Condominiums and apartments have both common areas and private areas. While residents are basically responsible for cleaning their own private areas, who should clean the common areas? This article explains the difference between common areas and private areas in a condominium, and why cleaning the common areas is necessary. We also cover how to choose between self-cleaning and professional cleaning, and key points for selecting a cleaning contractor. Essential reading for landlords just starting out in apartment management.
What Are Common Areas in a Condominium? How Do They Differ from Private Areas?
Common areas are spaces shared by all residents of the condominium. Everything outside of the private areas (living spaces) counts as a common area.
Exclusively Used Portions
These are common areas that individual residents can use privately. They include the outside of the front door, balconies and verandas, private gardens, smoke detectors, and the outside of window frames and glass. Since these are shared spaces, residents cannot replace or renovate them on their own.
Shared Portions
These are spaces used jointly by all condominium residents. They include the entrance, elevators, staircases, hallways, garbage areas, and parcel lockers.
Difference from Private Areas
Private areas are individual living spaces, covering the interior of the unit (ceiling, walls, floor). Areas with no exterior-facing portions can be considered private areas.
Why Is Cleaning Common Areas Necessary?
Cleaning common areas directly affects tenant satisfaction, asset value, and the lifespan of the building. It is an indispensable element of apartment management.
Improves Tenant Satisfaction and Creates a Positive First Impression
A well-maintained entrance and hallway creates a positive impression even in an older building. Poor cleaning can lead to increased tenant turnover and vacancy risk.
Increases the Property's Asset Value
Proper cleaning improves the property's asset value. If you plan to sell in the future, a higher asset value makes it easier to sell at a higher price.
Extends the Building's Lifespan
Regular cleaning and inspections allow early detection of problems, enabling prompt repairs and extending the building's lifespan.
What Types of Common Area Cleaning Are There? How Often Should They Be Done?
Cleaning is divided into four types: daily cleaning, patrol cleaning, regular cleaning, and special cleaning. Use them appropriately based on the size and condition of the condominium.
Daily Cleaning
Sweeping, mopping, and litter picking, ideally done several times a week. Sweeping and mopping the entrance is best done daily; emergency staircases about once a month.
Patrol Cleaning
The same content as daily cleaning but done less frequently for smaller buildings—from several times a week to several times a month.
Regular Cleaning
Using machines such as high-pressure washers and polishers to remove stubborn dirt from floors and walls. The target is 1 to 2 times per month, typically handled by professional contractors.
Special Cleaning
More specialized cleaning such as drain pipe washing and high-place cleaning. The target is 1 to 2 times per year, and it is recommended to hire a specialized house cleaning contractor.
Should You Choose Self-Cleaning or Professional Cleaning?
If you want to keep costs down, choose self-cleaning. If you prioritize quality and time efficiency, choose professional cleaning. Compare the pros and cons of each.
Benefits of Self-Cleaning
- No cost involved
- Opportunity for communication with residents
- You can check the building's condition firsthand
Drawbacks of Self-Cleaning
- Time-consuming
- A heavy burden when you have another main occupation
- Cannot use professional equipment or chemicals
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
- Reduces time burden
- High-quality finish by professionals
- Objective perspective for identifying problems
Drawbacks of Professional Cleaning
The main drawback is the cost. Considering the impact on management fees, an efficient management structure of self-cleaning for daily tasks and professional cleaning for regular and special cleaning is a good approach.
Key Points for Choosing a Condominium Cleaning Contractor
Quote comparison, scope of work, consideration for residents, post-cleaning reports, and track record are the five important checklist items when choosing a contractor.
- Quote price: Get quotes from multiple companies and check whether the amount matches the service content. It is recommended to have them visit the condominium in person.
- Scope of work: Some contractors handle not only cleaning but also management tasks and post-move-out house cleaning arrangements.
- Consideration for residents: Since they come into contact with residents in common areas frequently, choose a contractor that behaves politely.
- Post-cleaning reports: Choose a contractor that reports results and observations in detail.
- Track record: Check track record through their website and reviews.
Checkpoints for Evaluating a Cleaning Contractor's Quality
Checking these five spots reveals the contractor's quality level: automatic door grooves, elevator mats, garbage bins, parking areas, and emergency staircases.
- Automatic door: Not just the glass surface—are dust and debris removed from the grooves?
- Elevator: Do they notice and address mat deterioration?
- Garbage bins: Not just disposing of the contents—do they clean the bin itself?
- Parking and bicycle areas: Check immediately after cleaning to confirm no shortcuts were taken.
- Emergency staircases: Are areas not normally used still cleaned regularly?
For legal considerations in rental management, see the rental management regulations guide. Pest control is also an important aspect of building management. For more details, see cockroach extermination measures for apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the typical cost for cleaning common areas in a condominium?
For house cleaning contractors, floor cleaning and waxing typically costs around ¥8,400 to ¥15,000 per session. Silver Human Resources Centers offer low-cost options at around ¥1,000 per visit.
Q. How often should daily cleaning be performed?
Ideally 2 to 3 times a week. Sweeping and mopping the entrance every day contributes to improved tenant satisfaction.
Q. What is the most important thing to consider when hiring a cleaning contractor?
Getting quotes from multiple companies and having them visit the condominium for an on-site inspection before comparing options is important. Also verify their scope of services and track record.
Q. What tools are needed for self-cleaning?
In addition to a broom, mop, and cloth, a cleaning brush (large and small), a scraper, screwdriver and tweezers, chopsticks, and microfiber cloths are helpful.
