How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in United Kingdom?
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.
Key takeaways
- Most end of tenancy cleaning jobs in United Kingdom land between £130–£480 — known locally as end of tenancy cleaning.
- The Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England) bans landlords from requiring tenants to buy professional cleaning; deposits sit in government-approved protection schemes and cleaning disputes are resolved by scheme adjudicators against the check-in inventory. Scotland and Wales have parallel deposit-protection regimes.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
End of Tenancy Cleaning prices by job size in United Kingdom
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat Empty flat cleaned to agency checklist, oven included | £130 | £190 | £280 |
| 2-bed flat Full checklist clean with kitchen appliances and limescale removal | £180 | £250 | £350 |
| 3-bed house Whole-house end of tenancy clean; carpet cleaning quoted separately | £250 | £340 | £480 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour (per cleaner) | £16 | £22 | £30 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in United Kingdom typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a end of tenancy cleaning pro in United Kingdom
- Check your tenancy agreement — since the Tenant Fees Act 2019 landlords in England cannot force you to pay for a professional clean, only to return the property to move-in standard
- Compare the property against the check-in inventory report before scoping the clean
- Choose a company offering a 48-72 hour re-clean guarantee tied to the checkout report
- Confirm oven cleaning and limescale removal are included — these top deposit-dispute lists
- Book carpet hot-water extraction as an add-on only if the inventory shows carpets were cleaned at check-in
- Keep the invoice for any deposit-scheme adjudication (TDS, DPS, mydeposits)
Red flags
- No re-clean guarantee or a guarantee shorter than the checkout window
- Per-hour pricing with no cap on an empty property
- Companies unwilling to work from the check-in inventory
- Landlords demanding a specific cleaning company — not enforceable in England under the Tenant Fees Act
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to GBP, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Checkatrade end of tenancy cleaning cost guide; Fantastic Services / London agency price lists.
Frequently asked questions
Do cleaners bring their own equipment for a move-out clean?
Yes. End of tenancy crews arrive with professional products, oven-cleaning chemicals, and often steam or hot-water extraction machines. You only need to provide access, power, and running water.
What is the difference between a deep clean and an end of tenancy clean?
An end of tenancy clean follows an agency-style checklist designed to pass a checkout inspection, covering inside appliances and cupboards in an empty property. A deep clean is done in a furnished, lived-in home and is scoped room by room rather than to an inventory standard.
Can I do the end of tenancy clean myself?
Legally yes in most markets — you are obliged to meet a cleanliness standard, not to hire a company. In practice, ovens, limescale, and carpet stains are where DIY cleans fail checkout inspections, so budget serious time and proper products if you go that route.
What is included in an end of tenancy clean?
A full top-to-bottom clean of the empty property: inside the oven and appliances, inside cupboards, limescale removal, skirting boards, windows inside, and a deep clean of the bathroom and kitchen. Carpet steam cleaning is usually a paid extra.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A one-bedroom flat typically takes a two-person team 3-5 hours. A three-bedroom house can take 6-10 hours or a larger crew. The property should be empty of furniture and belongings for the fastest result.
Is end of tenancy cleaning guaranteed?
Reputable companies offer a re-clean guarantee, usually 48-72 hours, meaning they return free of charge if the landlord or agent flags missed areas at checkout. Always confirm the guarantee window in writing before booking.
Can my landlord insist on a professional clean in the UK?
In England, no — the Tenant Fees Act 2019 voids clauses that require professional cleaning. You must return the property as clean as at check-in (fair wear excepted). A professional clean with invoice is still the easiest way to win a deposit adjudication.
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.