Broom Clean

Definition of Broom Clean

Broom Clean is a standard term used in real estate transactions to describe the desired condition in which a property should be left when a seller hands it over to the buyer or when a tenant vacates a rental unit. Specifically, being broom clean means that the floors have been swept and cleared of trash, debris, and personal belongings. However, it does not imply that the property is free of dust or stains or that it has undergone a deep clean.

Key Points

Cleared of Trash: All garbage should be removed from the property.
Swept Floors: Floors should be neatly swept to ensure they are free of loose dirt and debris.
Personal Items Removed: Any personal belongings of the previous tenant or seller should be taken out.
No Deep Cleaning Required: Mopping, scrubbing floors, washing walls, or carpet cleaning are not typically expected in a broom-clean condition.

Examples

Rental Property: When a tenant moves out of an apartment, they are often required to leave the property in broom-clean condition. This means they will need to sweep and remove all their belongings but are not required to perform a deep cleaning.
Real Estate Sale: In a property sale, the term “broom clean” is sometimes specified in the contract to detail how the seller should leave the property upon closing the deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between broom clean and professionally cleaned?

Broom clean means that the property has been left in a tidy condition, swept, and free of significant debris, whereas professionally cleaned would typically require a more thorough cleaning job by professional cleaners, which includes scrubbing, disinfecting, and possibly shampooing carpets.

Is broom clean a legal term?

While “broom clean” is not a legal term universally, it is commonly used in real estate contracts and leases and generally interpreted by the customary standards of the real estate industry.

What happens if a property is not left in broom-clean condition?

If specific conditions regarding broom clean are included in the sale or lease contract and the party fails to comply, the new tenant or buyer may have grounds to request compensation for cleaning services or potentially delay the transaction.

Holdover Tenant: A tenant who remains in the rental property after the lease agreement has expired.
Wear and Tear: The natural wear that occurs on a property over time from regular use.
Turnkey Condition: A property that is ready for immediate occupancy, requiring no repairs or additional work.

Online Resources

References

“The Essential Rental Reference Book for Landlords and Property Managers,” by Gina Henry.
“The Book on Managing Rental Properties,” by Brandon Turner.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Real Estate Investing QuickStart Guide” by Symon He
“Landlord’s Legal Kit For Dummies” by Laurence Harmon and Robert S. Griswold
“Property Management Kit For Dummies” by Robert S. Griswold

Real Estate Basics: Broom Clean Fundamentals Quiz

### What does broom clean specifically require taking out of a property? - [ ] Furniture and carpets - [x] Trash and personal belongings - [ ] Appliances - [ ] All dust and stains > **Explanation:** Broom clean condition mandates removing all trash and personal belongings from the property and sweeping the floors to ensure they are free of debris. ### Does broom clean involve deep cleaning and disinfecting the property? - [ ] Yes - [x] No - [ ] Sometimes - [ ] Only in commercial properties > **Explanation:** Broom clean requires basic sweeping and clearing of debris, but does not involve deep cleaning and disinfecting, which are typically part of more rigorous cleaning standards. ### Can failing to meet broom clean conditions affect a lease agreement conclusion? - [x] Yes, it may lead to requesting compensation or transaction delays. - [ ] No, it doesn’t affect the agreement. - [ ] Only with written consent - [ ] Only if there's a legal dispute > **Explanation:** Not meeting broom clean standards could grant the new tenant or buyer rights to seek compensation or delay the closing of a sale. ### Is broom clean a universally defined legal term? - [ ] Yes, it is standard globally. - [ ] No, it is not recognized legally. - [x] No, it is customary in the industry but not universal. - [ ] Yes, within all English-speaking countries. > **Explanation:** Broom clean is commonly understood and accepted within the real estate industry but lacks universal legal definition. ### What might landlords do if a tenant does not leave a property broom clean? - [x] Deduct cleaning costs from the security deposit - [ ] Automatically extend the lease - [ ] Sue the tenant - [ ] All of the above > **Explanation:** Landlords might deduct the cost of cleaning to return the property to broom-clean condition from the tenant’s security deposit. ### What is the equivalent of broom clean for selling a residential property? - [ ] Deep clean - [x] Move-out condition typically stated in contracts - [ ] Professional detail - [ ] Contract-specific cleaning > **Explanation:** “Broom clean” reflects a move-out condition often stipulated in sale contracts to ensure the property is left tidy upon ownership transfer. ### What type of cleaning is assumed in the term broom clean? - [ ] Disinfecting all surfaces - [x] Basic sweeping and removing trash - [ ] Washing all walls - [ ] Vacuuming all carpets > **Explanation:** Broom clean assumes a very basic level of cleaning, primarily sweeping and removing obvious litter and trash. ### Is the term broom clean applicable to commercial properties? - [x] Yes - [ ] No - [ ] Only in residential leases - [ ] Only in summer leases > **Explanation:** Broom clean can apply to both residential and commercial properties depending on lease agreements or sale contracts. ### What would not be included in broom clean condition? - [ ] Removing trash - [ ] Sweeping floors - [x] Shampooing carpets - [ ] Removing personal items > **Explanation:** Broom clean does not include extensive procedures such as shampooing carpets. ### Who typically specifies broom clean conditions? - [ ] Municipal governments - [ ] Real estate surveyors - [x] Landlords and real estate contracts - [ ] Homeowner associations > **Explanation:** Typically, landlords, or the specifics within real estate contracts, delineate broom clean conditions.