UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi there!

Just need some advice on the technicality of a clause within the tenancy agreement re: cleaning and moving out. In my opinion the clause is clear on its face in that professional cleaning of any part or the whole of the property is due when specifically requested by the landlord. Please can you advise, my tenant left the property dirty and I need it cleaned.

Here is the clause in question:-
"The Tenant shall use the Property in a good tenant-like manner and take good care of the Property including any Fixtures and Fittings and keep the Property and any Fixtures and Fittings in a clean and  tidy condition throughout the Term. The tenant shall ensure that its use of the Property is such as to minimise any problems with vermin at the Property and if any such vermin or signs of the same appear then the Tenant will arrange, at its own cost, to employ a reputable pest control company to eradicate such problem. The tenant shall otherwise deliver up the Property and the Fixtures and Fittings at the determination of the Term in good order and in a clean and tidy condition including arranging and paying for professional cleaning of any carpets, curtains and/or blinds in the Property and of any other part of the Property as required and in accordance with the Tenant's obligations, to immediately deliver keys to the Property to the Landlord."

Thank you in advance for your help.

BB

Bla bla isn't this the same issue as the sofa on your other post?

You didn't answer the last post on that one...did you not like the answer 

What's the real issue is the tenant not wanting to pay for professional cleaning?
Was it professionally cleaned before he moved in? Betterment is usually not permitted.

To answer the technicalities of your text...
It's same as the other post...the words "as required" introduce the ambiguity that I suspect the tenant is leveraging.

If the money is coming out of the deposit then claim it, let the tenant dispute and go to dispute resolution (if it's worth that much to you)

I don't agree however with your assertion that the clause is clear that professional cleaning is required when requested by the Landlord...you might infer that but it is not clear.

Best of luck

The clause has ambiguity and is poorly drafted.

As pointed out, "as necessary" introduces the grey area. Cleanliness is entirely subjective. What is clean to one person is a mess to another.

The clause cannot be depended upon to enforce professional cleaning.

Any clause that tries to enforce professional cleaning is likely to be considered an unfair tern and condition anyway. Research OFT356.

Sorry, best for you to drop this.