How a professional clean can give back your deposit

When it comes to checking out of your rental property, ensuring the property is thoroughly cleaned and returned to the same condition as it was at the beginning of the tenancy is vital. According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, end-of-tenancy cleaning was the central cause of 65% of deposit disputes they dealt with between 2023-24.

While it may be tempting to handle the cleaning yourself, or cut corners to save time and money, booking in a thorough professional clean at check out will ensure a smooth end-of-tenancy and protect your tenancy deposit.

End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Expectations

✅ Tenants are expected to leave the property in the same state as it was when they moved in – this includes any physical alterations, decorative changes and the level of cleanliness

✅Landlords set the standard of cleaning at the beginning of a tenancy, so even if the property was not professionally clean at move in, the inventory clerk will be using the contents of the check-in report to judge whether the cleaning is of the same standard at check-out

✅Under the Tenant Fees Act, landlords are not legally allowed to require their tenants to pay for a professional clean, however, if the cleaning is not to the same standard as it was at check in then tenants may incur deposit deductions

Domestically Clean versus Professionally Clean

“Domestically cleaned” and “professionally cleaned” are common phrases used in check-in and check-out reports to differentiate between the level of cleanliness of the property

🧽 Domestic cleaning often refers to the regular cleaning done to maintain cleanliness in a property. For example:

• • Vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Dusting surfaces
  • Wiping over mirrors and glass

🧼 Professional cleaning covers the deep cleaning that is generally required at the end of a tenancy, including but not limited to:

• • Steam cleaning or shampooing of carpets and upholstery
  • Deep cleaning of appliances
  • Cleaning of window interiors and exteriors
  • Descaling and polishing of chrome ware
  • Cleaning and polishing of glass surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to professionally clean a property myself?

• Due to the attention to detail in thorough property inspections, clerks can easily tell the difference between a clean completed by a tenant and one done by a professional cleaning company
• Inventory clerks have lots of experience when it comes to assessing standards of cleanliness in a property. Their accuracy in reporting lies in the fact that they will check every surface using the “finger test”
• Each surface, whether it is a skirting board, light switch, door frame, glass panel, and so on, is checked for smears, dust, and grime
• If many cleaning omissions, such as smears and grime, are found then this suggests to the clerk that the clean has been completed by the tenant and cannot be deemed as professional
• If your rental property was professionally cleaned at the start of your tenancy, bite the bullet and pay for it to be professionally cleaned to return the property to the same standard – but don’t get ripped off!

When should I arrange for the professional end of clean?

• We understand that moving out of your rental property is a stressful time. It can be difficult to coordinate your own packing, property inspections, and arranging for cleaning to take place
• You must consider your rental agreement deadlines, the availability of professional cleaners, and your own personal moving schedule when booking in a professional clean
• Our top tip is don’t leave it until the last minute! If there are issues with the cleaning, then you will need time for the cleaners to return and fix any omissions

How much should I pay for a professional clean?

• The cost and quality of a professional clean vary hugely
• Checkatrade propose that the average price range for end of tenancy cleaning is from £180-£400+ (dependent on the size of the property and number of cleaners required)
• It should typically take 4 hours to complete a full professional clean in a studio flat and be priced between £150 – £180 at the low end of the spectrum
• On the other hand, properties with four bedrooms or above can take up to (and over!) 6 hours to deep clean and cost around £350 and above

Can deposit deductions occur over cleaning?

• Yes, and in fact, cleaning causes the majority of disputes at check out
• Book a reputable cleaning company to complete an end-of-tenancy clean if the property was professionally cleaned at move in
• It is advisable to use a recommended or highly rated cleaning company as their standards can vary and you want to ensure you are getting your money’s worth
• Hiring a cleaner for a few hours is not the same as a professional clean so make sure you are explicit when you make the booking

What can I do to avoid losing money over cleaning?

• Work with a cleaning company that offers a call back option. If the inventory clerk flags any issues, the cleaning company should return to fix the areas missed, free of charge
• Attend the end-of-tenancy cleaning to quickly report and resolve any issues
  
• Don’t skimp on the clean – if the property was spotless when you moved in then make sure you pay for a highly rated cleaning company to complete the clean
• Moving out of your rental property soon? Make sure you also check out our top tips on getting your rental deposit back

A professional end-of-tenancy clean ensures you leave your rental in top condition and get your full deposit back, saving time, stress and meeting your landlord’s expectations.