Setting Expectations for Student Tenants of Cleanliness & Property Care

As a landlord, one of your top priorities is ensuring your tenants have a clean and safe space to live. Once the lease is signed, however, it’s up to the tenant to keep on top of things—and things can get a little messy (literally).

It’s tricky because everyone has a different idea of what “clean” means. What’s perfectly fine for one person could be a straight-up horror house for someone else. Additionally, cleanliness is not always instinctive for student tenants, some living alone for the first time. This is why it is important to set clear expectations from the start. No one wants to be that landlord who chases after residents to clean up after themselves or has to send awkward texts to ask about the mystery smell coming from that one apartment (you know the one). The clearer you are, the less likely you will have to step in later.

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Review Your State Guidelines

Firstly, before you start doling out responsibilities, you need to review your state’s guidelines on the cleanliness of rental properties and the tenant-landlord laws, as they vary by state. Each state has different laws about what landlords can legally require and how those standards can be enforced.

Some states are pretty vague and say tenants should keep things “reasonably clean,” while others list out more specific obligations. You want to make sure the rules you set are enforceable and not overreaching.

Update Your Lease Agreement

Once you’re comfortable with what you can legally ask, make sure your lease reflects your expectations. You can include things like:

• How often common areas should be cleaned
• Rules about trash disposal
• Whether or not you’ll be doing inspections
• What happens if the rules are broken?

Adding a cleanliness clause to your lease agreement will ensure your tenants know what you expect of them before they move in. It’s much harder to set these guidelines after a tenant has moved in, and it usually doesn’t end well.

As first-time student tenants will probably be unaware of common rental rules or standards, it’s important to communicate. Take this opportunity to define acceptable levels of cleanliness, maintenance responsibilities, and potential violations.

Landlords all over have different agreements; some expect tenants to not only keep their living spaces clean but also common areas as well. Others may be more specific about how regularly a tenant must clean their living space. In any case, setting clear expectations will help avoid confusion and disputes.

Create a Tenant Handbook

A tenant handbook is a great way to communicate your regulations without overwhelming the lease. It doesn’t have to be a huge document, just something to help people with the day-to-day stuff they might not have had to think about before at their parents’ or guardians’ house. You can include tips on:

• Trash schedules
• Mold prevention
• Appliance care
• What’s considered “normal wear and tear”
• How to report maintenance issues

You could also consider adding a cleaning checklist for first-time renters so they know how often a bathroom, kitchen, and common area should be cleaned. Additionally, a move-out cleaning checklist can be incredibly helpful and save everyone additional stress.

Encourage Roommate Agreements

In student housing, and with many student tenants, roommates are expected, which can lead to clashing views on cleanliness and responsibilities. While as a landlord you are not responsible for settling roommate disputes, helpfully suggesting they draw up a cleaning schedule or agreement can help prevent future arguments and ensure your property stays clean.

Consider Incentives

Who doesn’t love to get rewards? Nobody, that’s who. Giving small incentives such as a $10 gift card, a cleaning kit, or a small rent discount for tenants who keep their units clean, pass inspections, or go above and beyond can be incredibly effective.

Positive reinforcement goes a long way, and these rewards show your tenants that you notice and appreciate the effort. This can also create a more lighthearted and cooperative atmosphere rather than an enforcement-heavy dynamic.

Open Communication

Property care isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s also about keeping a safe and functioning building. Maintenance issues can cause a lot of damage if not treated. Prolonged maintenance problems can attract mold, pests, and health problems; all this can lead to legal issues and high repair costs.

Make sure it is obvious and easy for your tenants to report issues. Whether that be an email, text, or online form, it shouldn’t be a hassle. Once something is reported, make sure you follow up quickly. The faster and more seriously you take issues, the more likely tenants are to care about the property.

Final Advice

Setting expectations isn’t about nitpicking or micromanaging; the point is to create a clean and safe living space for everyone involved. A shared understanding is the best way to avoid passive-aggressiveness and conflict. Be clear, fair, and available. Sometimes, all it takes is a little gentle guidance.