avoid losing your caution fee
Have you paid for caution fee and you do not want to lose the money to your landlord? Here are some things you should do to avoid losing your caution fee/
1. Clean your house regularly
While deep cleaning is very important it is very important to always engage in regular cleaning of the property as this will help reduce dirt and stains. Don’t wait until moving day. Begin deep cleaning at least a week before you move out. This gives you enough time to tackle stubborn stains and fix any issues.
2. Hire professional cleaners
Hiring professional cleaners like Edoproperty Cleaning Service will help reduce your stress. If you’re busy or the house is large, consider hiring a trusted cleaning service. They know what landlords look for and can deliver a spotless finish that satisfies inspection standards.
3. Take before-and-after photos
This is documenting is all about. Photos help you prove that you left the property clean or simply put, you left the property he ay you met t If there’s any dispute, your photos can serve as evidence that you fulfilled your part.
4. Fix small damages
In a situation where damages were inevitable it is good you fit it before leaving. Replace broken bulbs, patch up nail holes, and fix minor issues before inspection.
5. Do a final evaluation with the landlord
Invite your landlord to inspect the house before you officially hand over the keys. This will help to address any complaints immediately and avoid surprises later.
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