[Macarthur]

A short while ago I was due to clean all of the carpets at my sisters other house (two bedroomed that she rents out). It is part of the rental agreement that the tenants there are responsible for cleaning of all carpets, to which we all agreed when they first became tenants there, I personally would clean all of the carpets.

I never received any call out from the tenants for well over a year, and my sister wanted to know why so she wrote to them. Still no answer after a further month so she called them to which they replied that they shall be having them cleaned soon.

Well they did have some one around to clean them, not me, but some other cleaning company that charged them the crazy price of just £45 for the whole 2 bedroomed house, how ridiculous is that.

You should have seen the tatty looking receipt that my sister got back from them. Still not sure as of yet what equipment they used.

Nigel. 

[Ken Wainwright]

This aspect of the rental market is a little weird. Think of it this way.

A typical tennant who is looking at a short term let has little or no concern about the quality of the carpets. They just want something to keep the dust down and to stop them from sliding from the front door to the kitchen sink when they walk in on a rainy day with an armful of Tescos finest . So when it comes to fulfilling their obligation re. the terms of their tenancy, what concern is it of theirs if the CC company doesn't do a particularly good job? You can visit them, give a fair price for a good job and give a guarantee as to the quality of your work. But it's all irrelevent. It has no baring on their needs. Low price will always win.

What we need to do is market ourselves more effectively to the landlords. Make them aware of the benefits of high quality cleaning. Tell them how the correct procedures and appropriate cleaning solutions will maximise their investment in expensive floor coverings. Only when we do that will the landlords specify a standard of works to be completed in the tennancy agreement. It's a real world, so apart from the occasional example, don't hold your breath.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Mike Halliday]

I can't see what the problem is, so they charged £45, they might be happy with
that.

cheap price does'nt have to mean slap-dash, what do the carpets look like, are they clean?

it seem you are judging them on price without giving them a fare chance.

Mike

[The Great One]

Hi

Come across this all the time.

The tenants don't care who they use, they are leaving the premises and really don't care who you are, or what equipment you use.

They want it done as cheap as poss, it ain't thier flat and will probably never see it again, all they want is thier deposit back.

Regards

Martin

[Macarthur]

Please understand that I certainly do not blame the tenants as yes they may have been looking for the cheapest price, and Mike I was not necessarily looking to judge the cleaning company concerned, yes they may indeed have done a good job, I agree.

I guess I was trying to understand why they would only charge £45. The subject of my post: Possible Slap & Dash not Definite.

Nigel.

[Doug Holloway]

Nigel,

I think this saying was imported from States and is 'Splash and Dash' ,no import duty

Slap and dash sounds like the local pevert  :

Seriously though most tennants feel they are ripped off by their landlords and will pay the absolute minimum they can get away with  , for a clean.

In my experience most letting agents are also dodgy, and will quite often send round a friend with a Vax.

This type of work is often more trouble than its worth, but sometimes decent people will pay for a decent job.

As Ken says ' don't hold your breath'

Sorry to be cynical,

Cheers,

Doug

[Macarthur]

Thanks Doug, yes you`re right Sorry for the mistake. How embarrasing, I meant Splash & Dash.

Cheers.

Nigel.

[dave401uk]

I just wonder : why do we spend so much time worrying about what others charge, turn negative energy in to positive energy,

so ends todays message from the desk of "yen"

[Macarthur]

Yes, I guess you're right Dave. I can't complain at the moment. I certainly have enough work. Still getting a good response so far, even at the start of this month.

Must try to focus more on the positive sides of this business to expand hopefully and maintain in control.

Just felt a bit annoyed at the time.

You're absolutely right though, end of moan from me.

Nigel.

[jacko]

There is a glossy flier being distributed via Post Office to homes around here: New Year Offer: £99 for full 3 Bed House etc etc.  Firm is based 80 miles away.

Also, tonight quoted for Medium Lounge, H,S,& L, - lady said "I'll go with that - previous guy quoted only £60 what is he going to do for that silly price?"

That is the sort of Customer i like!

Oh and icing on the cake - sold her protection on top!

[Ian Gourlay]

If the house had decent carpets in the First place I am on Lanlords side but personally believe after tennancy clean up costs is a Lanlord responsibility providing no major damage is done and it is just wear and tear. And the rent should reflect this.

This would help stop deposit rip off which happens time and time again.

However often the carpets are cheap and tatty in First Place.
and still the Lanlords managing company tries to  make a claim.

It has happened twice to my Student son and daughter and speaking to other friends who have students in the family to their children also.

Plus in one case a Lanlord tried to withold £600 for unpaid electric  when there was a  electric meter in the house.

[mark_roberts]

It depends what the £99 is for.  No Pre-vac, and traffic lanes only, then £99 is very reasonable for an average 3 bedroom house with no bad stains (3 bedrooms, HSL, Lounge).  Its all the ifs and buts which make it a risky sales strategy.  But then again better to make money than sit it the house waiting for the phone to ring.

Same with the £45 flat.  I imagine, from experience, two bedrooms (one being a box room), lounge and small hall.  Same standard of cleaning.  Hes in and out in an hour and the customer is happy.  He probably making more than some of us.

Not the way I sell my business but thats the whole point.  Selling is a story and its depends on the way you tell it to the customer.

Mark