Do You Have to Clean the Oven When You Move Out?
Moving out of a rental property is a busy and often stressful time, with a seemingly endless list of tasks to complete. One question that frequently arises for tenants is whether they really need to clean the oven before handing back the keys. The short answer is yes, in the vast majority of cases, you are obligated to clean the oven when vacating a rental property. Let's dive into the reasons why.
Rental Agreements Almost Always Require Oven Cleaning
When you sign a lease on a rental property, you are entering into a legal contract with the landlord. Most standard rental agreements include a clause stating that the tenant must return the property in the same clean condition as when they moved in, and this includes the oven.
Some leases are even more specific and explicitly state that the oven must be professionally cleaned. Failing to clean the oven would mean you are violating the terms of your lease agreement.
It's important to carefully read through your lease before moving out, to check for any specific requirements around cleaning. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and give the oven a thorough clean. Better to spend a bit of time cleaning than to risk breaching your contract.
Protect Your Security Deposit
One of the main reasons to make sure you clean the oven is to safeguard your security deposit. The security deposit is typically equivalent to one or two months' rent, so it's a significant sum of money.
When you move out, the landlord has the right to deduct money from your deposit to cover any cleaning or repairs needed due to damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Leaving a dirty oven is one of the most common reasons cited by landlords for withholding part or all of a tenant's security deposit.
Even if your lease doesn't specifically mention oven cleaning, if you leave the appliance in a dirty state, the landlord can potentially keep some of your deposit to cover the cost of having it cleaned.
Some landlords may even argue that a very dirty oven is damage rather than just uncleanliness, and may charge even more.
So in order to have the best chance of getting your full deposit back, make sure to leave the oven clean and sparkling.
Maintain a Positive Landlord Reference
Aside from the immediate issue of your security deposit, cleaning the oven can also help you maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, which can benefit you down the line.
Most landlords require a reference from a previous landlord as part of the screening process for new tenants.
If you fail to clean the oven, or leave the rental property in a poor state in general, the landlord is likely to note this when providing a reference.
On the other hand, if you are a responsible tenant who leaves the place clean and tidy, you are more likely to get a glowing reference that will help you secure future rentals.
Especially in tight rental markets where competition for good properties is fierce, a positive reference from a previous landlord can make a big difference in your application being accepted. So it's worth taking the time to clean thoroughly and leave on good terms.
Tips for Cleaning the Oven
Cleaning the oven is often seen as a difficult and unpleasant task, but it doesn't have to be a huge chore. If your oven has a self-cleaning cycle, this is the simplest solution - just make sure to remove the racks first and ventilate the kitchen well as it can produce some fumes.
If you don't have a self-cleaning oven or prefer not to use harsh chemicals, there are also easy natural methods to clean your oven:
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Coat the inside of the oven with this paste, focusing especially on any particularly greasy or grimy areas. Let the paste sit for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight for really tough grime.
After the baking soda has had time to work, spray the oven interior with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and foam up, helping to lift off stubborn grease and burnt-on food.
Use a plastic scraper, sponge, or old toothbrush to scrub away the loosened grime and wipe the oven clean with a damp cloth. For any remaining stubborn spots, you can use a sprinkle of salt or a mildly abrasive sponge to scrub them away.
Don't forget to clean the oven racks as well. An easy method is to remove them from the oven, place them in a bathtub or large sink, and soak them in very hot water mixed with a cup of dishwasher detergent. Let them soak for at least two hours or overnight, then scrub any remaining grime off with a scouring pad.
The Importance of Oven Cleaning Before Moving Out
While cleaning the oven may never be a task you look forward to, it's an important part of the move-out process when you're a tenant.
Taking the time to thoroughly clean your oven will significantly increase your chances of getting your full security deposit back and help you maintain a positive relationship with your former landlord.
And by using simple, natural cleaning methods like baking soda, vinegar, and salt, you can achieve a sparkling clean oven without resorting to harsh chemicals or professional cleaning services.
So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and give your oven some end-of-lease TLC—your wallet and your landlord reference will thank you.