Landlords and letting agents expect a rented property to be handed back as clean as it was at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear. In practice that means a degreased oven and hob, descaled bathrooms, clean inside every cupboard and appliance, dust-free skirting, doors and switches, clean internal windows and vacuumed or cleaned carpets. Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions, so it pays to work through a checklist room by room.
How the check-out is judged
When you moved in, you should have received an inventory and check-in report describing the condition and cleanliness of each room, often with photos. At check-out, the landlord, agent or an inventory clerk compares the property against that report.
- The standard is the check-in standard. If the property was professionally cleaned before you moved in, it is reasonable to expect the same level at the end. If it was not, you should not be charged to bring it up to a higher standard.
- Fair wear and tear is allowed. Faded paint, light carpet wear and worn worktops are normal ageing, not dirt.
- Deductions must be reasonable. A landlord can only claim what it would reasonably cost to put right what is dirtier than at check-in.
- You can dispute unfair deductions. If your deposit is in one of the government-backed deposit protection schemes, you can use its free dispute resolution service.
In England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 means a landlord cannot simply require you to pay for a professional clean as a condition of the tenancy. What matters is the condition you return the property in, however you get it there.
Before you start
- Find your check-in inventory and photos and note anything that was already marked.
- Remove all belongings, rubbish and food, including from the loft, shed and garden if they are part of the let.
- Plan the clean for when the property is empty, ideally the day before check-out.
- Replace any blown bulbs and make sure all keys are ready to return.
Kitchen checklist
The kitchen is inspected more closely than any other room, and the oven is the most common sticking point.
- Oven: interior, door glass (including between the panes where it can be removed), racks, trays, grill and grill pan all degreased.
- Hob: surface, pan supports, burners or rings and control knobs.
- Extractor hood: canopy degreased and metal filters cleaned.
- Fridge and freezer: emptied, defrosted if needed, cleaned inside including shelves, drawers and seals, and left with the door ajar if switched off.
- Other appliances: microwave, dishwasher (filter and seals), washing machine (drawer, drum and door seal).
- Cupboards and drawers: cleaned inside and out, including the tops of wall units.
- Worktops, splashback and tiles: degreased, with grout scrubbed.
- Sink and taps: descaled and polished, plughole cleared.
- Floor: vacuumed and mopped, including under the kickboards where accessible.
Bathroom checklist
- Limescale removed from taps, shower heads, screens and tiles.
- Bath, shower tray and basin cleaned, plugholes cleared.
- Grout scrubbed and surface mould cleaned from sealant where possible.
- Toilet cleaned thoroughly: bowl, under the rim, seat hinges, the base and behind the pan.
- Mirrors, chrome and glass streak-free.
- Extractor fan cover, cabinets and shelves dusted and wiped.
- Floor mopped, including behind the toilet.
Bedrooms and living areas checklist
- Skirting boards, door frames, doors and handles wiped.
- Light switches and sockets wiped with a barely damp cloth.
- Radiators dusted, including between the fins where possible.
- Internal windows, sills and window tracks cleaned.
- Wardrobes, drawers and shelves cleaned inside.
- Light fittings and lampshades dusted, cobwebs removed.
- Marks on walls gently spot-cleaned where it is safe for the paint.
- Carpets thoroughly vacuumed, and professionally cleaned if they were clean at check-in or your tenancy agreement requires it.
- Hard floors vacuumed and mopped.
Often forgotten
- Tops of doors, wardrobes and kitchen units
- Behind and under the fridge, cooker and washing machine where they can be moved safely
- Inside the washing machine drawer and door seal
- Blinds and curtain rails
- Hallway, stairs, banisters and the inside of the front door
- Balcony, patio or bins, if they are included in the let
Safety note: wear gloves, ventilate while using limescale removers and oven cleaners, and never mix bleach with ammonia or acidic products.
DIY or professional end of tenancy clean?
A DIY clean can work for a small, well-kept flat if you have time and the right products. For larger homes, or when the oven, carpets or bathrooms need serious work, a professional end of tenancy clean is usually quicker and more reliable. Our teams follow a detailed end of tenancy checklist, professional products and equipment are included, and every room and item is listed on your itemised quote. You can add carpet cleaning and oven and appliance cleaning to the same visit.
If the landlord or agent flags anything we missed, report it to us in writing within 7 days and we will come back to re-clean it free of charge. The details are on our guarantee page.
End of tenancy cleaning prices
These are real totals from our end of tenancy jobs in the last 12 months:
| Property / booking | From | Average | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | £155 | £190 | 77 |
| 1 bedroom | £174 | £261 | 813 |
| 2 bedrooms | £210 | £290 | 1,248 |
| 3 bedrooms | £272 | £369 | 532 |
| 4 bedrooms | £340 | £488 | 199 |
| 5+ bedrooms | £504 | £717 | 62 |
Real job totals from the last 12 months, updated 12 October 2026. “From” is the price the cheapest 10% of jobs came in at; “Average” is the typical total. Your quote depends on size, condition and extras.
FAQs
Can a landlord insist on a professional end of tenancy clean?
In England, landlords cannot charge you for professional cleaning as a condition of the tenancy under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. They can deduct a reasonable cost from your deposit if the property is returned less clean than it was at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
What do letting agents check most closely?
The oven, hob and extractor, bathroom limescale and grout, inside cupboards and appliances, skirting boards, and the condition of carpets.
Should I keep evidence of the clean?
Yes. Take dated photos or a video of every room after cleaning, and keep any receipt from a professional clean. It helps if a deduction is disputed.
When should I book an end of tenancy clean?
Book it for after you have moved your belongings out, ideally the day before or the morning of your check-out inspection, so there is no time for new dust or marks.
Moving out soon? Get Free Quote for an itemised end of tenancy clean, or Book Online for any day, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm.