What Is Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaning? A Complete Guide for UK Tenants and Landlords

Did you know that 56% of UK deposit disputes stem from cleaning issues? According to The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) reports, cleaning is the number one cause of disputes, with 63% of renters facing deductions—amounting to over £724 million annually. That is why end-of-tenancy cleaning is paramount for both tenants and landlords. Leaving the property immaculate helps tenants secure their deposits and expedites the re-letting process for landlords.

Our guide covers everything you need to know about end-of-tenancy cleaning, from what's included in it to the consequences of neglecting it. Whether you're moving out or preparing a property for future tenants, our guide may be your key to a smooth, hassle-free handover. Keep on reading!

What is professional end-of-tenancy cleaning?

Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is a comprehensive cleaning service that should be performed before a tenant moves out, restoring the property to its original condition. It’s the cleaning that meets the standards of landlords or letting agents. End-of-tenancy cleaning includes a thorough cleaning of all rooms, appliances, carpets, windows, and other difficult-to-reach areas. Kitchen degreasing, bathroom sanitisation, dusting, vacuuming, and removing limescale or stains are performed as part of end-of-tenancy cleaning. Ultimately, the property should be immaculate and ready to welcome the new occupant.

A word on professional standards and expectations

Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning must meet the high standards of landlords and letting agents, as well as the terms of the tenancy agreement. The property should be left in immaculate condition, just as it was at the beginning of the tenancy, except for everyday wear and tear.

Here are the primary expectations:

• Thorough cleaning—professionals must clean, dust, vacuum, and mop all surfaces, floors, walls, and unseen areas.
• Appliance cleaning—technicians must thoroughly clean the inside and outside of ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
• Bathroom and kitchen hygiene—mould, limescale, and grime will be removed from sinks, from sinks, toilets, showers, and tiles.
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning – professionals employ treatment methods to eliminate stains and odours whenever necessary.
• Windows & Fixtures – technicians polish and eliminate dust and marks from internal windows, mirrors, skirting boards, and light fixtures.

How does regular cleaning differ from end-of-tenancy cleaning?

Regular cleaning? That's your everyday dusting, vacuuming and surface wiping—keeping things looking fresh and presentable without tackling the deeply set grime. End-of-tenancy cleaning? That's the big league! A deep, wall-to-wall scrub that leaves no skirting board, hidden corner or appliance untouched. Think sparkling fridge interiors, fresh-smelling carpets and every nook and cranny looking impeccably clean.

The difference? While regular cleaning keeps things neat and presentable, end-of-tenancy cleaning achieves picture-perfect condition. It's the cleaning that meets landlord standards—and, most importantly, increases your chances of getting your full deposit back. If you want to leave without worries and with your deposit in hand, end-of-tenancy cleaning is the key!

Why is professional end-of-tenancy cleaning important?

Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is paramount for both tenants and landlords:

End-of-tenancy cleaning is essential for tenants

Anyone who has ever moved house knows that it's a stressful experience, especially when trying to secure the return of their entire deposit. Hiring professional cleaners is crucial for several reasons:

• Protect your deposit

When you hire professionals, you receive proof that the property has been handed over in pristine condition, which increases your chances of getting your full deposit back.

• Experience less stress

The packing, removal, paperwork and logistics involved in moving house bring considerable stress. When you leave the cleaning to the professionals, you eliminate one significant burden and can focus on other aspects of your relocation.

• Meet the lease agreement

Most tenancy agreements stipulate that tenants must return the property to the same condition as it was at the start of the lease. Professional cleaning ensures that you meet these requirements, helping you avoid penalties and disputes with your landlord or letting agents.

• Save time

At the end of a lease, things can become hectic. Choosing professional cleaners at the end of your tenancy is a wise decision that saves time and energy while ensuring your deposit is secured.

End-of-tenancy cleaning is also essential for landlords

If you're a landlord, you know that a spotless property attracts new occupants like a magnet and reduces vacancy periods between tenants. Here's how professional end-of-tenancy cleaning benefits you as a landlord:

• Shorter vacancy periods

When the property is professionally cleaned, it's ready for viewings and new occupants immediately. The vacancy periods are reduced, and you avoid financial losses.

• Attract quality tenants

First impressions are crucial. An immaculate, well-maintained property attracts responsible occupants who will properly care for your property, extending its lifespan.

• Protect the property and its value

Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning minimises the risk of long-term damage such as mould growth, grime build-up, and staining. It preserves the condition and value of your property over time.

• Minimise risk of disputes

When you hire professionals for cleaning, you ensure that the property meets the expected standards, thereby avoiding disputes with tenants. There will be no time-consuming disagreements over cleaning standards.

Legal Aspects of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning

According to the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England are prohibited from requiring tenants to pay for professional cleaning. However, tenants must leave the rental in the same condition as when they moved in, excluding fair wear and tear.

Deposit Deductions & Fair Wear and Tear

Landlords can deduct cleaning costs if the property is left in poor condition. Acceptable deductions include deep kitchen, carpet, or bathroom cleaning for excessive dirt.

Deposit Protection & Dispute Resolution

Landlords are required to protect deposits under a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme. In the event of disputes, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service can offer a fair and impartial solution.

Importance of Inventory Documentation

A detailed check-in inventory protects both tenants and landlords, ensuring a fair inspection at the end of the tenancy. To avoid wrongful deductions, tenants should always document the property's condition both when moving in and when moving out.

What does a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning include?

End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

1. General Areas

• Dust and wipe all surfaces (shelves, light fixtures, and baseboards)
• Clean windows (inside and out)
• Vacuum and mop floors (including under furniture)
• Clean doors and door frames
• Clean all light switches and electrical outlets
• Check and remove cobwebs

2. Living Room / Dining Room

• Dust all furniture, including tables, chairs, shelves, and other items.
• Clean and sanitise remote controls
• Clean curtains and blinds (check for stains)
• Vacuum upholstery (cushions and fabric furniture)
• Clean under furniture (tables, chairs, sofas)
• Clean light fixtures and lampshades

3. Kitchen

• Clean the oven (including racks and trays)
• Clean stovetop and extractor fan
• Clean refrigerator and freezer (inside and outside, defrost if needed)
• Wipe down all kitchen surfaces (countertops, cabinet fronts)
• Clean the microwave (inside and outside)
• Wash and clean the sink (remove any food deposits or stains)
• Clean and sanitise trash bins
• Empty and clean dish rack
• Clean light fixtures and vents
• Sweep and mop the floor

4. Bedrooms

• Dust furniture (including beds, wardrobes, and nightstands)
• Clean windows (inside and out)
• Vacuum and clean carpets (if applicable)
• Wipe down door handles and light switches
• Clean and sanitise any mirrors
• Wipe down shelves and closet interiors

5. Bathrooms

• Clean and sanitise toilet (including bowl, seat, and behind)
• Clean shower/tub (remove soap scum and limescale)
• Clean and sanitise the sink (remove toothpaste and soap residues)
• Wipe down all mirrors
• Clean taps and shower heads
• Wipe down shelves and cabinets
• Disinfect and clean all light fixtures
• Clean floor tiles and grout
• Empty trash cans and sanitise them

6. Hallways & Stairs

• Dust light fixtures
• Vacuum carpets or sweep floors
• Wipe down walls (remove scuff marks)
• Clean handrails and any other surfaces
• Clean front door (inside and outside)

7. Final Touches

• Ensure all personal items are removed from the property
• Take out any remaining trash
• Replace light bulbs where necessary
• Ensure all appliances are turned off (e.g., fridge, oven).
• Double-check property for missed areas (corners, under furniture, etc.)

Here's our complete end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist.

What deep cleaning tasks are often overlooked in DIY cleaning?

Many tenants attempt to save money at the end of the lease by cleaning the rental property themselves. If you’re thinking of cleaning your rental on your own, take a second look at the following:

Carpet and upholstery cleaning

Most DIY cleaning methods address surface-level dirt, stains, and odours, whereas professionals like us turn to commercial-grade methods and tools. We thoroughly clean and sanitise carpets, removing embedded dirt, allergens, and stains that DIY approaches cannot remove.

Grout and tile cleaning

We use powerful grout-cleaning machines and specialised chemicals to break down mould, dirt, and mildew, making tiles shiny and new-looking.

Extractor fan and air vent cleaning

Our technicians thoroughly clean extractor fans and air vents to ensure adequate airflow, remove dust and allergens, and prevent the spread of bacteria and mould.

Oven and kitchen appliance cleaning

Our professionals will disassemble the oven and other kitchen appliances and then thoroughly clean all components, including the fan, grease filters, and burners.

Window and blind cleaning

Unlike DIY cleaning,  professional window cleaning addresses both the interior and exterior of windows, including window sills and frames. Dusting and washing the blinds, as well as the corners and edges, will also be part of the cleaning process.

Wall and ceiling cleaning

Using specialised equipment and commercial-grade products, professionals will remove dust, cobwebs, and stains from walls and ceilings.

Behind large Furniture and appliances

Professionals will lift and clean under and behind large furniture and appliances, leaving all surfaces, both visible and hidden, as well as hard-to-reach areas, impeccably clean.

 Air freshening and odour removal

We will neutralise odours from carpets, fabrics, and surfaces with specialised deodorising methods. To improve air quality, we use air purifiers or ozone treatments.

High-touch areas and fixtures

We will sanitise and disinfect high-contact areas, leaving them immaculate and hygienic.

Bathroom deep clean (behind fixtures)

Professionals will address difficult-to-reach areas, such as behind toilets, the spaces between faucets and countertops, and under bathroom furniture. We use commercial-grade products and methods to remove mould, mildew and soap scum buildup in tubs, showers, sinks, and tile surfaces.

Deep cleaning of light fixtures and lampshades

While many people overlook cleaning light fixtures and lampshades, professionals thoroughly wipe down every part of them, removing all dust, grease, and grime deposits.

Professional-grade equipment and products

We utilise commercial-grade products and equipment that outperform any off-the-shelf alternatives.

What are specialised cleaning treatments (carpet and upholstery cleaning)? Why are they important?

Specialised carpet and upholstery cleaning focuses on deep cleaning to remove deeply set dirt, stains, odours, and allergens that regular vacuuming or surface cleaning cannot manage. We employ steam or dry cleaning techniques to lift grime and refresh fibres, expanding carpets’ lifespan. Upholstery cleaning preserves the fabric quality and removes odours and bacteria that accumulate over time. The specialised cleaning treatments improve a property’s appearance, promote a healthy indoor environment and impress new occupants.

What to Look for in an End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Company?

Here’s what to check out:

• Deposit-back guarantee

You want a cleaning company that offers a re-clean guarantee if you or the landlord don’t like the results. Buzz Maids offers a 7-day satisfaction guarantee—you have 7 days to examine our work and request free fixes.

• Detailed cleaning checklist

A dependable cleaning company follows an industry-standard checklist that covers all areas of concern for landlord inspections. Check out ours!

• Transparent pricing

We tell you upfront how much you’ll pay, and we don’t have any hidden fees—this is what a trustworthy company does!

• Reviews and Reputation

Check out Trustpilot, Google, or Checkatrade reviews, or better yet, ask your friends and family. Our reputation precedes us, and we have many return customers.

• Professionally trained and insured cleaners

A reliable company offers professional training to their technicians. Our professionals are professionally trained within the company, fully insured, and DBS-checked.

• Availability & last-minute bookings

At Buzz Maids, we accommodate last-minute bookings and work around your schedule. Like all dependable companies, we offer same-day or next-day cleaning.

• Professional-grade equipment and eco-friendly products

We utilise the industry’s top-tier equipment and products, and we turn to eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible.

• Invoice for proof of cleaning

A dependable company will provide you with a cleaning receipt or invoice—we always do that!

• Specialized carpet & upholstery cleaning

If necessary, we employ specialised techniques and products to revive carpets and upholstery.

• Customer support & flexibility

You want a company that maintains honest and good communication with its clients. We believe in open communication with our customers every step of the way.

DIY vs Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaning: Which One Is Best?

When deciding between DIY cleaning and hiring professionals for end-of-tenancy cleaning, consider several key aspects. Time, cost, potential risks, and the quality of the results are among the most critical factors to consider. We break down the comparison for you:

Time and effort

End-of-tenancy cleaning is a tedious and complex job that involves thoroughly cleaning carpets, upholstery, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. If your property is large, you may need days to complete the cleaning. Professional cleaners, on the other hand, will clean the property in a fraction of the time, typically within a few hours to a day. As for the effort, you only need to book the service and let the professionals do all the heavy lifting and cleaning.

Costs

At first glance, it may seem that DIY cleaning is less expensive than professional cleaning. You will need to buy the supplies, assuming you already have the tools. If you opt for a deep cleaning, you will need to rent specialised equipment, such as a carpet cleaner, which will increase your expenses.

When hiring professionals, you will pay for the service (either an hourly charge or a flat rate), and the cost will include all labour, specialised equipment, and professional-grade cleaning solutions. Even if it’s more expensive upfront, a professional cleaning will save you time and energy, guaranteeing excellent results and securing your deposit refund.

Risk assessment

If you opt for a DIY cleaning, you risk poor results and failing to meet the landlord’s standards. In short, you risk a dispute related to your deposit with your landlord or letting agent. When you hire experienced cleaners like us, you get high-quality performance and minimise the risk of cleaning-related disputes. Moreover, we offer a 7-day satisfaction guarantee, and if your landlord isn’t happy with the results, we come back for prompt, free-of-charge re-cleans.

Results comparison

Even if you do your best, you risk missing unseen areas, such as behind appliances or deep inside the carpets. Additionally, you lack the necessary tools and methods to perform thorough cleaning, which prevents the removal of embedded dirt, grime, and stains.

Since we utilise the industry’s best tools and products, we will spot and remove any problematic, deeply set stains, dirt, and odours. Our cleaning results meet even the highest standards of landlords and letting agents, making the handover process easier.

What steps should you take to prepare for end-of-tenancy cleaning?

If you’re a tenant preparing to leave your rental, you want to be cautious and leave the place in pristine condition for the inspection. Here’s what you should do:

1. You’re a tenant? Here are some re-cleaning tasks for you!

If you have hired professionals, they will do most of the job, but you can help them in several ways:

• Remove your personal belongings

Ensure that you remove all your belongings, including clothing, furniture, and kitchenware, from your rental unit. This will ease access for professionals.

• Clear out cabinets and drawers

Remove all items from closets, drawers, and cupboards, as professionals will also clean these areas. Ensure that you empty all kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage, and even hallways and utility spaces.

• Dispose of trash

Don’t leave garbage behind because it will be more complex and time-consuming for professionals to clean. Remove all leftover trash, food, and recyclables.

• Vacuum and dust (not mandatory!)

Although it’s not mandatory, you can conduct a quick inspection of the rental. Vacuuming and dusting will help professionals, especially in high-traffic areas. Leave the deep cleaning tasks to professionals, though.

• Look for missing items

Before vacating, ensure that you haven’t left any personal items behind—double-check all closets, storage spaces, and under your furniture.

• Make the arrangements for property access

Professionals need effortless to the property, so:

• Arrange access to the property

Discuss the access arrangements for professional cleaners with your landlord or property manager. You may need to provide keys or arrange with a property agent to confirm entry on the scheduled cleaning date.

• Time and date of the access

The cleaners should have sufficient time and space to complete the cleaning without interruption. If you are unable to be present, please arrange with a friend or landlord to ensure access to cleaners.

• Mind the special areas

Some properties have restricted areas, such as locked rooms or storage units; please inform the cleaners in advance. Ensure that you unlock these areas or clean them beforehand if possible.

• Pay attention to the timing

You want the rental to be immaculate right before the final inspection takes place, so make sure you:

• Plan the cleaning before the check-out inspection

Schedule the professional cleaning services well in advance of the final inspection—a few days before is ideal.

• Mind your move-out date

If you’re moving out early in the day, see that the cleaners have enough time to complete the cleaning. If you move out on the same day as the final inspection, the cleaners will need to be available.

• Don’t opt for last-minute cleaning

Avoid scheduling the cleaning for the day before the check-out inspection. You want to avoid last-minute problems that may jeopardise the final inspection.

Extra tips for seamless preparation

• Have a clear, prompt communication with the professional cleaners

Present the scope of the cleaning services, especially if you plan to offer specialised services.

• Remove hazardous materials

Remove chemicals, oils, and potentially hazardous materials, such as cleaning supplies and paint cans, to ensure a safe cleaning process.

• Examine the rental

Before you leave, run a final check of the property to ensure you have removed all your belongings and left no clutter behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a law requiring me, as a tenant, to hire professional cleaners?

No, there is no law requiring you to hire professional cleaners. However, many tenancy agreements include requirements to return the property professionally cleaned. If you don’t meet those requests, you risk penalties from your deposit. Avoid the unpleasant scenario and hire professional cleaners.

What is the price for professional end-of-tenancy cleaning?

The cost of professional end-of-tenancy cleaning varies depending on the property’s size and condition, the cleaning company, and the level of service required. Typically, the price ranges from £100 to £300 for a standard 1-2-bedroom property.  The bigger and dirtier the property, the higher the price for the cleaning.

When should I book the cleaning service?

We recommend booking professionals 1-2 weeks in advance of your move-out date. At Buzz Maids, we also accommodate last-minute bookings; however, please note that you may not be able to secure your preferred time slot.

What happens if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning results?

We offer a 7-day satisfaction guarantee and will provide free repairs as needed. Trustworthy companies will offer a satisfaction guarantee 😊

Is it necessary to be present during the cleaning service?

No, you don’t have to be present while we clean the property. You can arrange for us to access the property using a key or by contacting your landlord or property manager. We do, however, advise you to be present for the final inspection so that we can address any issues.

Does professional cleaning guarantee that I will get the full deposit back?

While professional cleaning boosts your chances of receiving the entire deposit back, it doesn’t guarantee it. Property damage, unpaid rent, or failure to meet various contractual obligations may be taken into account and affect the refund of your deposit.

How many hours does an end-of-tenancy cleaning take?

It depends on the property size and condition. Typically, we need 2-4 hours to clean a 1-2 bedroom apartment and 5-8 hours for a larger house.

What areas does your company cover?

Our cleaning company covers all postcodes of your village, town or city.

Before you go

Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is key to smooth, hassle-free handovers and final inspections. Whether you're a tenant preparing to move out or a landlord or property manager eager to find new occupants, end-of-tenancy cleaning services quickly are the solution for spotless properties in a short amount of time. Contact Buzz Maids for further details and a free, customised estimate!