End of Tenancy Cleaning: Your Complete Guide
Moving out of a rented property means getting the cleaning right. Get it wrong and your landlord deducts from your deposit. Get it right and you walk away with your money intact. If you are unsure about your rights, Citizens Advice has a helpful guide on getting your deposit back. This guide covers what cleaning costs, what is included, and how to protect yourself.
What is included
Kitchen deep clean
Inside the oven, hob, extractor fan, inside and outside all cupboards, worktops, sink, splashback, and appliance surfaces. This is the most time-consuming part of the clean and where most deposit disputes arise.
Bathroom sanitisation
Bath, shower screen or curtain area, toilet, tiles, grouting, mirrors, and all surfaces. Limescale removal and mould treatment where needed. Second bathrooms and en-suites are cleaned to the same standard.
All rooms
Dusting all surfaces, wiping skirting boards, light switches, and door handles. Inside all cupboards and wardrobes cleaned. Cobwebs removed. Window sills and frames wiped. Radiators dusted.
Floors throughout
All hard floors mopped and all carpeted areas hoovered. For a deeper carpet clean (stains, pet odours), carpet cleaning is an add-on at £25–£50 per room using hot water extraction.
Get at least three quotes
End of tenancy cleaning prices vary between companies depending on the size of the property, the level of soiling, and whether extras like carpet cleaning and oven cleaning are included. Get at least three written quotes so you can compare like for like. Make sure each quote confirms a deposit-back guarantee - this means the company will return and reclean any areas the landlord or agent flags for free. That guarantee is worth more than a slightly cheaper price.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for end of tenancy cleaning?
It depends on your tenancy agreement. Many agreements state the property must be returned in the same condition as when you moved in (fair wear and tear excepted). If the inventory report shows the property was professionally cleaned when you moved in, most landlords and agents expect a professional clean on checkout. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot require you to use a specific cleaning company.
What happens if I do not clean before moving out?
Your landlord can deduct cleaning costs from your deposit. These deductions must be reasonable and evidenced. If you disagree with the deduction, the dispute goes to the deposit protection scheme for arbitration. In practice, paying £150–£400 for a professional clean is usually cheaper than the deduction a landlord would make, and you avoid the hassle of a deposit dispute.
How far in advance should I book an end of tenancy clean?
Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, or earlier at the end of the month when demand peaks (most tenancies end on the last day of the month). The clean should be done after you have moved all your belongings out but before the checkout inspection. Ideally, book it for the day before your checkout date so you have a buffer if anything needs redoing.