Tenant's Guide: How to Get Your Full Deposit Back Through Professional Cleaning

If you're a tenant dreading cleaning your rental as you prepare for your move-out, you might want to start vacuuming—56% of deposit disputes in the UK occur due to cleaning issues. Moving out is stressful and expensive, and you don't want to risk losing your deposit over a dirty oven or musty bathroom. Fortunately for you and all tenants, the solution is just one click/phone call away. Hiring professional cleaners will help you present the rental to your landlord's expectations and ensure your deposit money goes where it belongs—back in your pocket. Our guide will tell you from A to Z how professional cleaning will secure your deposit refund so that you can experience a pleasant, stress-free handover.

How do deposit deductions happen?

In the UK, your landlord is legally required to put your tenancy deposit in a government-approved deposit protection scheme (DPS). This means your deposit is safe, and deductions must be justified.  England and Wales have three central schemes: DPS, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

The schemes mean that your landlord cannot wrongfully withhold your deposit and, in case of a dispute, you will benefit from a free dispute resolution service. The landlord will have to present documentation to support their claim—make sure to have yours clear and complete!

What are the most common reasons for deposit deductions?

Dirty kitchens

Ovens, hobs, and extractor fans are high-risk areas, and grease build-up will make the landlord withhold part of your deposit. You can avoid it by hiring professionals to clean the kitchen deeply.

Unclean bathrooms

Mould, limescale, and soap scum on tiles or taps are common pitfalls for inspection fails. To avoid such issues, use descalers and mould removers, or, better yet, hire the pros.

Carpet stains or odours

Many tenants don’t realise that even minor marks will cause deductions. You may avoid it with steam cleaning the carpets and upholstery, especially if you have children or pets.

Dust and cobwebs

Skirting boards, light fixtures, and behind furniture often get missed during cleaning. For peace of mind, do a final clean or book professional cleaners after moving out.

“fair wear and tear” vs. cleaning responsibilities—do you know the difference?

Legally, as a tenant, you are not responsible for “fair wear and tear”, but you do have to leave the property in the same condition at move-in, excluding fair wear and tear. Here’s what fair wear and tear means:

• Worn carpets from regular use
• Faded paint or wallpaper from sunlight damage
• Loose door handles due to age
• Minor scuff marks on walls from moving the furniture
• Slightly worn or faded curtains from normal usage
• Worn-out kitchen surfaces from cooking and cleaning

Some of the tenants’ cleaning responsibilities are:

• Removing dirt, grime, grease, mould, and limescale
• Cleaning appliances (oven, fridge, etc.)
• Dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down all surfaces
• Leaving the property hygienic and presentable for the next tenant

Landlords are forbidden to deduct from your deposit for ageing or natural deterioration. However, they can withhold parts of it (if not all) if the place is dirty and livable.

💡extra tip

Use your check-in inventory and photos to compare the property’s original condition with its current state, and clean accordingly.

What do landlords and inventory clerks assess during the final inspection?

During the move-out inspection, landlords/inventory clerks don’t resort to a brief look-around, but use a comprehensive, detailed checklist and compare the property’s current state to the move-in inventory report. They will scrutinise:

Cleanliness

• Kitchen appliances (especially the oven, hob, fridge, and extractor fan)
• Bathroom fixtures (toilet, shower, taps, tiles, mirrors)
• Skirting boards, window sills, and behind furniture
• Floors and carpets (checking for stains, dirt, and hair)

Condition vs. cleanliness

• Can marks and scuffs be wiped off, or does damage cause them?
• Is the wear from everyday use or neglect?

Inventory match

• Are all furnishings, curtains, and fixtures present?
• Is everything in the same condition as recorded at move-in?

Hidden spots are often checked

• Inside cupboards, drawers, under beds and sofas
• Behind large appliances (e.g., washing machine, fridge)
• Light fittings, switches, and door handles

💡Tip

Remember: inspectors will move furniture, open appliances, and check out unseen surfaces for cleanliness. Professional cleaning is crucial for deposit securing—pros will clean everything, seen and unseen!

Know your legal rights as a tenant

The Tenant Fees Act 2019

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 was conceived to protect tenants in England from wrongful charges and has many effects on end-of-tenancy cleaning. According to it, landlords can’t do:

• Force you to pay for professional cleaning unless it’s stated in your tenancy lease and you agreed to it before June 2019
• Charge “default” cleaning fees at move-out—they must provide evidence for all deductions.

Here’s what landlords can do:

• They can deduct from your deposit if you didn’t leave the property in the same level of cleaning as at move-in.
• They can recommend professional cleaning, but cannot force you into hiring a specific company.

All in all, no law requires you to hire professionals at move-out, but if you leave the property in a less-than-immaculate condition, you risk losing part, if not all, of your deposit.

Landlords’ legal obligations vs. tenant responsibilities

Landlords must:

• Take care of the property’s structure and systems, including heating, plumbing, and electrics.
• Make sure the property is safe and habitable, with functional smoke alarms, secure locks, and no hazards.
• Provide a clean and hygienic property at the beginning of the lease.
• Use a government-approved deposit protection scheme and return your deposit fairly and promptly.

Tenants must:

• Maintain the property in a presentable condition throughout the tenancy and especially before moving out
• Present the property at move-out in the same condition and cleanliness (excluding fair wear and tear) as at move-in.
• Inform the landlord of any maintenance problems.
• Dispose of rubbish, remove personal items, and clean all appliances before vacating.

💡 Tip

When something breaks due to everyday use, your landlord is responsible for replacing it. If it’s dirty or damaged, you must fix it. Not sure what it is? Grab your tenancy agreement and reread it—you should find your duties in black and white.

Documentation is vital

Should you end up in a deposit dispute with your landlord, you want clear, accurate documentation to support your claim. Solid documentation can distinguish between getting and not getting your deposit refund.

Before-and-after photos

• Take clear, timestamped photos when you move in and after you clean before vacating.
• Focus on high-risk areas: kitchen appliances, bathrooms, flooring, walls, and windows.
• To show overall condition, use natural light and wide shots. Make also close-ups for details.  

Inventory reports

• At the beginning of your lease, the landlord is supposed to hand you a detailed check-in inventory outlining every room's condition and cleanliness. 
• During the check-out inspection, the landlord will compare the condition of the place to the original report.
• If the landlord finds discrepancies, they must document them to justify the deposit deductions.

Timelines matter

• Document exactly the date and time you completed cleaning.
• Keep a copy of your cleaning invoice, especially if you hired professional cleaners.
• In a cleaning-related deposit dispute, you can use documentation to support your case and show the property’s condition before vacating it.

💡 Tip

Keep all documents in one digital folder, including emails with your landlord or letting agent—it can help you win the dispute.

How should you handle an unfair deduction?

If your landlord attempts to withhold your deposit, here’s what to do:

1. Ask for a written breakdown of any suggested deductions.
2. Compare the final inventory report with your photos and check-in inventory.
3. If you disagree, use your deposit protection scheme to raise a dispute. Each of the schemes offers a free, impartial adjudication service.
4. Submit your evidence: cleaning invoices, timestamped photos, communication with your landlord, etc.

Landlords also have to prove the cleaning problems and justify the deduction. If they can’t do it, you will win the case. After agreeing to the final amount, they have 10 days to return your deposit. In a dispute, the resolution process will take around 28 working days. Always remain polite and professional in your communication—you want things done immediately.

💡 Important: Landlords must prove the cleaning issue and justify the cost. If they can't, you win the case.

Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning—covering all the bases

Regular cleaning isn’t enough—why?

Regular cleaning keeps a place nice and presentable, but it is insufficient for move-out inspections and landlords’ standards. Here’s why:

Landlords expect a deep clean

Landlords and inventory clerks expect thorough, beyond-the-surface cleaning during the move-out inspection. Grease on kitchen appliances, mould in bathrooms, and dust behind furniture will be noticed and cause deposit deductions. A regular clean will typically miss less than visible spots like light fixtures, skirting boards, or oven interiors—they all need deep cleaning!

Cleaning in high-traffic areas isn’t enough.

Typically, kitchens and bathrooms have the most dirt and grime. Regular cleaning might skip difficult stains and residue, while professional cleaning will handle all difficult stains, scale build-up, and grease spots, leaving the property immaculate.

Regular cleaning rarely meets industry standards.

Regular cleaning doesn’t meet industry standards. Using commercial-grade tools and products, professional cleaners follow a detailed checklist to meet landlords’ high standards of cleanliness. Many landlords use a 55-point cleaning checklist that professionals are familiar with and know how to complete.

Regular cleaning doesn’t give you peace of mind.

With regular cleaning, you won’t know if you passed the move-out inspection and avoided deposit deduction until it’s too late. This doesn’t happen with professional cleaning, which leaves the place pristine. Professionals also hand you proof of cleaning (photos, checklists, and invoices) for deposit disputes.

💡 Tip

You don’t know what “clean” means to your landlord? Ask them in advance whether it’s the kind of cleanliness that requires professional cleaning.

What spots do you miss cleaning, but professionals don’t

Many tenants overlook some key areas that professionals never skip and landlords/inspection clerks always check:

• Behind and under furniture

Professional cleaners move furniture and remove dust, dirt and debris behind furniture (sofas, cabinets, and beds) and all hidden areas, leaving them spotless.

• Oven and cooker hood

Grease and food residue are collected in the oven, grill trays, and extractor fans. Professionals scrub away all built-up grime for an immaculate kitchen using heavy-duty degreasers and specialist tools.

• inside kitchen drawers and cupboards

Professional cleaners remove all food stains, leftover crumbs, and grease from cupboards and drawers, especially in the kitchen.

• Window tracks and sills

Professionals eliminate dust, dirt, and moisture from all window tracks and sills to prevent marks or leaving built-up behind.

• Skirting boards and corners

Regular cleaning often overlooks skirting boards and corners, but cleaners will clean in detail these areas, leaving them dust- and cobweb-free.

• Light fixtures and switches

Professional cleaners wipe down all light fittings, ceiling fans, and switches for a fresh and clean appearance.

• Showerheads, grouting, and tiles

Using commercial-grade products and specialist tools and methods, professionals remove all mould and limescale build-up on showerheads, tile grout, and around bathroom fittings.

• Radiators and heating vents

Regular cleaning may miss dust collected in the fins of radiators or the vents of heating systems. Professionals address these areas too, clearing them of all dirt and dust.

• Inside fridges and freezers

It’s common for tenants to forget cleaning fridges and freezers inside, and leave food residues or stains. Professionals clean and sanitise all surfaces and remove all leftover food.

• Doors and door handles

Grease, dust, and fingerprints will collect on door frames and handles, but professionals clean them and leave them spotless and hygienic.

💡 Tip

Spare some time and check these areas yourself before professionals come in. Rest assured that they will clean everything, nevertheless!

Professional cleaning stops disputes—here’s how!

Professional cleaning minimises the risk of a deposit dispute for several reasons:

It ensures a thorough, deep clean

Professional cleaners employ industry-grade equipment and products that address difficult stains, grime, and unseen dirt. They clean behind furniture, inside appliances, in corners—everywhere you don’t look while regularly cleaning. A professional cleaning meets landlords’ standards, so the risk of disputes is minor.

It offers evidence of cleaning.

It’s common for cleaning companies like Buzz Maids to provide documentation as evidence of their work. Checklists and photos before and after the clean may be included and serve as solid proof if landlords try to withhold deposits.

It meets specific inventory standards.

For a full deposit refund, the property has to match the level of cleanliness stated through the 55-point cleaning checklist that most landlords and letting agents use. Professional cleaners are familiar with the standards and know how to complete all tasks.

It reduces fair wear and tear problems.

While you cannot be made responsible for fair wear and tear, landlords might try to deduct for areas they believe are worn out. Professional cleaning will make the difference between wear, dirt, and neglect.

It saves time and alleviates stress.

Why worry about meeting or not your landlord’s standards for cleanliness when you can hire professional cleaners? Their cleaning impresses even the most discerning landlords and brings tenants peace of mind about the handover process.

It prevents disputes over specific areas.

Kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, and windows are the areas that commonly cause disputes. Professional cleaners clean such areas to the most minute detail and remove all grease, mould, and stains.

💡 Tip

A professional clean leaves the property immaculate and ensures a fair inspection. In case of disputes, you will easily support your case with the documentation provided by the cleaners. That is, if the cleaning results don’t speak volumes on their own!

Cleaning costs vs. deposit deductions---which are higher?

Let’s take a closer look at the costs of professional cleaning vs. possible deposit deductions:

Typical cost of professional end-of-tenancy cleaning

• Studio/1-Bedroom Flat: £120 - £180
• 2-Bedroom Flat: £150 - £250
• 3-Bedroom House: £200 - £350
• Additional Services (carpet cleaning, upholstery, etc.): £30 - £100 per service

Remember that these are the average costs for professional end-of-tenancy cleaning, including detailed cleaning of all rooms, appliances, and surfaces. The size and condition of the property and your location in the UK will affect the pricing.

Typical deposit deductions for cleaning

• Kitchen Deep Clean: £80 - £150
• Carpet Cleaning: £50 - £150
• Bathroom Mould Removal: £40 - £100
• General Cleaning (appliances, windows, etc.): £60 - £120
• Total Potential Deductions: £200 - £500+

Neglecting a small area like a greasy oven, stained carpet, or dirty bathroom can cause significant deductions. Landlords sometimes charge tenants for multiple cleanings if the expected standards aren’t met.

Is it worth hiring the pros for cleaning?

Absolutely yes! Let’s say you hire the pros for £150 on a professional clean but risk losing £300or more from your deposit due to cleaning disputes—are you still having second thoughts? Moreover, many landlords are astute in cleanliness at the end of the lease, especially when properties are in sought-after areas. Professional cleaning will meet their high expectations and boost your chances of a full deposit refund. If the cleaning is subpar, they will charge you for professional cleaning, so why hesitate about hiring the pros right from the start?

A real tenant story

A tenant hired professional cleaners for £160, knowing they risked £250 deposit deductions for oven and bathroom cleaning. The renter got their deposit back in full and saved £90.

💡 Tip

When you weigh the costs, you can easily see that hiring the pros is cheaper than ending up in a messy, stressful, and expensive dispute with your landlord.

Why Buzz Maids meets landlords’ expectations

Buzz Maids leaves no stone unturned regarding end-of-tenancy cleaning and helps students secure their deposits. Landlords appreciate our results for several reasons:

We have a 7-day re-clean guarantee

We stand behind our cleaning results and will return within 7 days to fix issues if our work isn’t satisfactory. We will return promptly, at no extra charge!

We use a 55-point checklist.

Our cleaning process will meet landlords’ and inventory clerks’ standards. We use a 55-point checklist to cover all aspects of your properties and not miss anything. Everything will be left impeccable, as your landlord expects.

Our tool kit is professional-grade, and our methods are field-proven

Our cleaners use top-of-the-line cleaning equipment and the best cleaning products to clean properties. We are experts in innovative techniques, removing everything from difficult stains to mould.

💡 Tip

Buzz Maids doesn’t just clean the rental—it gives you a guarantee of satisfaction and achieves the highest standard of cleaning. You don’t risk any disputes with your landlord—not on cleaning issues, anyway!

Preparing for professional cleaning—here’s how to do it right

When should you book the cleaners?

To make sure you secure your deposit refund and steer away from rushed jobs, here’s how to plan your professional cleaning:

• Book early

We recommend you book the end-of-tenancy cleaning 7-10 days before you move out to ensure the property is spotless before the move-out inspection. If you book too early, dust or debris from the moving-out process will be left behind. Booking too late isn’t ideal either—rushed cleans may not meet your landlord’s standards.

• Leave time for your landlord’s inspection

Plan the cleaning 1-2 days before the final inspection if possible. The landlord will assess it as clean as possible, without disruption from the moving-out process. You also get the time for last-minute touch-ups.

• plan for cleaning between moving and moving in

If you move from one place to another, the cleaning window should fit right between your moving schedule. Removing the furniture and leaving the property fully emptied before the cleaners arrive is ideal—it will give them free access to clean all areas.

• Don’t forget about additional services

Additional services like carpet and upholstery cleaning, oven cleaning take time and specialist equipment. Consider these aspects when booking professional cleaning.

• Do you want to book the weekend or bank holidays cleaning?

Weekend bookings can fill up fast, so plan well ahead if you want to move out on a weekend. Bank holidays may affect scheduling, so avoid delays by booking a few days in advance.

💡 Tip

Even though many dependable cleaners like Buzz Maids will accommodate short-notice and emergency cleaning requests, you shouldn’t wait until the very last minute! Book the professional cleaning well in advance to secure your favourite time slot.

How to prepare for professional cleaning

To get the best results, there are a few things you need to do:

Empty all cupboards, drawers, and shelves

Remove your belongings from the kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom cupboards, and other drawers or storage areas. Cleaners should have easy access to all areas to work efficiently and quickly. Leftover items can get in the way, whereas food or waste can attract pests and produce unpleasant odours. Empty all wardrobes and closets, too.

Remove all rubbish

Remove all rubbish, including newspapers, plastic bottles, food waste and miscellaneous items. To avoid odours, clear out all bins.

Clear personal belongings

Take everything with you, including artwork, pictures, furniture, and small items like keys or chargers.

Ensure access to all areas.

Ensure cleaners have effortless access to all rooms, surfaces, and appliances. If cumbersome furniture can’t be removed, ensure enough space around it so cleaners can work efficiently. Slightly lift carpets and rugs so that cleaners focus on the floor too.

Check for mess or leftover items.

Walk through the property last time and ensure you didn’t leave anything behind. If applicable, check out the attics, basements, or garages and look for leftover cleaning supplies or personal stuff in the bathrooms or kitchens. Remove dirty laundry and unused appliances as well.

💡 Tip

The better you prepare the property for the cleaners, the better the cleaning results will be.

Do you remove the furniture or not?

It’s a tricky answer as there are several aspects to asses:

Move furniture if possible

Move all small and movable furniture (side tables, chairs, and shelves) before the cleaners come. If moving them is difficult, large furniture (sofas, beds, and wardrobes) can be left in place. Make sure that there’s enough space around them for cleaning, nevertheless.

Heavy or difficult-to-move furniture

Don’t worry about moving heavy pieces (large bed frames or wardrobes)—professional cleaners are experienced and can clean around or under them. If possible, slightly shift heavy furniture so that professionals can clean the floors, skirting boards, and behind the furniture.

Furniture to leave in place

Leave non-movable furniture (kitchen units, built-in wardrobes, or appliances) in place—cleaners will work around them. If moving isn’t practical, you can leave large furniture items (beds, sofas) in place. The cleaners will clean surfaces, floors, and areas under the furniture.

Protect fragile or valuable furniture.

Inform the cleaning company about fragile or valuable furniture you don’t want to move. They can protect it during the cleaning, or you can cover it yourself with sheets or tarps.

When to move furniture

Move the furniture a day or two before the cleaning so that dust and debris settle. If you’re moving out and need the furniture until vacating, move the bulky items 24 hours before the cleaners’ arrival.

💡 Tip

The more open and easy-to-access the space is, the more efficient the cleaning will be.

Sync with your landlord/letting agent before the cleaners come

Effective communication is crucial for a smooth professional cleaning. Here’s how to sync with your landlord/letting agent:

Inform them about your cleaning plans

Let your landlord/letting agent know about the cleaning date at least a week before. Inform them of the date and time of the cleaning—it helps confirm the inspection date.

Ask about specific cleaning requirements.

See if your landlord has specific areas or cleaning requests. Some are picky regarding cleanliness and want cleaners to focus on carpets, kitchen appliances, or windows. Have a clear image of your landlord’s “cleaning expectations so that the cleaners meet their standards.

Provide access instructions

If you aren’t home when the cleaners come, talk to your landlord/letting agent to provide the cleaners access to the property. Leave the key or access code for the cleaning team.

Discuss the final inspection timing.

Confirm the date of the move-out inspection with your landlord/letting agent. Ideally, you want the inspection to occur a day or two after the cleaning. You don’t want the inspection to happen too soon and miss areas that are still drying or needing final touch-ups.

Get written confirmation of cleaning standards.

If your landlord/agent has specific cleaning criteria, get them in writing as a property inventory or list of reference. Does your landlord mention something unusual or unreasonable? Get clarification to ensure they understand what they expect regarding cost.

Request proof of cleaning

Ask the cleaning company for a detailed report of photos revealing the property’s condition. Reliable cleaners like Buzz Maids provide before-and-after photos of the place, invoices, and a satisfaction guarantee for the cleaning.

Talk about cleaning costs and your deposit refund.

Openly discuss with your landlord/letting agent about the cost of the cleaning and your deposit. Get confirmation that the cleaning is up to their standards, and the deposit refund will go smoothly.

💡 Tip

The earlier you communicate with your landlord or agent, the smoother the move-out process.  

The cleaning is completed. Now what?

Just because the cleaning is completed doesn’t mean your deposit goes into your pocket—there are a few things you need to handle.

The paperwork you need from the cleaners

Ask the cleaning company for:

• Detailed invoice/receipt for the cleaning service—it should include date of the cleaning, cost of service, specialist services performed (e.g. carpet cleaning, oven cleaning, deep cleaning, etc.), terms of service
• Confirmation of 7-Day re-clean guarantee (if applicable)—it protects you if the landlord finds the cleaning insufficient and strengthens your position in case of a dispute.
• The cleaning checklist/report should include all completed tasks and the 55-point checklist. The checklist ensures the cleaners have met the professional standards.
• Before-and-after photos of the property are invaluable if the landlord questions the cleaning quality, as they are proof of professional cleaning.
• Terms and conditions/guarantees—what do the cleaners cover under the guarantee? What happens if the cleaning isn’t satisfactory? If there are issues with the cleaning, you want to avoid any extra charges from your landlord.
• Proof of insurance—the company should have liability insurance. The company should reimburse you in full if any accidents happen during cleaning. Request proof of public liability insurance to protect yourself from any unexpected problems.
• List of cleaning products used (optional)—reassures your landlord that professionals only used non-toxic and non-damaging cleaning agents, especially if sensitive surfaces and materials are on the property.

What’s the best way to document the cleaned rental?

Take before-and-after photos

Capture clear, high-quality photos of the rental before the cleaning starts to document its condition and highlight presentable areas. Take photos of all rooms, including walls, floors, windows, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. Capture areas prone to getting dirty, such as carpets, ovens, and bathrooms. Make sure photos are clear, well-lit, and time-stamped.

After the cleaners finish their job, take photos showing the property’s immaculate condition. For consistency, use the same angles and light and take wide shots of the rooms. Focus on typically scrutinised areas like sinks, floors, and kitchen counters.

Document the inventory and condition of key areas.

If the property has an inventory list, ensure each item is accounted for and captured in photos. You must document the state of furniture, fittings, and appliances well, especially in high-traffic areas and expensive items.

Request a professional cleaning report.

Ask the cleaners to provide a detailed cleaning report or checklist with all the completed tasks. It should include the 55-point checklist, the extra services (window washing, carpet treatment, and oven cleaning), and a re-clean guarantee (if applicable).

Use video for added transparency.

You may record a video walkthrough of the property after the cleaning to use as extra evidence of the condition of the place. With the video walkthrough, you show the entire space, including angles/areas that photos might miss, such as ceiling corners, floorboards, or areas under heavy furniture. Talk as you walk through, point out areas professionals cleaned, and explain what they have done.

Create a detailed timeline.

Document the timelines of the cleaning and move-out process, noting when the cleaning was finished, when the final inspection took place, and any communication with your landlord/agent.

Keep communication records

Store copies of all correspondence with the cleaning company and landlord, including emails, text messages, and WhatsApp chats.

Ask for a copy of the final inspection report.

If your landlord/agent inspects the cleaning, ask for a copy of the inspection report, as it can help you in case of disputes over the cleaning.

💡 Tip

The more thorough and organised your documentation is, the more difficult it will be for the landlord to make wrongful claims about cleanliness.

How to handle the final inspection

The final inspection can be nerve-wracking, but it’s easier to handle when you get the proper preparation:

Confirm the date and time of the inspection

Confirm the inspection time with the landlord/letting agent at least 48 hours before the set date and arrange access if you cannot be present.

Revise your documentation and cleanliness.

Refresh your memory of the property’s condition and examine the before-and-after photos, inventory list, and cleaning reports.

Be ready for a walk-through of the property.

Walk through the property with your landlord and suggest solutions if any problems arise.

Stay calm and professional.

Have a calm, polite tone during the inspection and be open to feedback. Listen to your landlord’s concerns and have a positive attitude.

Address minor problems right away.

If any minor cleaning problems arise, offer prompt solutions, like re-cleaning the area yourself. Don’t ignore minor issues—they can also cause deposit deductions.

Document the inspection process.

Take photos during the inspection and ask for specifics in writing if your landlord raises any cleaning problems.

Know your rights

If you feel that the inspection isn’t reasonable, remember your rights as a tenant and don’t hesitate to challenge any wrongful claims.

Ask for a written final report.

At the end of the inspection, ask for a written final inspection report and a detailed breakdown if you see deposit deductions.

Be ready to act promptly.

If the inspection reveals minor problems that can be solved with touch-ups, fix them immediately. You want to prevent them from turning into significant problems. Ask your landlord if they allow you to re-inspect the property before completing the deposit refund.

What do you do if your landlord raises cleaning problems?

Despite your efforts, there’s always a risk that your landlord/letting agent will raise concerns about the property's cleanliness. Here’s what you should do:

• Stay calm and don’t panic—listen to their complaints and remind them of the documentation supporting your case
• Ask your landlord to give details about the areas that don’t meet the standard—always get their concerns in writing!
• Refer to your before-and-after photos and cleaning checklists, and show the landlord photos of the cleaned areas. If you’ve recorded a video walkthrough, it's a good time to use it.
• Re-inspect or re-clean the property if the issues are minor. Reliable cleaners like Buzz Maids provide a 7-day re-clean guarantee and return for free fixes when the results aren’t satisfactory.
• Check your rights under the UK’s tenancy deposit protection schemes, which ensure fairness. If you used a TDP, the landlord can withhold your deposit only for valid reasons.
• Ask for a third-party inspection from an independent inventory clerk or tenancy dispute resolution service
• If a dispute arises, use the Deposit Dispute Resolution service that the TDP provides. Submit the cleaning reports, before-and-after photos, and any communication with your landlord to resolve the issue fairly.

Final thoughts

Protect your deposit and focus on professional cleaning, accurate documentation, and timely inspections. With Buzz Maids, you benefit from a 7-day re-clean guarantee, industry-leading techniques, and a 55-point checklist that impresses all landlords—planning to move out soon? Book an end-of-tenancy clean with Buzz Maids and enjoy your moving-out—yes, it’s possible!

FAQs

Is professional cleaning legally required?

No, it isn’t, but many landlords expect properties to be left pristine—a condition only professional cleaners can achieve.
Will I save a lot by hiring pros for cleaning?
Professional cleaning typically costs between £100 and £250, while deposit deductions can go as high as £500 or more. It’s fair to say that you will save a lot by hiring professional cleaners.

What should I do if my landlord isn’t happy with the cleaning?

Contact your cleaning providers for a re-clean. Reliable companies like Buzz Maids offer a re-clean guarantee for cleaning issues.

When should I book the service?

Book the professional cleaning at least a week before moving out to have time for scheduling, cleaning, and possible re-cleaning.
Can I stay in the property while it’s being cleaned?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. Professionals will work better and faster if there are no obstructions or distractions while cleaning.

What areas do pros clean that tenants usually skip?
Professionals clean often-overlooked areas like behind appliances, inside ovens, light fittings, windowsills, and corners of rooms. Dirt and dust collect in these spots, and most tenants forget to clean them.

✨ Final Tips for Success

• Stay organised and use the move-out checklist.
• Take clear photos after the cleaning, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Keep your cleaning invoice—it’s your proof of professional cleaning
• Inform your landlord about your cleaning plans.

RESOURCES

• https://www.ellisandco.co.uk/guides/landlord/tenant-fees-act-how-has-it-changed-the-renting-market/
  
• https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/content-hub/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-tenant-fees-act-2019/
  
• https://www.rhjdevonshire.co.uk/our-thoughts-ecj-article-50-ruling-no-feat-image-4/
  
• https://www.buzzmaids.co.uk/blog/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-roi-data-driven-analysis-of-costs-vs-deposit-returns/
  
• https://www.getjobber.com/academy/cleaning/types-of-cleaning-services/
  
• https://armourps.com/blog/16-best-commercial-cleaning-tips-for-businesses/
  
• https://www.simplyspotless.com.au/12-tips-from-our-professional-cleaners/
  
• https://acecleaners.ie/cleaning-guide/professional-cleaning-techniques/