Cleaning Before You Leave
At a Glance
One of the most common reasons landlords propose deductions from a tenancy deposit is cleaning. However, the law doesn’t require tenants to pay for professional cleaning simply because it’s written into a tenancy agreement.
Instead, you’re expected to return the property in a similar state of cleanliness to when your tenancy began, taking fair wear and tear into account. A little preparation before moving out can significantly reduce the risk of disputes over your deposit.
Do I Have to Professionally Clean the Property?
No – not simply because your tenancy agreement says so.
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and letting agents cannot require tenants to pay for a professional clean at the end of a tenancy as a condition of the agreement.
However, if you leave the property significantly dirtier than it was when you moved in, your landlord may be entitled to claim the reasonable cost of returning it to its original standard of cleanliness.
The important question isn’t who cleaned the property – it’s how clean the property is when you leave.
What Standard of Cleaning Is Expected?
- Kitchen surfaces cleaned
- Bathrooms sanitised
- Floors vacuumed or mopped
- Carpets reasonably clean
- Appliances emptied and wiped
- Cupboards cleaned
- Rubbish removed
- Garden left reasonably tidy (if you're responsible)
The landlord cannot expect the property to be better than it was when you moved in.
Your original inventory and check-in report are often the best guide to the expected standard.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist
- Clean worktops
- Wipe cupboards inside and out
- Clean the oven
- Clean the hob
- Empty and clean the fridge/freezer
- Remove food waste
- Empty the bins
- Clean the toilet
- Clean the bath and shower
- Remove limescale where possible
- Polish mirrors
- Wipe tiles
- Clean sinks
- Vacuum carpets
- Mop hard floors
- Dust surfaces
- Remove cobwebs
- Clean internal windows where accessible
- Empty wardrobes
- Vacuum floors
- Dust skirting boards
- Wipe shelves
- Remove rubbish
- Sweep patios
- Cut grass if required under your tenancy agreement
- Empty sheds or garages of your belongings
Fair Wear and Tear
It’s important to understand the difference between dirt and fair wear and tear.
Examples of fair wear and tear include:
- Carpets becoming flatter through normal use.
- Slight fading of paintwork.
- Minor scuffs from everyday living.
- General ageing of fixtures and fittings.
These aren’t normally something your landlord can charge you for.
However, heavy staining, excessive dirt, grease build-up or neglected cleaning may justify a reasonable deduction if supported by evidence.
Taking Evidence Before You Leave
- Photograph every room.
- Photograph the oven.
- Photograph the bathroom.
- Photograph inside cupboards.
- Photograph inside the fridge and freezer.
- Record a video walkthrough.
What if My Landlord Wants to Charge for Cleaning?
If your landlord proposes a cleaning deduction:
- Ask for a breakdown of the costs.
- Request photographs showing why the cleaning was necessary.
- Compare them with your own photographs.
- Check your original inventory and check-in report.
- Consider whether the issue is simply fair wear and tear.
If your deposit is protected, you can usually use the tenancy deposit scheme’s free dispute resolution service if you can’t reach an agreement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving food in cupboards or appliances.
- Forgetting to clean the oven.
- Leaving rubbish behind.
- Assuming a professional clean is legally required.
- Failing to photograph the property's condition before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord insist I use a professional cleaning company?
No. They can’t require you to pay for a professional clean simply because your tenancy agreement says so.
What if I cleaned the property myself?
That’s perfectly acceptable.
The important factor is whether the property has been returned to the same standard of cleanliness as when you moved in.
Can my landlord deduct money because the carpets aren’t brand new?
No.
Normal wear through everyday use is considered fair wear and tear.
What if the inventory says the property was professionally cleaned before I moved in?
The landlord can expect you to return the property to a comparable standard of cleanliness, but they can’t insist you hire professional cleaners to achieve that result.
Key Takeaways
- You don't normally have to pay for professional cleaning.
- Return the property to a similar standard of cleanliness to when your tenancy began.
- Fair wear and tear isn't the same as poor cleaning.
- Always compare the property with the original inventory.
- Take photographs before handing back the keys.
- If you disagree with cleaning deductions, you may be able to challenge them through your tenancy deposit scheme.
Can't find an answer?
Explore
Housing Law
Looking for the legal details? Our Housing Law library explains the legislation behind private renting in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Whether you’re learning about your rights or your landlord’s responsibilities, our guides explain the law in plain English, without the legal jargon.
Explore key topics including tenancy deposits, repairs, evictions, rent increases, property safety and much more.
