What to expect from a high-level cleaning service
By: Michelle Ringland
4 min readSquat cleaning
Our teams are regularly called in to clean commercial and residential buildings after they have been occupied by squatters.
This has to involve significant care. In some cases, water supplies are cut off which increases the risk of the presence of biohazards, including human faeces and urine. There may also be rotten food and gas cannisters used for cooking and heating.
Another key concern is hypodermic needles left by drug users. SafeGroup is highly experienced at carrying out sharps removals. Our teams sweep sites with great care, wearing the appropriate protective clothing, to find needles and other drug-related items and disposing of them safely.
Securing property against squatters
As part of our service we can help customers secure properties against further entry from squatters or intruders.
We can ensure all doorways and windows are secured, and boarded up if necessary. We can also improve or install appropriate fencing, reducing the risk of break-ins or vandalism.
Tips on securing an empty property:
- Install high quality window and door locks
- Make it look as if the property is occupied with timer controlled lights and radios
- Install an alarm and CCTV system that can be remotely monitored
- Secure the perimeter of the property with fencing
- Ask a neighbour to look out for suspicious activity
- Make regular visits to the property to check it is still secure
- If necessary, pay for a security patrol
- Ensure you have vacant property insurance cover
Cleaning after evictions
SafeGroup provides a service for social and private landlords to clean properties after the eviction of tenants. This may involve the safe and sensitive removal of furniture and other items.
In some cases, properties many have been deliberately damaged or sabotaged. These risks are accounted for in our risk assessment and method statement (RAMS). Our cleaning teams are always alert to them as they carry out the work.
We are also experienced at handling property clearances sensitively, especially if a person who has been evicted, or their neighbours and friends, are present and may be upset by the action taken.
Empty property and pests
Void buildings are more susceptible to certain pests, including mice, rats and pigeons. They carry pathogens that are potentially harmful to humans. Pigeon guano is a slip hazard as well as a biohazard. Pest activity can also significantly damage building fabric.
SafeGroup’s pest solutions team support our specialist cleaners in dealing with pests in vacant properties quickly legally, including installing pest proofing measures. This will ensure your property is protected against further pest problems.
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