Living with children in a rental house is particularly challenging and demanding because of the challenges and obligations involved in maintaining cleanliness and safety. From maintaining child-friendly surroundings to handling end-of-lease cleaning, parents should be aware of numerous crucial factors to guarantee a flawless and comfortable living environment.
This guide will address all you need to know to ensure your family finds your rental house a secure and comfortable environment and what to anticipate after your lease expires.
Child-Proofing the Rental Space
When moving into a rental property with children, ensuring their safety should be a top priority. Rental homes often lack features that cater specifically to the needs of young ones, so additional measures are typically necessary.
Begin by setting up safety gates around stairways or other potentially hazardous areas. Use corner guards on sharp furniture edges and secure loose wires to reduce risks. However, given that many landlords limit drilling or permanent changes to the property, consider using temporary or removable safety products that won’t damage surfaces.
Additionally, stabilize heavy items like bookcases and TV stands by securing them to the wall, as this can prevent tipping accidents. Store dangerous items, such as cleaning supplies, in high or locked cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to keep them out of reach of curious hands.
If certain safety measures require physical alterations to the rental, communicate these plans to your landlord and seek the necessary approvals.
Maintaining Cleanliness with Kids
Maintaining cleanliness in a rental with kids can be tough daily, yet it is crucial for cleanliness and avoiding disputes with the landlord during departure. Children in the vicinity are more likely to cause spills, stains, and normal wear and tear, so taking proactive measures is recommended. Purchase washable sofa and rug covers and place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to avoid stains.
Create a consistent cleaning calendar that covers surface wiping, mopping, and vacuuming. Instruct your children to help clean their toys and possessions to preserve order and lower clutter. For serious cleaning, consider hiring a professional. These services can especially help in areas with heavy daily traffic, like the bathroom and kitchen, where filth and grime can gather more rapidly.
End-of-Lease Cleaning Requirements
When it’s time to move out of a rental with kids, thorough end-of-lease cleaning is crucial.
- Coordinate with Your Landlord: Inform your landlord about your cleaning plans, as they might have specific requirements or recommendations. Engaging professionals not only makes moving out easier but also boosts your chances of receiving your full security deposit back.
- Return the Property in Original Condition: Except for standard wear and tear, the rental should be restored to its original state. This can be challenging, especially with kids, as they tend to leave more stains, marks, and general mess.
- Deep Cleaning is Essential: A simple surface cleaning isn’t enough. Areas like ovens, bathrooms, and windows often require extra attention, as they may have been overlooked during your stay. Pay special attention to wall stains, carpet marks, and other damage caused by kids.
- Consider Hiring Professional Cleaners: Opting for professional cleaning services is often the best approach. Many rental agreements require professional cleaning, and professionals can handle tough stains, reach high or hidden spots, and ensure the property is returned in immaculate condition.
Managing Damages and Repairs
Having children makes accidents inevitable, and some of them could cause damage to your rental house.
- Whether it’s a shattered window or a crayon writing on the wall, you want to take quick care of these problems. Check the specifics of your lease to know your obligations since most rental agreements contain sections regarding tenant responsibility for maintenance.
- Small wall scuffs or blemishes can usually be corrected by you with some cleaning or a small repair kit. For more major problems, such as damaged appliances, it’s crucial to inform your landlord immediately and go over how they will be addressed.
- Landlords often want renters to utilise expert repair companies to guarantee correct damage restoration.
Ignoring damages before you move out could result in deductions from your security deposit, so it’s advisable to handle these issues right away.
Preparing for Moving Day
Although leaving a rental with children can be busy, good planning will help simplify it. Well ahead of your move-out date, carefully sort and clean your possessions. Separate the kids’ furniture, clothes, and toys so that they have easy access to necessities throughout the move, including toys, clothes, and snacks.
Having someone watch the children or arrange for childcare on the day of the move can help you concentrate on the packing and relocation procedure. This will enable you to oversee the moving crew and guarantee that everything goes as expected, free from the extra strain of concurrently supervising kids.
When To Call Professional Cleaners
Although you might manage end-of-lease cleaning independently, hiring experienced cleaners is usually more practical. End-of-lease cleaning includes cleaning hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans, skirting boards, and cupboards. It requires meticulous attention to detail. Expert cleaners have the tools, chemicals, and knowledge to ensure your property is immaculate.
Using experts guarantees that your landlord is happy with the property’s condition, so lowering the possibility of deposit conflicts even while it saves you time. Many cleaning firms also provide guarantees, which means that if your landlord is unhappy, they will come back to fix any missing areas.
Conclusion
Living in a rental with children comes with unique obligations, from child-proofing the area to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring high-standard end-of-lease cleaning. Regular cleaning and proactive maintenance will help keep your family’s surroundings safe, pleasant, and fun.
Professional end-of-lease cleaning services can save you time and assist in restoring your security deposit, lessening the stress of the moving process for all concerned.
