What should strata common-area cleaning include?

Strata common-area cleaning should cover every shared space owners use: lobbies and entries, lifts and stairwells, corridors, car parks and driveways, bin rooms, glass and rails. Each needs its own every-visit and periodic tasks. A vague quote like “common areas cleaned weekly” hides the gaps.

The areas to cover

• Lobbies and entries: floors, glass, mats and high-touch points
• Lifts: floors, walls, mirrors, buttons and tracks
• Stairwells and corridors: sweep and mop, handrails, cobwebs and lighting
• Car parks and driveways: sweep, spot-clean spills and wash down bin areas
• Bin rooms: floors, deodorising and keeping them tidy
• Glass and rails: entry glass, balustrades and common windows
• Shared amenities: pool surrounds, BBQ areas, gyms and mailrooms

Every visit vs periodic

Split the scope in two. Every visit covers floors, bins, high-touch points and glass spots. Periodic tasks cover pressure washing, full glass and high dusting. The building stays presentable without you paying for work it doesn’t need yet.

Get the scope in writing

Put the scope in the contract, area by area. Then everyone knows what was promised and the committee can check it.

Written by Edward O'Rourke, Righto. → Related: Strata & body corporate cleaning