Secure Your Deposit with Expert End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Tips
- Best Home Services
- Dec 5, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2024
Moving out of a rental can be stressful, especially when it comes to end-of-tenancy cleaning. Landlords and letting agents expect the property to be returned in spotless condition, and failing to meet their standards can lead to deductions from your deposit. That’s why having a thorough cleaning plan and checklist is essential.
At Best Home Services, we understand the challenges of deep cleaning, especially when juggling moving tasks. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, featuring professional insights, practical tips, and real-life experiences from renters. Whether you're cleaning yourself or hiring a pro, here’s how to leave your rental in pristine condition and maximise your chances of getting your deposit back
Quick Reference List: Securing your End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Deposit
Why End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Is Worth the Effort
Did you know that cleanliness is one of the top reasons for deposit disputes? According to the Deposit Protection Service, even minor oversights—like dust in corners or soap scum in showers—can cost tenants a chunk of their deposit.
A clean property isn’t just about keeping your landlord happy. It’s about your money. Imagine losing £100 because of limescale on a tap or crumbs in a cupboard. Small details matter.
However, deep cleaning isn’t easy. A Reddit user once described their cleaning ordeal: “It took me and my partner nearly 8 hours to clean our one-bedroom flat, and we still missed spots!”
Deep cleaning isn’t just about effort; it’s about techniques and tools. Professional-grade products and specialised equipment make a noticeable difference—whether it’s tackling greasy extractor fans or restoring carpet fibres.
Professional vs DIY Cleaning
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to handle the cleaning yourself or hire professionals. Each option has its pros and cons:
DIY Cleaning
Ideal For: Smaller properties, flexible schedules, or tight budgets.
Pros: Cost-effective and offers full control.
Cons: Time-consuming and physically demanding. One user noted, “I spent two hours on the oven alone, and it still didn’t sparkle.”
Pro Tip: Rent specialised tools like steam cleaners or invest in high-quality products for tricky tasks.
Professional Cleaning
Ideal For: Larger homes, tight deadlines, or stubborn stains.
Pros: Guarantees high standards and saves you time. Professional services often provide a checklist aligned with landlord expectations.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, but many renters find it worth the investment to avoid deposit disputes.
Essential End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Tips
1. Plan Ahead
Start Early: Focus on high-impact areas like ovens, bathrooms, and carpets first.
Defrost Freezers: Do this at least 24 hours before cleaning to avoid last-minute stress.
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the cleaned property and appliances as proof of your efforts.
Get supplies: Some areas can be very difficult or even impossible without the proper end of tenancy cleaning supplies.
2. Target Key Areas
Some areas of the property require more attention than others:
Kitchens:
Empty and wipe down all cupboards.
Degrease extractor fans and splashbacks.
Deep clean appliances, particularly the oven—one of the most scrutinised areas during inspections.
Bathrooms:
Remove limescale from taps, showerheads, and tiles.
Polish mirrors and fittings for a gleaming finish.
Scrub the toilet, ensuring no hidden grime remains under the rim.
Carpets:
Vacuum thoroughly, paying attention to edges and corners.
Use a steam cleaner or hire professionals for stains and odours.
Windows:
Clean inside and out (where accessible).
Don’t forget window tracks and frames, where dirt can accumulate unnoticed.
3. Don’t Overlook Details
Blinds and Curtains: Vacuum or wash them to remove dust and stains.
Walls and Skirting Boards: Wipe away scuffs, cobwebs, and grime. Touch up marks with matching paint if allowed.
Outdoor Areas: Mow the lawn, clear weeds, and pressure-wash patios if applicable.
Insider Hacks from Experienced Renters
Invest in Quality Supplies: Get high quality supplies that will be more effective and therefore save you a lot of extra work.
Work Smarter, not harder: Use tools like steam cleaners, orbital sanders with wool pads, and microfibre towels for faster results.
Check for Hidden Dirt: Areas like behind the fridge, under kitchen unit kickboards, and around faucets are commonly missed. We even complied a list of areas people often forget to clean as well as some of the largest reasons people lose their deposits.
When should you call in Professionals?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, professional cleaning services are a lifesaver. At Best Home Services, our end-of-tenancy cleaning packages cover everything from deep-cleaning ovens to steaming carpets. Our team works to meet and exceed landlord expectations, ensuring your property is left spotless.
End-of-Tenancy Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I protect my tenant's deposit?
As a landlord, it’s your legal obligation to protect your tenant’s deposit through a government-approved scheme. In England and Wales, you can use one of three schemes:
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
MyDeposits
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
Once the deposit is secured, you must provide your tenant with the following within 30 days of receipt:
The Prescribed Information, which includes details of the deposit scheme.
Information about the deposit amount and how it’s protected.
An explanation of how the deposit will be handled at the end of the tenancy, including the process for disputes.
Failure to protect the deposit correctly can result in legal penalties, including a fine of up to three times the deposit amount and restrictions on evicting tenants using a Section 21 notice.
Q: Can a landlord take money from a deposit for cleaning?
Yes, but only if there is evidence that cleaning is required to return the property to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy (allowing for fair wear and tear).
For example:
Permissible deductions: Removing excessive dirt, stains, or damage beyond normal usage.
Not permissible: Charging for professional cleaning if the property was not professionally cleaned before the tenancy began.
Landlords cannot deduct money for general wear and tear, such as carpets becoming slightly worn over time. To avoid disputes, landlords should provide an inventory and check-in report at the start of the tenancy and a check-out report at the end. These reports should include photographic evidence.
To help protect yourself, also make sure to take photos and videos after cleaning as well as when moving in.
Q: Can I keep my tenant’s deposit in my bank account?
No, unless you’re using an insurance-backed scheme, which allows you to hold the deposit yourself while paying a fee to insure it. In this case, the funds remain accessible, but the tenant still receives the same level of protection.
However, if you’re using a custodial scheme, the deposit must be transferred into the scheme’s account, where it will be securely held for the duration of the tenancy. This is often the simpler and more transparent option for landlords.
Q: What cleaning standard is expected when a tenant moves out?
The property should be returned in the same level of cleanliness as it was at the start of the tenancy. This is often referred to as “like-for-like cleaning.”
Example 1: If the property was professionally cleaned before the tenant moved in, they are expected to return it in the same condition. Hiring professional cleaners is often the easiest way to meet this standard.
Example 2: If the property was cleaned to a reasonable domestic standard, the tenant should aim to replicate that level of cleanliness.
Landlords cannot demand professional cleaning unless it’s specified in the tenancy agreement and justified by the property’s original condition.
Q: How can tenants avoid deposit deductions for cleaning?
Tenants can avoid cleaning-related deductions by following these steps:
Review the Inventory: Check the check-in report to understand the original condition of the property.
Clean Thoroughly: Focus on high-priority areas like ovens, carpets, and bathrooms.
Take Photos: Document the cleaned property to provide evidence if disputes arise.
Hire Professionals if Necessary: If the tenancy agreement specifies professional cleaning or if the property requires a deep clean, hiring a service like Best Home Services can save time and hassle.
Q: Can a tenant refuse to pay for professional cleaning?
Yes, tenants can refuse to pay for professional cleaning unless it’s clearly stated in the tenancy agreement and can be justified. Even then, deductions must reflect the actual cost of cleaning, and landlords must provide receipts to prove the expense.
Q: What happens if there’s a dispute over cleaning costs?
If a tenant disagrees with cleaning deductions:
The landlord must justify the deductions with evidence, such as the check-in and check-out reports.
The tenant can raise a dispute through the deposit protection scheme.
An impartial adjudicator will review the evidence from both parties and decide how much (if any) of the deposit should be returned to the landlord.
Tenants are more likely to succeed in disputes if they have photographic proof of the cleaned property.
Q: Can a landlord deduct for cleaning if the tenant has already cleaned the property?
No, landlords cannot make cleaning deductions if the property has been cleaned to the required standard. If the tenant provides evidence of thorough cleaning, any additional costs incurred by the landlord (e.g., hiring cleaners unnecessarily) cannot be passed onto the tenant.
Q: What is ‘fair wear and tear,’ and how does it affect cleaning?
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a property due to normal use over time. Landlords cannot deduct from the deposit for wear and tear, such as:
Minor scuffs on walls or floors.
Faded paint or carpets.
Light scratches on surfaces.
However, cleaning to remove excessive dirt, stains, or damage beyond normal wear is the tenant’s responsibility.
Final Thoughts
End-of-tenancy cleaning and deposit disputes can be tricky, but understanding your rights and responsibilities is key. Landlords should provide clear expectations, and tenants should document everything to protect their deposit. If in doubt, professional cleaning services like Best Home Services can help both parties achieve a hassle-free move-out process.
