This is the story of five final-year students in Oxford facing the loss of their £2,500 deposit for leaving their rented house in poor condition. Luckily for them, Buzz Maids came to the rescue and, in just 72 hours, transformed the rental into a move-in-ready, deposit-securing condition. The story had a happy ending, with the students getting their deposits back in full and the property being re-rented within days. Smart cleaning choices save money, time and stress—keep reading to find out how!
Key takeaways
- Tight deadline success: Buzz Maids transformed a student rental property within 72 hours.
- Full deposit recovery: Professional cleaning protected the £2,500 deposit in full; the industry average DIY cleaning results in 32% deposit deductions for students.
- Time savings during crisis: The service saved students 40+ hours of cleaning time, and they could focus on final exams.
- Specialised expertise: Professional-grade equipment and specialised expertise are crucial in handling student house problems.
- Documentation strategy: The professional cleaners hand out before/after photos and signed checklists as proof in case of deposit disputes.
- Business Growth: The landlord hired Buzz Maids for three additional student properties, showing that high-quality service leads to ongoing business collaborations.
- Fast Re-Letting Impact: The professionally cleaned property was re-rented within 72 hours—thorough cleaning reduces vacancy periods and maximises landlord income.
What’s the cleaning scenario?
Five final-year university students rented a Victorian terraced house in a sought-after area outside Oxford city centre. The property included five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and shared communal spaces and underwent intense use during the academic year. It hosted many social get-togethers, benefited from rare cleaning, and was forgotten during exam season. With tight move-out deadlines, stressful final exams, and a £2,500 joint deposit at stake, the students realised that a DIY cleaning was far from enough to get their deposit back.
The students only had 72 hours before the move-out inspection, due in the middle of their most intense exam period. However, the house was nowhere near inspection-ready condition: the kitchen surfaces were greasy, the carpets were stained, there was mould in the bathroom, and the whole place was cluttered. The time frame was tight, and none of the students had the skills or the expertise for a deep cleaning.
What was the solution?
Buzz Maids performed a student-focused end-of-tenancy deep cleaning, customised to heavily used student properties. The emergency and exam-related pressure weighed in, and a team of savvy professionals was sent to clean the house. The cleaners focused on areas that commonly cause deposit deductions: bathrooms, kitchen appliances, carpets, and walls. The cleaners systematically removed grime, mould, limescale, stains, and odours using top-of-the-line equipment and products. The team took photos of the place to prove the before-and-after condition. The property was left immaculate, meeting the landlord’s standards.
What was the outcome?
Thanks to Buzz Maids’ expert cleaning, the students got their whole £2,500 deposit and didn’t even lift a finger. The landlord was impressed with the result, “it was cleaner than ever”, and the students saved more than 40 hours of cleaning time, which they’ve used to prepare for the exams. The landlord was so impressed with the outcome that they hired Buzz Maids to clean three additional student properties. As for the Victorian terraced house, it only took three days to welcome its new occupants.
What can we say about the client?
The property was a 5-bedroom Victorian conversion located in a popular student district of Oxford. The house had generous bedrooms, shared bathrooms, a full kitchen, communal living areas, a pleasant period feel and signs of wear. Cleaning wasn’t going to be easy: the ceilings were high, and many original features and old fixtures required specialised cleaning methods and products. The property’s size and age were weighed in, and the cleaning had to be specialised and detailed, with a top-to-bottom approach.
The tenants
The tenants were five final-year university students pressured by their exams and the stress of moving out. Like any other student group, they had limited cleaning experience and underestimated the work necessary to bring the place up to the landlord’s standards. Prioritising the exams, the students postpone the cleaning until the last minute. Their DIY attempts resulted in skipping many areas (embedded carpet stains, greasy kitchen appliances, limescale buildup) and risking their deposits. Fortunately, they realised in time that professional cleaning would save the day.
The context
The academic year was ending, and the students were dealing with their final exams, project deadlines, and the myriad tasks of moving out. Both their last exam and landlord inspection were close, so everyone was stressed. The property was used for months but didn’t receive the cleaning and care needed. The possibility of losing their £2,500 deposit made them realise that a deep, proper cleaning was mandatory asap.
The challenges before cleaning
In the kitchen, the oven and hob were covered with baked-on grease, the cupboard doors were sticky, and the microwave was soiled. The fridge had expired food and mould patches in the corners and door seals. The sink presented limescale buildup, and the kitchen had a stale odour from all the forgotten perishables.
The bathrooms didn’t look any better: hard limescales were coating the taps and showerheads, hair and debris were blocking the drains, and dark mould was in the grout lines around the bath and tiles. Dust was clogging the extractor fans, and smears were all over the mirrors.
Each bedroom presented its challenges: dusty surfaces, stained carpets, and dirty skirting boards. Scuffs, Blu-Tack marks, and faded poster outlines were on the walls and dust was collected on window ledges and blinds.
End-of-term celebrations were all over the living room: the floors were sticky from spilt drinks, the furniture looked worn, and the upholstery had all sorts of food crumbs. The rubbish bins were overflowing, the corners showed signs of neglect, and the whole place looked chaotic and far from being inspection-ready.
” We thought we were fine about the move-out cleaning and had no worries. Thank God for Buzz Maids—they showed us we were anything but that!”, Thomas, an economics student.
The professionals revealed the areas that required deep cleaning: the grease build-up in the kitchen, the embedded stains on the carpet, and the mould in the bathrooms. The students didn’t have the time or the skills to manage the areas efficiently.
Only then did the students understand that a tidy-up won’t be done at the end of their lease. The house would have to be impeccably clean, and no DIY attempts would have helped them meet the landlord’s standards. Some elbow grease wasn’t enough—deep knowledge, skills, and an industrial-grade tool kit were mandatory for success.
- 88% of letting agents report insufficient cleanliness as a leading cause for deposit deductions.
- 69% of students reported at least one problem with their accommodation, with 47% experiencing two or more issues.
The Buzz Maids' approach
Day 1 – Onboarding & planning
The first day, the cleaners focused on onboarding, examining the house’s condition, and conceiving a customised action plan. The professionals assessed the property and spotted the areas requiring extra attention. They noted the greasy kitchen appliances, stains on the carpets, limescale in the bathrooms, and grime in the communal areas.
The cleaners took before-and-after photos to have visual proof of the property’s condition. The documentation is vital in handovers and shows landlords how much work has been done. It also helps tenants secure their deposits.
The team conceived a targeted plan focusing on high-risk areas, typically attracting deposit deductions. The no.1 priority was the kitchen, with deep cleaning of the oven, fridge, and surfaces as mandatory. Mould and limescale removal in the bathrooms was also a priority, followed by deep cleaning the carpets and bedroom. The communal areas were last to be handled to ensure a thorough fresh.
Comprehending the stress of exams, Buzz Maids was flexible and worked around the students’ busy schedules. To minimise disruptions, the cleaners worked when students were outside the house or revising in their rooms. The professionals split the cleaning into easy-to-manage tasks to be as efficient as possible. The flexible approach made the students feel supported and relieved.
Day 2 – Deep cleaning execution
On Day 2, the Buzz Maids team performed the cleaning. using industry’s top-of-the-line equipment and commercial-grade products, the professionals performed the following:
Specialist cleaning of kitchen appliances
The cleaners used professional-grade degreasers and high-powered cleaning tools to scrub the oven, microwave, and other appliances. Heavy grease and grime on key appliances required immediate attention. After the oven was disassembled, the racks and trays were deep cleaned, and all grease was removed. The team cleaned the microwave inside and out; all surfaces and appliances were left spotless and smelling.
Mould and limescale treatment in bathrooms
There was visible mould in grout lines and limescale buildup around taps and showerheads. Buzz Maids used specialist mould removers and anti-mould treatments to remove mould without causing damage. Industrial-grade descalers were applied to remove limescale, and all shower screens, tiles, and taps were left gleaming. The bathroom was left tidy and hygienic.
Steam cleaning for carpets and stain removal
The carpets were stained from dirt, spills, and general wear and tear. Buzz Maids employed steam cleaning to lift dirt from the carpet fibres, neutralise odours, and break down difficult stains. The professionals also turned to targeted stain removal methods to revive the colours and smells of carpets without damaging the fibres.
Window cleaning (interior & exterior)
The crew also cleaned all windows, inside and out, and used specialist tools to remove dirt and cobwebs and reach high ceilings. All smudges and fingerprints were removed, so natural light flooded the house. At the end of day 2, the property was completely transformed, and every surface, appliance, and room was immaculate.
Day 3 – Quality control & client sign-off
On Day 3, the Buzz Maids team ensured the cleaning met the landlord’s and renters’ standards. The final day was vital to guarantee that there were no details missed and that the renters would get their deposits back in full.
Final walkthrough with tenants
The Buzz Maids team conducted a final walkthrough with the renters to assess the results. The students were able to see the transformation and relax about the landlord inspection. The pros recommended that the students see if any last-minute touch-ups were needed.
Submitting the photos for deposit protection
Buzz Maids took clear, accurate “before and after” photos of all rooms and areas to secure the deposit and avoid disputes. They served as documentation of the level of cleaning performed. The evidence was submitted to the renters and served as visual support in case of differences with the landlord.
Signing off the checklist
Buzz Maids provided the clients with a comprehensive checklist of all tasks performed during the end-of-tenancy cleaning. The tenants revised and signed off on the checklist, confirming that all aspects of the cleaning process have been completed to the highest standards. The checklist included carpet treatments, appliance cleaning, bathroom sanitisation, and window cleaning.
At the end of the day, Buzz Maids handed a detailed report, all important documentation, and an immaculate property. The team’s quality control process ensured that all aspects of cleaning were covered, and the students were able to focus on their exams and keep their deposits in their pockets.
Was the outcome as good as promised?
Definitely, yes. F. Roberts, the landlord, stated: “The property looked spotless—I couldn’t believe my eyes”. The students received their entire £2,500 deposit back as Buzz Maids took care of all the high-risk areas that typically cause deposit deductions. Receiving the full deposit brought valuable financial relief, especially in the context of the stressful exam period and energy-consuming move-out process.
The benefits for students
The professional cleaning service saved the students 40 hours of valuable study time. During the stressful period of exam week, the last thing they needed was to clean their rental thoroughly. By hiring the pros, they were able to focus on their studies without having to scrub ovens or handle limescale.
The landlord reaction
The landlord was impressed by the property’s condition after cleaning. He highly appreciated the attention to detail of the Buzz Maids team. The tenants were wise to hire professionals, and Buzz Maids’ reputation as a reliable partner for landlords looking for high standards in student property cleaning became stronger.
Business outcome
Impressed by the amazing cleaning results, the landlord hired Buzz Maids to clean three other student properties in his portfolio. This created an ongoing relationship with Buzz Maids, revealing that excellent results lead to repeat business. Buzz Maids proved to be, once again, a specialist provider of cleaning services for student housing.
Turnaround: property re-let in less than 72 hours
The quick turnaround on the property highlighted the efficiency of Buzz Maids’ cleaning service. Just 72 hours after the final inspection, the property was re-let, and its impeccable condition was the main reason. The rapid re-letting saved the landlord’s time and resources and ensured continued income from the property.
- Damp or mould was reported by 31% of students, making it the most common issue.
- 84% of students living with others reported at least one issue with housemates. The primary complaints were leaving dirty dishes out (64%) and not helping with cleaning (56%).
What did the students have to say?
The feedback from the students was positive, to say the least. Mariah, the group leader, stated, “Every student house should hire Buzz Maids before moving out. Not only did we secure our deposit, but we also didn’t lift a finger”. She highlighted how they all felt the heavy weight of cleaning lifted off their shoulders. She and her housemates were able to focus on their exams and not worry one bit about the cleaning. Buzz Maids’ services saved their time, effort, and money.
Another housemate, Thomas, noted that “ the pros removed stains we honestly thought were impossible to vanish:--this shows Buzz Maids’ expertise in managing difficult stains with specialist methods and products.
Emily, a final-year student, said, “We also got proof for our landlord to show—in case we would have ended up in a cleaning-related dispute”. The team provided detailed and explicit photos of the cleaned property to eliminate any risk of disputes on the property’s condition. This level of professionalism often surpasses students’ expectations and makes Buzz Maids stand out.
How did the landlord feel about the cleaning service?
F. Roberts, the property owner, saw the many benefits of professional cleaning services. They maintained the property’s condition, reducing wear and tear between tenancies and needing repairs or replacements. The cleaning eliminated the need for re-cleans or delays between tenancies, and the property was re-let within 72 hours—there was no downtime! The transition saved the landlord money and time.
The spotless results made F. Roberts hire Buzz Maids to clean three additional properties. This proved the value of professional cleaning in keeping a high standard of student housing. The landlord deeply appreciated the long-term benefits of having a dependable collaborator. One good job can lead to business growth and durable professional collaborations.
Why was this a success?
Several aspects made this story have a happy ending. For one, Buzz Maids focused on areas landlords typically scrutinise: kitchens, appliances, bathrooms, and flooring. These often cause deposit deductions, and Buzz Maids boosted the chances of deposit refunds by deeply cleaning appliances, sinks, showers, and carpets.
Understanding the stress students were under, the professionals adjusted their schedule to the students’ academic schedule. The cleaning was easier, and the pros had a minor intrusion on students’ lives. The cleaning crew was provided with before-and-after cleaning documentation to ensure transparency and secure the deposits. Combined with a detailed checklist, the evidence guaranteed that the property was up to the landlord’s standards.
Last, but not least, Buzz Maids offered flexible payment options so that all five housemates could benefit from cleaning. There were split-payment possibilities, and each student was able to contribute. They managed the spending and didn’t get into any disagreements about payment. These strategies made the whole cleaning and handover experience smooth, and all parties involved were happy with the outcome.
A brief look at the cleaning industry
In the UK, student properties face challenges that affect both tenants and landlords:
- More wear than average rentals
Due to high tenant turnover, frequent parties, and shared spaces, student housing experiences three times more wear and tear than standard rentals. There’s more damage to carpets, walls, and appliances.
- Cleaning problems in 78% of deposit disputes
Cleaning-related problems represent the cause of deposit deductions in 78% of the cases. Landlords often withhold part of the deposit for cleaning expenses.
- Professional cleaning minimises the risk of cleaning-related deposit deductions
Hiring professional cleaners can decrease the deposit loss from 32% to just 4%. The difference shows how valuable professional cleaning services are for securing the deposit by bringing the property’s condition to the landlord’s standards.
- Faster re-letting
Professionally cleaned properties are let twice as quickly as they make a strong positive impression. They reduce downtime between renters and increase rental income for landlords.
All in all, professional cleaning brings benefits for both students and landlords.
What’s the lesson to learn?
If you’re a tenant planning to move out soon, learn from other people’s experiences and start by booking early cleaning services. Slots fill quickly, especially during peak student move-out times. If you book early, you secure a favourite slot, have time to plan around it your exams and avoid last-minute stress.
Have clear communication with your housemates and coordinate your cleaning schedules and responsibilities. You want to avoid overlap and have the property immaculate for the move-out inspection. Clear communication is key to efficient payment splits for professional cleaning.
No, it’s never “DIY cleaning will do”—don’t underestimate the level of cleaning the rental needs to secure your full deposit. DIY cleaning will miss key areas, deep grime, and hot spots that professional cleaners never miss. If you rely on the pros, the job will be thorough, and the chances of getting your deposit in full will be high.
Wrap up
Why risk losing your deposit when you have professionals like Buzz Maids ready to come for end-of-tenancy cleaning! Join hundreds of UK students who count on Pros for landlord-standard and deposit-securing cleaning. We are experts in cleaning student housing and are flexible, fast, and detail-oriented. Book now and enjoy a pleasant, stress-free handover!
RESOURCES
- https://www.sophiescleaningcompany.co.uk/category/cleaning-case-studies/
- https://monthindclean.co.uk/case-study/university-end-of-tenancy-cleaning/
- https://ipcleaning.co.uk/casestudy/kendrick-hall-crown-house/
- https://www.servicemasterclean.co.uk/case-study-student-accommodation-carpet-cleaning-in-devon/
- https://www.reactsc.co.uk/post/case-study-one-stop-shop-specialist-cleaning-for-universities
- https://www.therubbishremovers.co.uk/category/case-studies/