Recent student feedback highlights a strong opportunity for landlords to enhance shared-living accommodation through the provision of professional cleaning services.
Student attitudes toward cleaning services
Survey results indicate that 69.7% of students living in shared accommodation would find a cleaning service useful, while 14.3% remain unsure and only 16% do not see a need. This suggests a clear majority view cleaning support as a valuable addition to their living environment.
Key reasons students value cleaning services:
Convenience
Students commonly report busy schedules, balancing university studies with part-time employment and social commitments. As a result, cleaning often becomes a low priority, making a regular cleaning service an attractive and practical solution.
Shared living challenges
A recurring issue in shared accommodation is tension between flatmates regarding cleaning responsibilities. Students frequently cite frustration when shared spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms are not maintained equally, leading to conflict. A professional cleaning service can help reduce these disputes by ensuring communal areas are cleaned consistently.
Improved hygiene
Students recognise that regular professional cleaning contributes to a healthier living environment. Clean shared spaces are particularly important in high-density student housing, where hygiene standards can quickly decline without structured upkeep.
Reasons some students are reluctant:
While demand is strong, a minority of students express reservations.
Cost sensitivity
Some students are resistant to additional costs, particularly if cleaning services are perceived as non-essential or unaffordable within a tight budget.
Privacy concerns
A portion of students are uncomfortable with unfamiliar individuals entering their personal living space, highlighting the importance of clear communication and boundaries around what areas are cleaned.
Self-management
A small group of students feel they already maintain a satisfactory level of cleanliness and therefore do not require external assistance.
Implications for landlords
For landlords, offering a cleaning service, particularly focused on communal areas, can improve tenant satisfaction, reduce interpersonal conflict, and help maintain property standards. Addressing cost transparency and privacy considerations can further increase student acceptance and uptake.
