When it comes to being a landlord, it’s safe to say that it’s far from a breeze. There are numerous rules and regulations that need to be adhered to in order to ensure you remain on the right side of the law and cleaning is one such area in which landlords have certain responsibilities. 

There are two different areas in which a landlord is responsible for cleaning. These are…

• End Of Tenancy Cleaning/New Tenancy Cleaning and

• Common Area Cleaning

Today we’re looking at Common Area Cleaning.

Common Area Cleaning

If you’re the landlord of a single family home then this likely will not apply. If you’re the landlord of purpose built flats or even a house that’s been structurally altered to become multiple flats, then you’ll find yourself legally required to ensure common areas are cleaned at all times. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? It’s made even clearer in the first section of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 which states:

The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are:

1. maintained in good and clean decorative repair;

2. maintained in a safe and working condition; and

3. kept reasonably clear from obstruction.

This clearly defines it is the ‘manager’s’ responsibility however, it’s also worth noting that a landlord or ‘manager’ may delegate this duty to the tenants and this is where the confusion lies. While it may be delegated, the responsibility still falls on the shoulders of the landlord. This must be remembered. Should tenants not ensure areas are cleaned accordingly, landlords will still find themselves responsible and ultimately, liable.

Stay On The Right Side Of The Law

With the laws very clearly stating that landlords are responsible for ensuring common areas are cleaned regularly, it makes sense to ensure that regular professional cleaning is carried out. This not only shows you’re carrying out your legal requirements as a landlord but right now, it ensures you’re protecting your tenants during what is without a doubt, extremely troubling times.

Protect Your Tenants From COVID-19

From shared front doors to hallways and even postboxes, there are numerous touch points within common areas that easily spread COVID-19. During these rather unprecedented times, regular cleaning would not only be looked upon favourably but could potentially show you as a landlord, carrying out the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of your tenants.

If you’d like more information on your requirements as a landlord, we recommend contacting Cleaning Express, one of London’s leading commercial and domestic cleaners. Cleaning Express have the knowledge and expertise to ensure you remain on the right side of the law at all times but ensuring your common areas are regularly cleaned and up to code. Call Cleaning Express today on 0203 633 0390.