Is end-of-tenancy cleaning required by law?

No specific law requires professional cleaning, but the Tenant Fees Act 2019 means landlords cannot insist on a specific cleaner. The tenancy agreement will state the obligation to return the property in the same condition as at check-in, with fair wear and tear allowed.

How much does end-of-tenancy cleaning cost?

Studio: £120–£180. 1-bed: £150–£230. 2-bed: £180–£320. 3-bed: £260–£450. 4-bed+: £380+. London prices are 20–30% higher than the rest of the UK.

Should I clean the oven myself?

Most professional end-of-tenancy cleans include the oven. If you clean it yourself, use a proper oven cleaner — landlords almost always check this.

Will the deposit come back if I clean myself?

Possibly, but professional cleans dramatically increase the odds. The Deposit Protection Scheme reports cleaning as one of the top three causes of deposit disputes.

End of Tenancy Cleaning: What it Covers, What it Costs (2026)

End-of-tenancy cleaning is a one-off deep clean performed when you leave a rental property, typically costing £150–£450 depending on property size and location. Done properly, it is the single most effective way to ensure your deposit is returned in full — and it is the most common category of deposit dispute recorded by the UK's three tenancy deposit protection schemes.

What does it cover?

A standard end-of-tenancy clean (EoT) covers every surface in the property, including those skipped during regular cleans. The typical checklist:

Kitchen: full oven clean (racks, door, seal), hob and extractor, fridge/freezer (inside), washing machine (including filters and dispenser), dishwasher, microwave (inside), cupboards and drawers (inside), skirting, behind appliances
Bathroom: deep clean of toilet (including base and behind), shower/bath (limescale removal), sink, tiles and grout, extractor fan, mirror, floor
Living areas: all floors vacuumed and mopped, carpets treated, skirting boards dusted, light switches and door handles cleaned, window interiors and sills, radiators, picture rails
Bedrooms: same as living areas, plus inside of wardrobes and drawers
Everywhere: cobwebs removed, dust on high surfaces, inside cupboards, bin cleaned, fresh lining

What does it cost by property size?

Studio (London): £140–£210
1-bed flat (London): £180–£280
2-bed flat (London): £230–£400
3-bed house (London): £320–£550
4-bed+ (London): £450+
Outside London: typically 20–30% cheaper

Add-ons: carpet shampooing (£60–£150), upholstery clean (£80–£180), oven deep-clean (£50–£90 if not already included), external window cleaning (£40–£100). Furnished properties generally cost more than unfurnished — more surfaces to clean.

How is it different from a regular domestic clean?

Three differences: (1) depth — everything is cleaned, not just surfaces; (2) inside-appliance work, which regular cleans skip; (3) limescale, mould, and accumulated grime in rented properties require specialist products and longer time. A regular 3-hour cleaner cannot do a 2-bedroom EoT in the same slot.

Does a professional clean guarantee the deposit back?

No guarantee, but it dramatically shifts the odds. The three UK deposit schemes (TDS, DPS, MyDeposits) all cite cleaning as the most common deposit dispute. A professional cleaning receipt is strong evidence in your favour if the landlord disputes. Many platforms, including GeraHome, offer a 48-hour re-clean guarantee — if the landlord objects, we re-do the work at no additional cost.

When should I book?

Book the clean for the day after your move-out but before the check-out inspection. This ensures the property is fresh for the inspector and you are not still living in it making mess. Book at least 7–10 days in advance — end-of-month is the busiest cleaning period in every UK city.

What should I do myself before the cleaners arrive?

Remove all your belongings
Empty and defrost the freezer the night before
Remove food from fridge
Take out all rubbish (cleaners typically don't dispose of bulky items)
Leave keys in a lockbox if you can't be present