How to Get Your Tenants to Clean Regularly

Jacob Margle • November 6, 2021

Sometimes the most stressful parts of renting your property out come from things that are left up to interpretation. All tenants have a right to a fit and habitable living environment, and landlords have a right to tenants that don’t “commit waste,” the American Bar Association’s way of saying that tenants are expected to keep a property clean and free of permanent or unreasonable damage. Everyone has a different version of clean, so how do you ensure that your renters will keep your property up to your standards?

Require Cleaning in the Lease

The easiest and clearest way to make sure your tenants keep your property clean according to your standards is to include a cleaning clause in the rental agreement. This could be something as simple as:

“CLEANING. The Tenant(s) shall keep the area in and around the Premises in clean, habitable condition, and in good repair, normal wear and tear excepted.”

You could go as far as to specify what areas need to be kept clean and how to clean them, especially if you rent out an older apartment or house. A good way to incentivize regular cleaning is to state that if the rental isn’t returned in acceptable form, the tenant could be charged a cleaning fee. Here’s a sample clause for such a requirement:

“CLEANING. The Tenant(s) is responsible for cleaning all areas of the Premises, including but not limited to, living room, dining room, kitchen, hallways, laundry room, bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, outdoor walkways, and parking spaces. To prevent the infestation of rodents and insects, Tenant(s) must remove any collected trash and food waste from the Premise at least once a week. Carpets and Rugs must be vacuumed at least once a week. Hardwood floors or Tiles must be swept once a week. Bathrooms must be cleaned regularly, and as frequently as needed, to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. If Tenant(s) does not clean adequately and regularly, Tenant(s) will be liable for reasonable cleaning charges – including charges for cleaning carpets, draperies, furniture, walls, etc. that are soiled beyond normal wear (that is, wear or soiling that occurs without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse). Landlord reserves the right to hire a recurring Professional Cleaning/Maid Service if Tenant(s) are not keeping the Premises in clean/sanitary order at Landlord’s own judgment. This expense will be the responsibility of the Tenant(s).”

Remember, check your local laws to make sure these types of requirements are allowed in your lease. What clauses you can and cannot include in your lease regarding cleaning varies by state, so make sure to check your local laws before drafting your own cleaning clause, or use a lease on the Apartments.com suite of Rental Tools.

It’s crucial to have such lease clauses in place from the beginning, although it is possible to amend the lease agreement if the tenants are willing to sign it.

Know the Legal Expectations of Cleanliness

Clean tenants aren’t just a hope of every landlord, most communities require a reasonable level of upkeep and sanitation for a residence. Make sure your tenants know they must comply with local municipal codes by keeping the premises clean and disposing of trash properly.

A good way to ensure consistent cleanliness and a clean rental during move-outs is to conduct a thorough walkthrough. This way, your tenant knows what you expect to the property to look like when it comes time for them to leave, and it could incentivize them to keep the property tidy throughout the whole lease term, not just before they leave.

Regularly Inspect the Premises

One of the most straightforward ways to prevent property mishaps of all types is to regularly inspect the premises. This can be especially difficult if you live in a different part of the state – or a different state altogether. By inspecting your property (at least quarterly), you can keep an eye on any deteriorating units or serious messes. It also lets your tenants know that you have a consistent presence around the property.

Your lease should include a clause regarding your right to entry so that you can check on the property’s upkeep on a regular basis. Usually, you must notify the tenant at least 24 hours before entering the premises at an agreed-upon time.

If tenants know you will tour the residence a few times a year – and point out any lease violations regarding conditions – odds are they will make some effort to keep the place in decent shape. Make sure your clause on visiting the property adheres to state and local laws and doesn’t infringe on your tenant’s right to “quiet enjoyment.”

Document Untidy Tenants

If you get stuck with a messy tenant and you’re able to document the issue, it would be in your best interest to do so. Your first reason for documenting the issue should be to inquire about the mess if they don’t clean it up of their own free will. But if things get out of hand and you find yourself stuck with an uninhabitable rental or a demand letter from the local municipality, you’ll also have evidence to hold the tenants accountable.

If your state and local laws allow you to charge the tenant for professional cleaning services, you’ll have to provide proof to back up the charge. If you can’t charge the tenant for the mess they left behind, pictures and videos will help make your case for withholding the security deposit to clean up the premises.

Your documentation should include the date, and you should provide simple, non-dramatic narration. Just get the point across should have you to take your tenant to small claims court.

 

The solution to finding clean tenants who will keep your property in tip-top shape is to remove anything that could be left to a tenant’s interpretation. Add detailed clauses in the lease for maintaining a clean rental, inform your tenants of the legal requirements, and document any issues that arise. With any luck, you’ll find renters who appreciate your property just as much as you do.


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When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This Instead

By KCM • April 30, 2026
When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This Instead For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you too. You look at the cost of buying . Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you have to choose one or the other. But some families are finding a way to make both work by doing something a little different: teaming up to purchase a multi-generational home . One Reason This Is Becoming More Common It’s no secret that affordability has been a challenge in recent years. But for families with young kids, there’s an added layer that can make it feel even harder: childcare. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, childcare should take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in reality, the average married couple spends closer to 10% (see map below): When you combine that with the cost of buying a home, it’s easy to see why things can feel stretched. That’s exactly why more families are starting to rethink how they approach both. The Solution More People Are Turning To: Multi-Generational Living One option gaining traction? Multi-generational living. That’s when parents, grandparents, or other relatives buy a house together and live under the same roof. And it’s not just about convenience anymore. It’s becoming a go-to strategy. You can see it in the data . According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 1 in 7 homebuyers (14%) bought a multi-generational home in 2025 (see graph below): And for the first time, childcare is showing up as a key reason why they chose this option. As NAR explains : “This year’s report features two new primary reasons for purchasing a multi-generational home: grandchildren living in the home (12%) and to help reduce the cost of childcare (6%).” Why It Works Buying a multi-generational home solves two big challenges at the same time. First, it shares the financial responsibility . If you pool multiple incomes together, you may be able to afford a home you couldn't have on your own. Second, it can also solve the childcare puzzle . When grandparents or other relatives live in the home, they may be able to help with daily care – which can significantly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs. And for many people, that combination is what finally makes their move possible. If the costs of childcare and housing together have made buying feel out of reach right now, it may be worth exploring creative options like buying a home with your loved ones. Bottom Line If you want more information on multi-generational homes, let’s have a quick conversation about what’s available in our area. Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.

Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know.

By KCM • April 29, 2026
Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know. If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is. And that's exactly why more buyers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages , or ARMs. Here's what you need to understand about how they work, and whether they make sense for you. What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Since a lot of people aren’t familiar with this type of loan, let’s start with a definition. This is how Business Insider explains the main difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage: “With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.” Basically, one doesn’t change much over the life of your loan. And one could change... either by a little, or a lot. Of course, things like taxes or homeowner’s insurance can still have an impact on a fixed-rate loan, but the baseline of your mortgage payment is fairly steady. But the big difference is that with an ARM, your monthly payment could change over time. Why Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Are Getting More Attention So, why do some buyers choose this option? It's simple. It’s because of the upfront savings. Business Insider explains it like this: “Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan. ” And right now, according to Mortgage News Daily and the Wall Street Journal , the upfront rate on an ARM is lower than a 30-year fixed mortgage (see graph below): If you’re wondering how that shakes out in real dollars and cents, here’s what Redfin says. According to their research, the typical buyer could save about $150 per month by taking out an ARM instead of a 30-year fixed mortgage. For some people, that’s enough to make a difference. More Buyers Are Choosing Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today A growing number of buyers are willing to trade the uncertainty later for a lower payment now. Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows the share of buyers choosing ARMs has increased, especially over the last few years (see graph below). This doesn’t mean ARMs are becoming the go-to option for everyone. It only means some buyers are opting for this type of mortgage, so they can still buy today. And if you remember the housing crash, seeing ARMs gain popularity again may raise concerns. But rest easy. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford once rates adjusted. Today, lending standards are stricter, and lenders evaluate whether borrowers could still handle the payment if rates rise. So, the return of ARMs doesn’t signal another widespread crash. It just reflects how some buyers are adapting to today’s affordability challenges. The Trade-Off – What You Need To Consider If you’re considering an adjustable-rate mortgage yourself, just remember it really all depends on your situation and your risk tolerance. An ARM may make sense if you plan to move before your rate would adjust or if you expect you’ll make a higher income in the future. But there are trade-offs you need to think through. For example, once the fixed period ends, your rate can adjust, and your payment could increase, potentially by a meaningful amount depending on where rates are at that time. And keep in mind, there’s also no guarantee mortgage rates will come down in the future, which means refinancing later isn’t always an option. That’s why it’s important to think through your plan, understand your long-term earning potential, and work closely with a trusted lender before you choose an ARM. Bottom Line ARMs are getting more attention again because they can make buying a home more affordable in the short term. But they’re not right for everyone. The key is understanding how they work, what the risks are, and whether they fit your plan. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.

Don’t Let Home Prices Headlines Fool You

By KCM • April 27, 2026
Don’t Let Home Prices Headlines Fool You Spend about 5 minutes online searching for news about the housing market, and odds are you’ll see something pop up about home prices . You may even stumble onto social media influencers saying we’re headed for a crash. Let’s get you the context you need. The truth is prices are going to vary depending on where you live. But they're not crashing. Here’s what you need to know. The Local Perspective: Home Price Trends by Area The biggest thing feeding into the confusion online is how different home price trends are by area right now. Take a look at this data from ResiClub and Zillow (see graph below). About half of the largest metros are seeing prices go up. The other half are seeing some declines. Unfortunately, the online chatter only focuses on the markets where prices are down – and that makes it sound like something bigger is happening. But, as you can see in this graph, that’s only one side of the story. The full picture is different. The National Perspective: Moderate Price Growth As a country, when you average it all together to get a true baseline, one thing becomes clear, home prices are still net positive at the national level. According to the Redfin, national home prices were up about 1% year-over-year in February. So, what we’re seeing right now isn’t a collapse. It’s a market that’s normalizing after a period of unusually fast growth. And that impacts some local markets more than others – particularly those where prices rose too far, too fast during the pandemic. A true crash, like what happened in 2008, would mean prices dropping sharply across the entire country. That’s just not what the data shows today. And it’s not where things are going either. Experts Agree This Isn’t 2008 In fact, Fannie Mae surveyed over 100 housing market experts to ask their opinions on where prices are headed from here. And the experts agree, nationally, prices are expected to keep rising over the next five years : That rise will be moderate, particularly this year, but the trend is clear. Nationally, prices are forecast to grow every year now through at least 2030 – and that’s normal. Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist, at Redfin explains: “ House prices aren’t going to fall on a national scale any time soon—and that’s actually a good thing. It’s normal for house prices to rise gradually over time . . .” That's why even in the select areas where prices have dropped slightly this year, the decline is expected to be temporary. According to that same quarterly Fannie Mae survey mentioned above, 85% of the experts say the markets that are seeing mild declines right now will return to positive price growth before the end of 2027. The main takeaway? This isn’t a crash. And prices aren’t expected to fall nationally. If anything, the few areas experiencing declines are expected to rebound in the next year or so. Bottom Line It’s easy to get caught up in headlines that make it sound like something big is about to happen. But don’t be fooled. The housing market isn’t crashing. It’s just shifting. The key is understanding what’s actually happening in your market, so you can make the right move for you. Let’s connect if you want the local perspective.
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