Moving home is always a big task. Between packing, arranging transport, signing paperwork, and making sure everything goes smoothly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One thing that often gets overlooked until the last moment is cleaning. Yet, if you’re renting, end of tenancy cleaning can make all the difference when it comes to getting your deposit back and leaving a great impression on your landlord or letting agent.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what end of tenancy cleaning is, why it matters, what’s usually included, and why hiring professionals can save you a lot of stress.
End of tenancy cleaning is a thorough, deep clean of a property when a tenant moves out. It’s not the same as your weekly dusting and mopping—it’s a detailed, top-to-bottom service designed to restore the property to the condition it was in when you moved in (allowing for fair wear and tear).
This type of cleaning is usually required in rental agreements. Landlords and letting agents expect tenants to leave the property sparkling clean, ready for new tenants to move in. If not, part of your security deposit could be used to cover cleaning costs.
Get Your Full Deposit Back 💰
Most tenants want their deposit returned in full. A professional clean greatly increases your chances of that happening, since landlords often check cleanliness carefully.
Avoid Disputes 🏠
Leaving the property clean and tidy reduces the risk of disputes with landlords or agents. A sparkling property shows respect and responsibility.
Make Moving Easier 📦
Moving is stressful enough—do you really want to spend your last day scrubbing ovens and steaming carpets? Outsourcing cleaning means one less thing to worry about.
Good for Landlords Too 👏
A professionally cleaned property is more attractive to potential new tenants, meaning landlords can rent it out faster.
Every property is different, but here’s a typical checklist of what’s covered in an end of tenancy clean:
Kitchen 🍳
Deep clean of oven, hob, extractor fan, and microwave
Cleaning inside cupboards and drawers
Descaling sinks and taps
Removing grease and stains from tiles and surfaces
Cleaning fridge and freezer (inside and out)
Bathrooms 🚿
Descaling showerheads, taps, and tiles
Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets, baths, and sinks
Polishing mirrors and glass
Removing mould and limescale
Bedrooms and Living Areas 🛏️
Dusting all surfaces, skirting boards, and light fittings
Cleaning inside wardrobes and cupboards
Vacuuming carpets and mopping floors
Spot cleaning walls if needed
Windows and Doors ✨
Cleaning windows (inside) and frames
Wiping down doors and handles
Other Tasks
Removing cobwebs
Cleaning behind and under furniture
Emptying bins
The goal is to leave the property looking fresh, clean, and ready for inspection.
You might wonder if it’s worth doing the cleaning yourself. Here’s a quick comparison:
DIY Cleaning
Cheaper, but very time-consuming
Easy to miss hidden dirt (like behind appliances)
Landlord/agent may still call in professionals if standards aren’t met
Professional Cleaning
Saves time and energy
Uses specialised tools and eco-friendly products
Comes with a guarantee (so if the landlord isn’t happy, cleaners return)
Increases your chance of a full deposit refund
For many tenants, the peace of mind alone makes hiring professionals the best option.
Book Early – Don’t leave it until the moving van is outside. Arrange cleaning a few days before you hand over the keys.
Declutter First – Remove personal items and rubbish before the cleaners arrive.
Check Your Inventory – Go over the move-in inventory and make sure everything is in place and clean.
Don’t Forget the Details – Small things like cleaning light switches, door handles, and skirting boards can make a big difference.
Hire Trusted Cleaners – Choose a professional cleaning company with good reviews and a deposit-back guarantee.
End of tenancy cleaning might feel like just another job on your moving checklist, but it’s one of the most important. A spotless property benefits everyone—tenants leave on good terms (and with their deposit intact), and landlords can quickly welcome new renters into a fresh, hygienic home.
If you’re moving soon and want to save yourself the stress, consider hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaning service. It’s a small investment that can save you hours of scrubbing and ensure you leave your old home looking as good as new.