Moving out with pets can be exceptionally stressful, especially when you’re trying to ensure your landlord doesn’t surprise you with audacious fines or deductions.
As much as we love our furry friends, they often leave traces that property owners wouldn’t overlook. Scattered cat hair, a mysterious scratch on the door, or a lingering stench can make the place seem messier than it actually is.
The good news is you can avoid the fines imposed for these issues with proper planning and a little attention to detail. Here’s how to do just that.
Prepare for the Move with Your Pet in Mind
Moving houses is a major event as it is. Doing so with pets takes even more preparation, which is why you must start planning for the relocation well in advance.
A comprehensive to-do list will help ensure that you don’t miss anything vital. Additionally, you need to consider how your pet’s daily activities could affect the property.
If your dog likes to cuddle up in a specific place, for example, they could leave wear and tear marks on that particular spot. You’ll need to attend to those before leaving, even if you’ve already cleaned them once before.
Since you know your pet best, identifying the areas of the house that require additional attention should be easy. Addressing these early on will alleviate the stress associated with the final tenancy inspection.
Remember to give your pet some extra attention throughout this busy period. Moving can be stressful for our skittish companions, too.
Try to maintain their usual schedule as much as you can. A steady routine will bring them comfort during the hassle of relocation. Also, ensure that you have a safe space ready for them in your new home.
Don’t forget to pack their favourite toys or blankets in suitable moving containers. If you don’t have enough space in the vehicle but still want to keep some of their items, you can rent a storage pod.
Clean the Place Thoroughly
You must ensure that your previous residence is up to your landlord’s expectations before relocating. This entails more than just making it look nice for the next tenants.
Pets tend to shed fur and dander. They also leave scuffs and scrapes that are easy to overlook. So, you must be meticulous and do your best to cover every nook and cranny.
Carpets and Floors
The floors and carpets are among the most important items you should focus on. Whether you’ve got a fluffy shedder or a puppy prone to little mishaps, your flooring will need tending to.
For rugs that won’t be cleaned despite your best efforts, consider leasing a carpet cleaning machine or call a trustworthy cleaner.
Even the most well-adjusted pets could leave an offensive aroma behind after occupying a space for an extended period. So, make sure you refresh the rugs and furnishings to eliminate any residual stench.
Additionally, you’ll need to inspect your hardwood or tile flooring for scratch marks. Typically, you can polish minor scuffs with the correct products. However, if the damage is more severe, hiring a specialised cleaner would be your best bet.
Walls, Doors, and Skirting Boards
Your furry companion could be a master of mischief, leaving their subtle marks around the place. These are often easy to miss.
From the grime smeared across the walls to the chaos caused by those endearing little zoomie sessions, some wear and tear is inevitable. So, examine these locations closely for any evidence of pet-related damage.
Some touch-up work with a filler and a coat of paint will help with scuffed skirting boards or spots with chipped paint.
Additionally, you can eliminate any scratches on the door frames by sanding them down or covering them up with paint.
Simple tasks like these will guarantee that your rental is in decent shape. In return, this enables you to pass the final inspection without worrying about deposit deductions.
Furniture and Pet Accessories
Giving your furniture a good cleanup is crucial, even if you’re not taking it with you. This is especially important if your pet has been lying down on your furnishings.
Begin by vacuuming the sofas and chairs. If you have a U-shaped sofa, pay close attention to cushions or grooves where dirt and fur could’ve gathered.
For lasting freshness, pop your washable covers in the washing machine.
When it comes to your furry friend’s beds, toys, and scratching posts, you must clean them thoroughly before moving day. Not only will it keep your new property tidy, but it will also eliminate any residual smells that can cause problems during the inspection.
Deal with Offensive Odours
No matter how clean your pet is, lingering smells could accumulate over time without your knowledge. So, be sure to keep this in mind throughout your tenancy inspection cleaning.
After thoroughly cleaning an area, apply a deodorising spray on carpets and soft furniture. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it to eliminate any residual scents.
Wash or dry-clean the curtains while you’re at it, and remember to ventilate the space as well. Opening the windows for a few hours helps eliminate any remaining odours.
When to Call in the Experts
After years of companionship, it can be difficult to restore a property back to its former glory. In these cases, professional tenancy inspection cleaning is in order.
Although it comes at an additional expense, hiring a pro can actually save you money by eliminating anything that could call for a deposit deduction.
From deep cleaning carpets and floors to addressing nasty smells, specialised cleaners are adept at handling pet-related problems.
They also know what landlords usually search for during property inspections and will ensure that all their expectations are met.
How to Handle Pet Damage
Don’t overlook any obvious signs of damage your pet has caused. This includes chewed-up door frames, scuffed flooring, and soiled carpets. It’s always best to take care of these problems before the last inspection rather than letting them linger for the owner to discover.
Minor damage like scuffs or scratches usually only requires some DIY work to rectify. If the markings are more severe, it would be wise to seek the help of an expert.
Attempting to fix something beyond your capabilities can actually result in larger fines.
Final Pet Check
Take one last walk through the premises to see if your pet has left any mischievous surprises before you hand over the keys.
Check for anything your landlord could notice, like stray hairs or claw marks.
A pair of fresh eyes can help you spot any blemishes you could’ve missed. So, invite a friend or neighbour over, and have them give the property a once-over to make sure everything is spick and span.
Conclusion
Moving with pets doesn’t have to result in additional fees or deductions. It only takes a little extra effort to leave the place in good order.
Staying on top of pet-related touch-ups and tackling tenancy cleaning before the final inspection can make all the difference.
If you’re not up to the task, contacting specialised cleaners will save you a lot of money down the line. Ultimately, it’s all about leaving the property as clean as it was the day you moved in. With some care and attention, you can do just that.
