Landlord's Perspective: How Professional Cleaning Reduced Property Vacancy Time

Every month a rental property isn't rented costs a UK landlord around £1,000 in potential income—and this doesn't even include the expenditure for utilities, maintenance, and insurance. One of the most common causes? Subpar cleaning. From stained carpets to grimy ovens, a less-than-immaculate property doesn't appeal to new tenants, leading to long vacancy periods and reducing profits for landlords. With today's marketplace being so competitive, cleanliness becomes a mandatory factor for attracting renters. Hiring professionals for cleaning makes a place ready for new tenants quickly, attracts high-quality occupants, and delivers significant financial returns. All in all, it's not a luxury, but a wise investment of your money.

Vacancy costs add up in no time

Numbers speak volumes, so here’s how much a vacant rental costs in the UK:

Average monthly cost of a vacant rental: ~£1,000–£1,200, which includes:

Category	Monthly Estimate
Lost Rent (based on average UK rent of ~£1,200)	£1,200
Council Tax (varies by region)	£120–£180
Utilities (standing charges + minimal use)	£60–£100
Insurance Premiums or Penalties (unoccupied properties may incur higher premiums)	£20–£40
Maintenance & Security (regular checks, small repairs, locks, etc.)	£50–£100
Marketing & Admin (relisting, agency fees, void checks)	£30–£50

Weekly cost: ~£250–£300 (based on £1,200/month).

Daily cost: ~£35–£45, costs £35+ in lost rent, before counting ongoing expenses.

Let’s also include knock-on costs: council tax, utilities, insurance gaps, and maintenance.

Utilities

Even if the property is empty, the landlord still has to cover: standing charges on electricity, gas, and water, minimal heating or ventilation to prevent mould, damp, and pipe damage—especially in winter, meter reading fees or reconnection charges if services are paused. The utilities can cost £60–£100/month based on provider and property size.

Security

Vacant properties are more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism, especially in urban areas, posing risks in extreme cases. Costs for lock changes, alarm servicing, or installing temporary CCTV or monitoring can add, and the typical spending for basic security is around £50–£150/month.

Ongoing maintenance

To remain presentable, vacant properties still require regular maintenance such as repairs (e.g. leaky taps, minor electrical faults, wear and tear), garden/exterior maintenance, and cleaning to avoid the buildup of dust, odours, and pests. Based on the property's age and condition, the regular maintenance costs can be around £50–£100/month, depending on the age and condition of the property.

Insurance implications

Many standard landlord insurance policies:

• Reduce or void the cover after 30+ days of vacancy unless you notify the provider.
• Unless extra premiums are paid, exclude damage from escape of water or theft.
• To stay valid, the policy may require periodic property checks.

This adds £20–£40/month in premium increases or added risk if unaddressed.

The actual monthly cost of vacancy goes over £1,000 once you account for mandatory bills, preventive maintenance, risk mitigation, and insurance limitations.

Repeated vacancy has consequences.

Having a vacant rental has several unpleasant effects:

Cumulative loss of rental income

Just one month-long vacancy per year reduces by 8% of annual rental income. If you multiply it by several properties, you can see that the loss can reach thousands per year.

Increased maintenance and wear

Empty homes deteriorate faster, as dust accumulates, minor issues are skipped, and damp and pest issues can worsen. Each vacancy requires expensive reconditioning as the durability of fixtures and interiors shortens.

Expensive upkeep

A vacant property requires frequent marketing, agency fees, cleaning, and viewings. If you’re a landlord, every hour you spend on turnovers is one less hour on scaling your investments.

Reduced asset value and gross yield

When a rental sits empty for a long time (void period), it no longer generates income. On the contrary, it still brings utilities, council tax, and maintenance spending. The longer the vacancy period, the lower the gross yield (total rent earned vs. property value). Investors and renters see a property with high turnover or frequent vacancies as a high risk, which affects financing and refinancing opportunities.

Lower tenant quality and stability

Inconsistent occupancy often translates as rushed lettings or compromises on tenant quality, which increases the risk of damage and arrears.

Regular voids reduce profits, increase risk, and decrease long-term value, making portfolio growth volatile and complex.

Cleanliness is a selling point—but why?

Studies revealed that we only need 7-10 seconds to make an impression of a space. If the first things we see or smell are grime, dust, or musty odours, we will most likely get a poor impression of a place, no matter its location or price.

An immaculate place means the landlord is professional and responsive, which renters find appealing. Similarly, dirt signals neglect and raises red flags about how the landlord manages—or, better put, doesn’t –a property’s issues.

Lingering pet smells, stale air, or damp odours can turn off a prospective renter immediately, even if the place isn’t messy.  Tenants won’t return to that property.

Spotless skirting boards, sparkling taps, and fresh-smelling carpets prepare a place for move-in, and tenants feel at home, deciding faster on renting the place.

What are the critical zones?

Kitchens

Grease buildup on splashbacks, extractor fans, hob surfaces, unclean appliances (fridge, oven, and microwave), sticky cupboard handles and stained countertops signal poor hygiene and long-term neglect, deterring prospective renters.

Bathrooms

Grimy grout or mold in corners and sealant, limescale and soap scum on taps, tiles, and shower screens, toilet stains or lingering smells suggest improper maintenance.

Carpets and upholstery

Renters avoid properties with pet hair, stains, and embedded odours. Dirty carpets and unclean soft furnishings are also major deal-breakers for tenants.

Windows and blinds

Rooms with dusty blinds and cobwebbed frames feel dark and uninviting, while smudged window block light creates the impression of poor upkeep.

Walls, doors & skirting boards

No property will look clean if surfaces have scuff marks, fingerprints, and dust. Tenants expect these low-effort areas to be pristine, and such missed details can alter the appearance of a well-furnished property.

Odours

Lingering smells from pets, smoke, cooking, or damp can repel renters.

A spotless space seals the deal—why?

When tenants walk into an immaculate property, they subconsciously think: “If the landlord handles the small things, they will manage the big things too”. A clean property signals professionalism, reliability, and pride of ownership.

An immaculate property feels more spacious, modern, and well-kept, which creates a high perceived rental value. Tenants will not have problems paying the full asking price, or even more.

Cleanliness reveals a sense of readiness and ease—tenants can instantly picture themselves living there. Tenants don’t hesitate to move in right away to spotless properties.

A professionally cleaned property looks better, but, more importantly, feels safer, more valuable, and more dependable.

Case study: from stale to let in days

Let’s take the example of a 2-bedroom flat in Manchester, with a monthly rent of £1,200, that has been vacated after a 12-month lease. Even though the place was in a decent condition, it still showed signs of wear and tear. There were carpets in the living room and bedrooms, greasy counters in the kitchen, mouldy grout in the bathroom, a musty smell, dust and cobwebs in corners. The walls have scuff marks and fingerprints, and some paint was chipped.

How did the professionals handle the cleaning?

Here are the services the professionals performed:

• Deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery—they used steam cleaning to remove stains and neutralise odours.
• The team removed grease and grime from the oven, hob, fridge, and extractor fans and polished the counters and cabinets.
• The cleaners eliminated limescale and soap scum from taps and tiles, and scrubbed away mould from grout.
• The crew cleaned inside and outside windows, skirting boards, door frames, and window sills.
• The property was ventilated to eliminate lingering smells and present a fresh smell.

The professional cleaning took 1.5 days and it cost £250.

What were the outcomes?

Due to poor condition, the property had been empty for 3 weeks before cleaning. After cleaning, it only took 5 days to be re-let. If prior cleaning had been done, the offers for rent were £1,100, the flat got rented at the full asking price (£1,200/month). The cost for the professional cleaning was recovered from the first month of rent, and the landlord enjoyed tenant satisfaction and fewer turnover costs.

New occupants appreciated the flat's “fresh and well-maintained” condition and move-in readiness. They were confident that the landlord could maintain the property in excellent condition.

Why professional cleaning surpasses DIY attempts

There are several reasons why professional cleaning has a better outcome than DIY cleaning:

Professional cleaners use specialised equipment and industrial-grade products to address the most challenging cleaning jobs. Here’s what’s in their gear arsenal:

• Commercial-grade steam cleaners are more potent than standard home steamers and can lift dirt, stains, and allergens, leaving fabrics and surfaces immaculate, hygienic, and intact.
• Industrial vacuums handle heavy-duty cleaning and have superior suction and filtration. They remove deeply set dirt, pet hair, and dust that domestic vacuums often miss.
• Power washers to clean exterior areas like patios, driveways, or walls.  

Professionals also turn to specialised cleaning products such as:

• Targeted cleaning solutions to remove limescale, mould, or grease. They are more effective than store-bought cleaners.
• Disinfectants and sanitisers that kill germs and bacteria, which DIY cleaning products cannot achieve.
• Odour neutralisers that don’t hide smells, but remove the source of the lingering odours.

To achieve immaculate surfaces, professional cleaners employ expert techniques. They follow a strict, systematic approach to cleaning and know how to prioritise problems. They don’t miss any spots or areas. Also, professionals pay attention to the most minute details, such as difficult stains, mould, or grease buildup and clean without causing damage.

Domestic tools are used for DIY cleaning. They lack the strength, technology and precision of professional-grade equipment. Tools used with DIY cleaning are:

• Home grade vacuums that don’t have the suction power to spotless carpets and upholstery, leaving behind dirt, pet hair, and allergens.

• Standard steam cleaners that work for quick clean-ups, but aren’t efficient for deeply cleaning heavily soiled carpets or difficult stains.
• Regular mop & bucket that only pushes dirt around on hard floors and does not eliminate deeply set grime, especially in grout or tile.  

Off-the-shelf cleaning products used in DIY cleaning are efficient for surface-level dirt, but don’t handle difficult stains, grime, or grease. Many store-bought products cannot thoroughly sanitise or disinfect spaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where bacteria and mould thrive.

Last, but not least, DIY cleaning takes longer, and homeowners can skip areas, as many don’t appreciate the time they need for deep cleaning.

Result comparison

Factor	Professional Cleaning	DIY Cleaning
Equipment Power	Commercial-grade vacuums, steam cleaners, and washers	Home vacuums, basic steamers, mops
Cleaning Depth	Deep, thorough, removes grime, mould, stains	Surface-level, misses embedded dirt and odours
Speed & Efficiency	Fast, systematic, trained professionals	Time-consuming, inconsistent results
Product Effectiveness	Targeted, potent products for specific tasks	Basic, generic products are often ineffective
Long-Term Results	Cleaner, fresher, more hygienic property	Temporary, often leaves residues or odours

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Add-on services that drive viewings

Standard clean sets the foundation, but the optional upgrades make a property impress tenants and stand out in listings.

Steam cleaning carpets and sofasrevives them by removing deep stains, dust mites, pet dander, and odours. The service restores softness and colours and enhances the look of a property, especially if it’s furnished or part-furnished.

While a standard clean sets the foundation, optional upgrades make a property stand out in listings, viewings, and tenant memory. These targeted services show attention to detail, and the property is cared for to a higher standard.

To tackle smells from smoke, pets, damp, or cooking, odour and allergen neutralisation are recommended. Specialist products will be used to remove odours and create a neutral, inviting atmosphere.

Appliances and window cleaning are additional services that leave them without grime and smells. Cleaners scrub ovens, fridges, microwaves inside and out, and leave windows sparkling, bringing the property to a “move-in ready” condition.

Exteriors and pathways are jet-washed if applicable to eliminate moss, grime, and algae. Clean, safe, and well-kept patios, entryways, and driveways sharpen kerb appeal and may seal the deal for houses and ground-floor flats. 

Add-on services make a property stand out in the competitive rental market, justify higher rents and reveal premium care, enhance listing photo quality, leading to more viewings.

Include cleaning services in your rental strategy

When is the best time to book cleaning?

You should call professional cleaners right after the tenants check out and return the keys. This way, all built-in grime, odours, and damage will be managed on time, and you get a clear picture of maintenance needs. Book cleaners before photos and viewings, as a clean property looks better and draws more interest online. An immaculate property looks brighter, more spacious, and more premium. Make sure that prospective tenants view the place right after cleaning.

If possible, have a 48-72 hour window between checkout and marketing to give you time for professional cleaning, minor repairs or staging, and high-quality photos.

Promote cleanliness as a selling point.

You should highlight that the property was professionally cleaned. Renters appreciate hygiene, and a well-worded listing will make your property unique. Expressions such as “professionally deep cleaned”, ”all carpets steam-cleaned and appliances sanitised before every new lease”, and “odour-free and allergen neutral” show that you’re a responsible, careful landlord. Your property will feel more premium and catch attention in the busy listings. This also reassures renters who worry about how previous renters handled the place.

You should include the cleaning details in the headline and description of your listing and mention them during viewings.

Budgeting for professional cleaning

Professional cleaning shouldn’t be a surprise expense, but a routine part of your turnover management.

Based on tenancy turnover, plan for at least 1-2 full cleans per year. Put aside £20–£30/month per property into a maintenance reserve to have enough budget at the end of the lease.  We also recommend bundle cleaning with other turnover spending, such as: minor fixes, appliance servicing, paint touch-ups, decorating, or professional photography. Bundle services with a regular contractor agent to benefit from discounts or package deals, if possible.

Track ROI and keep records of your cleaning spending, dates, and how fast the property is re-rented. This shows the value of cleaning as an operational investment.

Here’s a sample annual cleaning budget (Per Property):

Expense	Estimated Cost	Frequency	Annual Total
Full Professional Deep Clean	£200	1x/year	£200
Carpet Steam Clean (optional)	£80	1x/year	£80
Window Cleaning	£60	2x/year	£120
Total Suggested Set-Aside			£400–£450

Having a regular seasonal deep-cleaning schedule helps you prevent wear and tear, extend the lifespan of the furnishings, and keep the tenants satisfied.

Spring (March-May)

Freshen up interiors, manage damp, and prepare for warmer months. You should:

• Deep clean carpets and upholstery (remove winter dust, dirt, and allergens).
• Wash windows inside and out.
• Clean behind/under appliances and furniture.
• Manage mould or mildew (especially in bathrooms).
• Jet-wash patios, balconies, or entryways.

This is a good time for pre-listing cleans as demand will increase in late spring.

Summer (June-August)

You should focus on fast, high-impact cleaning between short-term lets or tenancy changes through:

• Full professional deep clean between tenancies.
• Steam clean ovens, hobs, and extractor fans.
• Neutralise odours (cooking, pets, smoke).
• Sanitise bathrooms and refresh grout/sealant if needed.
• Exterior tidy-up: bin areas, gardens, and entrances.

With high demand, presentation is paramount, so clean before viewings, listings, and photos.

Autumn (September-November)

Prepare for colder months and minimise the risk of damp, mould, and pest problems:

• Ventilation check + clean bathroom/kitchen fans.
• Wipe down walls, ceilings, and corners (spider webs, condensation).
• Deep clean kitchen (appliances, cupboards, limescale).
• Clean behind radiators and heaters.
• Steam clean soft furnishings before windows are shut tight for winter.

Combine cleaning tasks with maintenance tasks like boiler checks or upgrading insulation.

Winter (December-February)

Keep indoor environments fresh and:

• Perform touch-up cleaning for long-term tenancies (bathroom/kitchen refresh).

• Tackle condensation-prone areas (windows, corners).
• Clean high-touch surfaces thoroughly: switches, handles, thermostats.
• Spot-clean carpets and rugs to remove mud/salt stains.

To avoid long-term build-up and improve your relationship with the tenant, schedule a “mid-tenancy refresh”.

Create an annual calendar and apply it across the property portfolio—tenants appreciate proactive care, and you protect your investment too.

Professional cleaning is worth tracking your ROI

Here are some simple metrics to quantify the impact of professional cleaning:

Vacancy time: before vs. after cleaning

Count how many days your property sat empty before you used professional cleaners and compare it to after you hired them. A 5-7 day vacancy reduction is essential to recoup all cleaning spending.

Viewings-to-lease ratio

Please pay attention to how many viewings it takes to secure a renter—with better first impressions and strong photos, immaculately staged homes lease 30-50% faster than less-than-perfectly prepared properties.

Tenant feedback on cleanliness

To examine consistency and detect areas to improve in your next turnover, you should include the question “How would you rate the property's cleanliness at the beginning of the lease?” (1-5).

Rental uplift

What were the effects of professional cleaning? Were you able to increase the monthly rent and receive more full-price offers? Can cleanliness and presentation justify a premium? A £15–£30/month increase may not seem much, but it can significantly increase over a 12-month tenancy.

You may use this chart to log and measure ROI over time:

Property	Cleaning Cost	Days Vacant (Before)	Days Vacant (After)	Rent Increase	Tenant Cleanliness Rating (1–5)	ROI Notes
2-bed, Manchester	£220	18	9	£25/month	5	Reduced void time, cleaner reviews
Studio, Bristol	£180	12	6	£0	4	Faster let, no rent uplift
3-bed, London	£260	21	10	£50/month	5	Big ROI, photos improved bookings

Landlords say it best.

Landlords across the UK are experiencing the benefits of professional cleaning in real-world results. “Our property lets in half the time,” says Tom. R, Manchester, who saw that an immaculate, hotel-grade finish reduces vacancy periods and sends the most powerful message—that the property is well-kept and high-value.

Sam.M in London remarked, "Tenants started highlighting how clean the property felt”.

Bust speed of re-renting is just one of the benefits, and many landlords noticed that immaculate properties enhance income. Nina P., Oxford, shared with other landlords: “ We increased rent and had many tenants interested in viewings”.

If you’re having doubts about professional cleaning, look at the results—aren’t they impressive?

Closing remarks

Over and over again, professional cleaning has proved that it saves money, attracts quality renters, and reduces vacancy periods. The rental market is highly competitive, and cleanliness is more than cosmetic—a sign of professionalism that informed renters always notice. You shouldn't hesitate to hire cleaning professionals if you want to let faster, have better reviews, and have more substantial rental income. It’s a no-brainer, high-ROI decision to make for your property. Expecting your new renter? You should already have checked out the calendar and booked the professional cleaning!

RESOURCES

• https://www.alanboswell.com/resources/commercial-property-statistics/
• https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/privaterentandhousepricesuk/march2025
• https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-lu/institutional/insights-and-research/uk-real-estate-market-outlook-q1-2025
• https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/private-rent-and-house-prices-uk-february-2025
• https://hausmaids.co.uk/articles/toughest-cleaning-challenges-haus-maids-can-help/
• https://www.policybee.co.uk/blog/uk-cleaning-industry-statistics