How to clean your rented home when moving out, document the result and deal with any claims from the landlord.
When you leave a rented home, it should normally be empty and thoroughly cleaned. Inadequate end-of-tenancy cleaning may lead the landlord to require further cleaning or payment of the cost of hiring someone else.
There is no statutory detailed checklist that applies to every home. You should therefore refer to the tenancy agreement, the landlord’s cleaning instructions and the particular features of the property. Ask for the instructions in writing if they have not already been provided. The linked sources are in Swedish because they concern Swedish law.
The tenant remains responsible
The Swedish Rent Act states that the tenant must take care of the property and may be liable for damage caused by carelessness or neglect. In practice, end-of-tenancy cleaning is also governed by the tenancy agreement and the landlord’s applicable instructions.
You remain responsible to the landlord even if you hire a cleaning company. If the company overlooks any part of the work, you must therefore ensure that the shortcomings are rectified before the property and keys are handed over.
Check the cleaning while you still have the right to enter the property. Once the tenancy has ended, it may be difficult to obtain an opportunity to rectify any shortcomings.
What end-of-tenancy cleaning usually includes
Always check the landlord’s own list. Standard end-of-tenancy cleaning usually also covers areas that are not included in routine weekly cleaning.
Empty and clean the inside and outside of cupboards, drawers, wardrobes and other storage spaces.
Clean the hob, oven, baking trays, extractor fan and spaces behind or beneath appliances where they can be accessed safely.
Defrost, clean and dry the fridge and freezer. Leave the doors open in accordance with the landlord’s instructions.
Clean the toilet, washbasin, shower, bath, tiles, floor drain and accessible pipes.
Wipe down doors, frames, mouldings, radiators, light switches, electrical sockets and vents without damaging the installations.
Clean the windows, frames, casements and window sills where accessible.
Vacuum and mop floors using a method suitable for the material.
Empty and clean storage areas, balconies, patios, garages and other spaces belonging to the property.
Distinguish between dirt, damage and normal wear and tear
Normal wear and tear occurs when a home is used in an ordinary and careful manner. Such wear and tear should not be treated as inadequate cleaning. Grease in the kitchen, limescale, dust, belongings left behind and dirty surfaces may, however, lead to a requirement for additional cleaning.
Do not try to conceal scratches, holes or other damage using unsuitable cleaning products or your own repairs. Strong chemicals and incorrect methods can damage floors, worktops, hobs and other finishes. Ask the landlord if you are unsure.
An inspection and photographs reduce the risk of a dispute
A moving-out inspection is common but not mandatory. Ask the landlord whether an inspection will be carried out and whether you may attend. Also ask to be notified of any issues while you are still able to remedy them.
Photograph the property once cleaning has been completed. Take both general photographs and clear photographs of the kitchen, bathroom, floors, windows, appliances and associated spaces. Keep the landlord’s instructions, inspection reports and messages concerning the handover.
If you hire a cleaning company
Ask for a written agreement specifying what is included, the applicable price and how any shortcomings will be handled. You may wish to send the landlord’s cleaning instructions to the company and check that storage areas, balconies or other associated spaces are included if they need to be cleaned.
A cleaning service must be performed with reasonable care and skill. If the work is inadequate, you should complain in writing and give the company an opportunity to remedy the problem. Document the shortcomings and retain agreements, photographs, invoices and other communications. The Swedish Consumer Agency’s guidance on problems with end-of-tenancy cleaning explains what you may require from the company.
If the landlord demands payment
Ask the landlord to specify what was inadequate, what measures were taken and how the cost was calculated. Request photographs, inspection notes and supporting documentation for the invoice. A claim should relate to actual and reasonable measures.
If you disagree, object in writing and explain why. Attach your own photographs and refer to any agreements or reports. Do not ignore the claim, even if you believe it is incorrect.
Plan your housing search at the same time
There is no uniform queueing system for Swedish rented homes. Housing companies and private landlords may have different letting conditions, and applications for many properties are made directly to the landlord. It is therefore not possible to state a single queueing time for the entire country. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning’s information on housing agencies and queues describes how the systems differ.
Bojakt currently lists 20,356 available homes in 1,238 locations. Of the listings, 44% are for first-hand tenancy agreements, while 11,334 listings, corresponding to 56%, are sublets. Among the first-hand properties, there are 4,928 options with no queueing-time requirement.
The median rent in the country is 9,200 kr. When planning your move, you should therefore budget for both the new rent and possible costs for cleaning, moving and overlapping accommodation.
