Moving Out Of A Rented Property: A Cleaning Guide For Tenants

Moving out of a rented property can be stressful, as you have to pack your belongings, move heavy items, and keep on top of paperwork. You’ll also need to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in. This includes cleaning each room from top to bottom to help avoid any deposit disputes with your landlord or letting agent at the end of the tenancy.

What does an end of tenancy clean include?

An end of tenancy clean involves deep-cleaning every room in your property, including the kitchen, living space, bathroom, bedrooms and hallways, to ensure the property is clean and ready for the final inspection.

It goes beyond a normal, everyday clean and is much more thorough than simply wiping down worktops, surfaces, and doors.

To pass the final inspection, each room must be immaculate. If you deal directly with a letting agent, they may provide supporting cleaning documents, such as guides or checklists, explaining how to prepare your property for the final inspection.

You can find further details of what to focus on in each room below. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it gives you an idea of the cleaning level required when moving out of a rented property.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often one of the most closely scrutinised rooms during the final inspection.

As well as cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom, you’ll need to clean all appliances inside and out, including the fridge, freezer, oven, hob, washing machine, and dishwasher. Pay particular attention to washing machine seals and detergent compartments, and clean the extractor fan if you have one. You’ll also need to defrost the fridge and/or freezer and carefully clean the shelves and compartments.

Ensure you empty all bins and clean them inside and out. Don’t leave any rubbish behind; dispose of it responsibly using the designated bins.

Bathroom

In addition to the standard cleaning tasks, you’ll also need to scrub and descale the shower, bath, basin and taps to remove limescale and residue. Disinfect the toilet, clean the tile grout and wipe down pull cords.

Bedrooms and living areas

You’ll need to vacuum all carpets and mop hard floors in the bedrooms and living areas. Dust and polish all surfaces, light fittings and furniture (inside and out). Ensure the window blinds and curtains are clean, hang straight and work properly. 

Fixtures and fittings

Tenants often overlook fixtures and fittings during a final clean. Ensure you wipe down all skirting boards, interior door tops, and window sills. Carefully remove dust and debris from light switches, sockets, and radiators. 

Interiors

Remove any cobwebs from the walls and ceilings, clean the inside of windows and wipe down window frames.

Can a landlord charge a tenant for extra cleaning?

When you move out of a rented property, you are expected to leave it in the same clean and tidy condition as when you moved in.

If your landlord is not satisfied with the condition you have left the property in, they may request that cleaning costs are deducted from your deposit. According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, around 54% of deposit disputes are because of cleanliness issues.

However, the landlord or letting agent will have to justify these deductions and will often compare the condition of the property against the original inventory, which you should have received when you moved into the property.

This inventory includes details about the property, including its condition and contents at the start of your tenancy. It should include clear descriptions of what each room in the property includes and photographs showing the condition of each room when you moved in.

If your landlord wants to deduct money from your deposit for cleaning, they’ll need to prove, typically from the inventory, that the property has been left in a worse condition than when you moved in. Without the inventory, it can be difficult for the landlord to provide this evidence.  

Cleaning the property properly before you move out and taking photos of each room once you’ve finished can help reduce the risk of losing some or all of your deposit for cleaning. 

How long does an end of tenancy clean take?

An end of tenancy clean usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. However, the exact timeframe depends on various factors, such as the size and condition of the property.

If you plan to clean the property yourself, allow plenty of time to clean each room properly. Depending on the size of the property and how much help you have, this could take up to two full days. If, on the other hand, you hire professional cleaners, they can often complete the clean faster and more efficiently, giving you more time to focus on the other tasks you need to complete before you move.  

Should I get my property professionally cleaned?

While landlords cannot force tenants to pay for professional cleaning, if the property is not left to the standards expected, you could lose part or all of your deposit for cleaning costs.  

Cleaning the entire property yourself can be physically demanding and time-consuming. You may also need to enlist the help of friends and family to assist with the cleaning.

Having your property professionally cleaned can therefore feel like a no-brainer because it takes one of the biggest jobs off your hands and ensures the property is thoroughly cleaned before you hand the keys back. It allows you to focus on other jobs and look forward to moving into your new home.

Should you clean the property before or after moving your furniture out?

Landlords and letting agents will typically inspect your property thoroughly during the final inspection and compare the condition of each room against the original inventory. They will also check areas that are often missed during a normal clean.

It’s much easier to clean an empty room with no furniture, obstacles, or heavy items in the way. It gives you clear access to all areas and allows you to carry out a more thorough clean, as you won’t need to keep moving things around while you work.

Don’t forget to empty cupboards and appliances, such as the fridge and freezer, before cleaning them inside. You should also clean any furniture that belongs to the landlord, such as wardrobes and drawers, both inside and out.

How much does it cost to professionally clean a rented property?

The cost to professionally clean a rented property at the end of a tenancy depends on several factors, such as the property’s size, condition, and where it is located. For example, cleaning a studio apartment or a one-bedroom property can cost as little as £100, while a large five-bedroom property can cost £600 or more. Also, keep in mind that some services, such as carpet cleaning, may cost extra, depending on what is included in the cleaning company’s standard cleaning service. 

Can you book an end of tenancy cleaner at short notice?

Some professional cleaning companies, like Eco-Fresh, can offer short-notice or even same-day bookings. However, for peace of mind, it’s generally best to plan ahead and book in advance to ensure you secure your preferred cleaning date and avoid any unnecessary extra stress.

Why choose Eco-Fresh for your end of tenancy clean?

Since 2017, Eco-Fresh has been helping tenants across London with end of tenancy cleaning to ensure their properties are ready for handover. Our friendly, experienced cleaning team works hard to ensure your property is cleaned to a high standard and ready for its final inspection.