Cleaning Expectations When Selling or Buying a Home
What Sellers and Buyers in North & West Vancouver Should Know
When selling or buying a home, cleanliness is an important factor in ensuring a smooth transition. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding cleaning expectations for the sale and possession of a property.
What are the general cleaning expectations when selling a home?
Our rule of thumb is to leave the home how you would want to find it. The property should be in good condition, free of personal belongings and debris, and reasonably clean. A deep clean is always appreciated, but at the very least, there should be:
- A basic clean of all rooms
- Removal of all personal items and trash
- Appliances emptied and wiped down
- Floors vacuumed or swept
- Bathrooms cleaned
What Cleaning Requirements Can Be in the Contract?
Some purchase contracts include specific cleaning obligations, which may vary depending on what was agreed during the offer:
- Professional Cleaning: The seller may be required to hire a professional cleaning service before closing. Some contracts may also require a receipt as proof of professional cleaning.
- Carpet Cleaning: If the home has carpets, the contract may specify that they must be professionally cleaned before possession.
- Move-in Condition: This standard means the home should be in a move-in ready condition, with no additional cleaning required before a buyer gets settled.
It’s important to understand the difference between a standard and a state:
- A standard (like “professionally cleaned”) defines how something must be done.
- A state (like “move-in ready”) defines the condition expected, but can be more subjective.
Make sure you understand and agree to any cleaning clauses before signing the offer. Once in place, they’re legally binding.
Can the buyer and seller negotiate additional cleaning requirements?
Yes, additional cleaning requirements can be negotiated before finalizing the contract. If buyers have specific expectations — such as professional carpet cleaning — they should communicate these clearly during the offer process.
In rare cases, a buyer may request a financial holdback (a portion of the sale proceeds temporarily withheld) to confirm the home meets certain cleanliness standards at possession. However, most sellers are unlikely to agree to this unless the home is in unusually poor condition or the situation warrants extra caution — such as with a hoarder property or a severely neglected home.
For typical sales, it’s best to rely on clearly defined cleaning terms in the contract rather than expecting post-completion enforcement.
What if there is no cleaning clause in the contract?
If no specific requirements are listed, sellers should still aim to leave the home in a presentable, move-in-ready state. This includes vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, removing trash, and ensuring all appliances are empty and clean.
What If I’m the Seller and There’s Limited Time to Clean?
Moving out of a home is a big job — and often happens on a tight timeline. Most sellers do the best they can, but it’s not always possible to clean every corner to perfection.
That’s why buyers and sellers alike should understand this key principle:
Cleanliness is expected to be reasonable — not flawless.
Professional cleaners are often booked in advance, and same-day moves may leave little time between packing and key handover. If you’re a seller, aim for your best effort — and communicate with your agent if time constraints may affect the final condition.
What Should Buyers Do If They Find the Home Is Not Clean Upon Possession?
If a buyer arrives to find that their cleaning expectations — especially those outlined in the contract — haven’t been met, they should:
- Take clear photos of the condition
- Contact their real estate agent right away
- Review the contract to confirm what was required
Depending on the terms and the severity of the issue, the buyer’s real estate agent may be able to facilitate a resolution with the seller’s side.
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that “clean” can be subjective, and what one person considers acceptable may fall short of another’s expectations. Time constraints, last-minute logistics, and differing standards can all affect the final condition of the home. While sellers are expected to do their best, what you receive may not always be perfect — and some flexibility may be required.
What if I’m unsure about the cleaning requirements for my transaction?
When in doubt, ask! Your real estate agent can clarify the expectations and ensure everything is handled according to the agreement.
By following these guidelines, both sellers and buyers can ensure a smooth and positive transition of ownership.
Have further questions? Contact us at the form below.