According to the law, the landlord has the right to withhold a reasonable amount from the security deposit to cover the costs of undone final cleaning if the tenant has neglected this obligation. The landlord may also demand additional compensation if the deposit is insufficient to cover professional cleaning costs. Documentation is important: the landlord should take photographs of the property’s condition, make a written list of deficiencies, and keep receipts for cleaning costs in case of potential dispute resolution.
Final cleaning in rental relationships – why is it important?
Final cleaning is an essential part of a rental relationship and clearly falls under the tenant’s obligations. According to Finnish law, the tenant must return the property in the same condition it was in at the beginning of the tenancy, excluding normal wear and tear. This means in practice thorough final cleaning before handing over the keys.
Well-executed final cleaning is important for many reasons. For the landlord, it means maintaining the property in good condition and faster re-rental. For the next tenant, a clean apartment is a pleasant start in their new home. Final cleaning also significantly affects the smooth running of rental relationships – well-handled obligations often lead to good recommendations and quick return of the deposit.
In practice, final cleaning includes all thorough cleaning measures, including cleaning floors, surfaces, cabinets, appliances, and sanitary facilities. Often window washing is also part of final cleaning, although there may be different practices regarding this in rental agreements.
What does the law say about final cleaning in rental apartments?
The Finnish Residential Tenancy Act (AHVL) clearly defines the tenant’s responsibilities in property maintenance. According to the law, the tenant must care for the premises carefully and return it in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the tenancy, considering normal wear and tear.
Final cleaning is not directly mentioned as a term in the law, but it is included in the proper care and return of the property. Legal practice has established that final cleaning is part of the tenant’s obligations, unless otherwise agreed in the rental contract.
Normal wear and tear includes small scratches, fading, and wear marks that occur in ordinary living. However, larger dents, holes in walls, or other clear damage do not constitute normal wear and tear.
Final cleaning usually includes:
- Vacuuming and washing floors
- Wiping surfaces
- Thorough cleaning of bathroom and WC
- Kitchen cleaning including stove, oven, and refrigerator
- Cleaning cabinets inside and outside
- Window washing (regardless of season)
- Cleaning ventilation grilles
Can the landlord withhold the deposit due to undone final cleaning?
Yes, the landlord has the right to withhold an amount from the security deposit that corresponds to the costs of undone final cleaning. This right is based directly on the Residential Tenancy Act. However, withholding the deposit requires justified reason and documentation.
The amount withheld from the deposit must be reasonable and correspond to actual cleaning costs. For example, if professional final cleaning for a 30 square meter studio costs 200-300 euros at market prices, the landlord cannot withhold 600 euros. If the deposit is insufficient to cover all costs, the landlord has the right to demand additional compensation from the tenant.
The tenant can dispute the deposit withholding, in which case the matter can be taken to the Consumer Disputes Board or ultimately to the district court. This is why good documentation is extremely important for the landlord.
The landlord must demonstrate that cleaning has been left undone or has been done inadequately. This requires:
- Photographs of the property’s condition before the tenancy began (reference point)
- Photographs of the property’s condition at the end of the tenancy
- Written explanation of deficiencies
- Receipts or invoices for commissioned cleaning
How should the landlord proceed if final cleaning has been neglected?
The landlord should act systematically when final cleaning has been left undone. The first step is careful documentation. Conduct an inspection of the property as soon as possible after the tenancy ends, preferably on the same day the keys are returned.
If the tenant disputes liability for compensation, first try to resolve the matter through negotiation. If necessary, you can request a statement from an impartial cleaning industry professional about whether the property has been properly cleaned.
Remember that the landlord’s obligation is to demonstrate that the property was in cleaner condition at the beginning of the tenancy. This is why it is extremely important to also document the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.
Recommended actions:
- Take comprehensive photographs of all spaces and cleaning deficiencies
- Make a written list of observed deficiencies
- Contact the tenant and inform them of your observations
- Give the tenant an opportunity to correct the deficiencies if it is still reasonable
- If the tenant does not correct the deficiencies, order professional final cleaning and keep receipts
- Inform the tenant in writing how and why a certain amount is being withheld from the deposit
How much does professional final cleaning cost for a rental apartment?
The price of professional final cleaning varies according to the apartment’s size, condition, and location. In the Helsinki area, prices are typically somewhat higher than elsewhere in Finland. However, professional final cleaning is often cost-effective as it guarantees a good result and reduces the risk of disagreements with the tenant. Average price ranges for final cleaning of rental apartments are:
- Studio (20-35 m²): approximately 180-300 euros
- One-bedroom (40-60 m²): approximately 250-400 euros
- Two-bedroom (65-85 m²): approximately 350-500 euros
- Larger apartment (over 85 m²): starting from 450 euros
Many factors affect the price:
- The actual condition and level of dirtiness of the apartment
- Whether window washing is included in the cleaning (often an additional charge)
- Whether special cleaning is needed (e.g., extremely dirty oven or lime deposits)
- Whether there are traces of pets or smoking in the apartment
- Timing of cleaning (urgent orders may be more expensive)
How can the landlord prevent neglect of final cleaning?
The landlord can best ensure proper final cleaning through clear communication and proactive measures.
Many landlords provide tenants with a final cleaning checklist that lists all necessary actions. This helps the tenant understand exactly what is expected of them.
A good practice is also to agree in advance on a final inspection where you go through the apartment’s condition together. This way the tenant gets an opportunity to correct any deficiencies before handing over the keys.
Make these practices part of your rental activities:
- Include a detailed description of final cleaning requirements in the rental contract
- Give the tenant written final cleaning instructions at the beginning of the tenancy
- Document the apartment’s condition with photographs at the start of the tenancy
- Conduct interim inspections during longer tenancies
- Remind about final cleaning well in advance before the tenancy ends
- Suggest professional cleaning services as an alternative if the tenant is unsure about their own skills
To a clean result – everyone benefits from careful final cleaning
Careful final cleaning benefits all parties. For the landlord, it means maintaining the property’s value and faster re-rental. For the tenant, it means quick return of the deposit and good recommendations for the future.
If final cleaning is left undone, the landlord has clear rights to withhold cleaning costs from the deposit. The most important thing is to document everything carefully and act according to the law.
For many busy tenants and landlords, professional final cleaning is a stress-free and reliable solution. We offer high-quality and comprehensive final cleaning services that meet rental contract requirements and guarantee a result satisfactory to both parties. Professionally executed final cleaning saves time, effort, and potential disputes – it is an investment in peace of mind and a good rental relationship.