A Look at Communal Cleaning Requirements

You may reign supreme when it comes to cleanliness in your own apartment, but what can you do if the common spaces in your building are a different story?

One of the major complaints of apartment dwellers is the state of the building's common areas, such as the corridors and stairwells, which may be in disrepair and potentially pose a health risk to residents.

However, it's difficult to come to a consensus on what constitutes a sufficiently clean public space since "clean" might mean different things to different people. Is there anything you can do if you find that your cleaning company isn't living up to your expectations? What are the duties of property managers in terms of cleanliness?

Depending on the details of the management agreement and the lease, duties may be different for each building. Shared area cleaning is often covered by service fees, but it's important to read the fine print to be sure.

The landlord (or, in most cases, the property management firm) is usually tasked with cleaning and maintaining the following, as stated in the lease:
  • interconnected grounds, hallways, and elevators
  • parking lot walkways shared
When you have a firm grasp on the specifics of your lease, you may more effectively ensure that your needs are being addressed.

How should success be measured?

The size, construction, and function of your building will determine its specific cleaning requirements.
  • Is the foyer carpeted or tiled, for instance?
  • How many people in total live in the complex?
  • Does the space have a lot of glass or other surfaces prone to fingerprints and dust?
  • Can individuals leave items like bicycles and strollers in the common areas?
We have found that the following strategy will keep things looking neat and tidy and guarantee that the proper task is being done to the right standards:

1. A comprehensive cleaning program
If your building is handled professionally, your landlord or management agent will have established a thorough cleaning plan in advance with a cleaning company. Everything from the frequency of cleanings to the types of surfaces that require attention will be discussed in detail during the first on-site visit to your facility.

It is also important to periodically examine this cleaning plan to ensure that the tasks included and the regularity with which they are completed are still appropriate for the neighborhood and its inhabitants.

2. Maintaining a clean home on a consistent basis
It is quite simple for things to spiral out of control if your block isn't cleaned and maintained frequently. What seems harmless at first might quickly become dangerous to your health. Cluttered common spaces provide a breeding ground for pests and disease-causing bacteria, such as those found on unclean floors and door knobs.

For regular cleaning to be effective, it is not necessary to bleach the whole block to within an inch of its life once each week. Some tasks may only be necessary every few weeks or months (for example, window cleaning or a deep clean of carpets). It's crucial that tasks be taken on at the appropriate times.

If you want to know when cleaning is expected to be done in your building, you may ease your mind by requesting a cleaning schedule from the building's management. In order to prevent little issues from becoming major catastrophes, it is important to voice them as soon as possible.

3. Proof of past cleanliness
Even while you may not see someone from the contracted cleaning service while you're at work throughout the day, it doesn't imply they aren't working. Most cleaning companies are required to keep a public log that is signed after each cleaning. Why not request that one be installed in your area so that cleaning progress may be monitored more closely if there isn't already one?

How can I address the poor upkeep of the building's common areas?
It's important to remember that it's probably a condition of your lease that you maintain the common spaces clean and clear of trash. Everyone on the street need to be taking these measures.

This is for the sake of both the cleaners" safety and the building's security. Everyone on the block has to be sure they're keeping their part of the bargain. If you're worried about cleanliness, make sure the cleaners had easy access to all the areas that required care.

You should go to the property management if the mess in the common areas isn't your problem but the cleaning staff just doesn't seem to be doing their job. You should snap pictures of anything that seems off, keeping in mind that the contractor is expected to adhere to a certain timetable and set of standards. Your property manager will appreciate this information.


Article kindly provided by commonareascleaners.co.uk

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