A professional move‑out clean covers every room; oven, fridge, carpets, bathrooms and windows, to the standard recorded in your check‑in inventory. Expect 3–8 hours on site protecting your deposit return
When a lease ends, tenants must return the property in the same condition it was let or risk losing part of the deposit. A professional end-of-tenancy clean delivers that move‑in‑ready finish fast. Below you’ll find a room‑by‑room end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist, typical timings and pro tips to satisfy even the strictest inventory clerks.
What Is an End of Tenancy Clean?
It’s a comprehensive, top‑to‑bottom service designed to restore the property to its pre‑rental sparkle. Unlike a regular weekly tidy, every fixture, fitting and appliance is tackled, often following an agent‑approved checklist.
Is professional cleaning mandatory for my tenancy agreement?
Most UK tenancy contracts now stipulate that the property must be returned “professionally cleaned” or “to a professional standard”. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) reports that cleaning is the #1 cause of deposit deductions. If your agreement names carpets or oven cleaning, proof of a qualified service is usually required for full deposit release
How Long Does an End of Tenancy Clean Take?
This is a common question for landlords and previous tenants, as the property should be empty when the cleaning takes place and may require some advanced planning. Typically, an end-of-tenancy clean takes a few hours to complete, but this depends on the size of the rental unit.
A one-bedroom or studio apartment will usually take between 3 and 4 hours to fully clean. However, a 3-bedroom house will take longer for a cleaning to be completed. It also depends on the amount of work required for the property to look spick and span for the next tenants. If services such as oven and carpet cleaning are needed, an end-of-tenancy clean will take substantially longer.
| Property size | Standard clean* | With oven & carpet add‑ons |
| Studio / 1‑bed flat | 3–4 hrs | 4–5 hrs |
| 2‑bed flat | 4–5 hrs | 5–6 hrs |
| 3‑bed house | 5–6 hrs | 6–8 hrs |
| 4‑bed+ property | 6–8 hrs | 8+ hrs |
* Extra time may be needed for heavy build‑up or furnished lets.
How to know what should be covered in my End of Tenancy Clean?
To ensure you are getting the most out of your end-of-tenancy cleaning service, you should make sure several tasks are completed as part of the service. Professional cleaners should always stipulate that the following will happen when you book an end-of-tenancy clean.
- A complete clean guarantee
- A no-obligation quote
- A trained, professional team of cleaners
- The provision of an end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist (Room‑by‑Room)
Kitchen
- Degrease oven, hob, extractor, microwave
- Clean inside/outside fridge‑freezer, dishwasher & washing machine
- Wipe worktops, splash‑backs, cupboard fronts & handles
- Descale and polish sink & taps
- Empty and sanitise bins
- Sweep, mop or steam‑clean floors
Bathroom(s)
- Remove limescale from tiles, shower screens & taps
- Deep‑clean toilet, basin, bath & shower tray
- Polish mirrors and chrome fittings
- Wipe cupboards, shelving and extractor fan grilles
- Disinfect floors and grout lines
Bedrooms
- Dust skirting, picture rails, sockets & switches
- Clean inside wardrobes, drawers and bedside units
- Vacuum mattress and under beds (if furnished)
- Wash windows, frames and sills
Living & Dining Areas
- Vacuum upholstery; wipe frames and legs of sofas/chairs
- Dust shelves, TV units, coffee tables and décor
- Polish dining table and sideboards
- Vacuum carpets or mop hard floors, moving light furniture where safe
General Throughout
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings & corners
- Clean internal windows, frames and sills
- Wipe all doors, handles, skirting and light fittings
- Spot‑clean scuffs on walls (where paint allows)
- Final vacuum or mop of all floors
Bonus Extras (often booked separately): professional carpet steam cleaning, upholstery shampoo, mattress sanitation, balcony or patio jet‑wash, exterior window cleaning.
Landlord vs. tenant responsibilities: what the law says
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 landlords must provide a habitable property; tenants must return it “in the same condition minus fair wear”. ARLA Propertymark advises tenants to follow the original check‑in inventory to meet this standard. Failure may trigger deductions via the deposit protection scheme.
What’s NOT included in the End of Tenancy Clean?
- Painting or wall repairs
- Pest extermination
- Garden clearance & lawn mowing
- Appliance servicing (e.g., boiler)
- Heavy furniture removal
Why Book a Professional End‑of‑Tenancy Cleaner?
- Deposit security – an agent‑approved checklist minimises deductions.
- Specialist equipment – commercial vacuums, steamers and eco chemicals cut through grime quickly.
- Time‑saving – teams work while you focus on packing or handover paperwork.
- Re‑clean guarantees – many firms offer 48‑ or 72‑hour revisits if the inventory clerk spots an issue.
Ready to tick every box? Our trained technicians deliver a 100% satisfaction guarantee. See full details on our End of Tenancy Cleaning page or call 01933 315 872 for an instant quote.
FAQs
End of tenancy cleaning, what is included?
Everything outlined in the checklist above, plus optional extras you pre‑select, such as carpet steam cleaning.
Do I have to have carpets professionally cleaned?
Check your lease. Many agreements stipulate professional carpet cleaning if pets were present.
Is oven cleaning included in end of tenancy clean?
Yes, a full oven degrease is standard in our packages.
Is it worth getting an end-of-tenancy clean?
Absolutely, the service often costs less than typical deposit deductions.