How Much Does an End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost? | Price Guide

Quick Summary:

• London Costs: A professional end of tenancy clean in London typically ranges from £170 to £250 for a one-bedroom flat and £300 to £590 for a three-bedroom house.
• UK Regional Costs: Outside London, prices are generally 20–30% lower, ranging from £120 to £470.
• Key Risk: Cleaning is the #1 cause of deposit deductions in the UK.
• Legal Note: Landlords cannot legally force you to pay for professional cleaning, but they can deduct money if the property is not returned to the same standard as check-in.

Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events. Between coordinating removals, changing addresses, and packing boxes, the final hurdle is cleaning the property, which often gets left to the last minute. This delay can be costly.

If you are a tenant, landlord, or letting agent, understanding end of tenancy cleaning prices is essential. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of 2026 market rates, what is included in a professional clean, and whether it is cheaper to do it yourself.

How Much Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost?

Unlike regular domestic cleaning, which is charged by the hour, professional end of tenancy cleaning is usually charged as a fixed price based on the number of rooms. This “guaranteed pass” model ensures the cleaners stay until the job is done, regardless of how long it takes.

Average End of Tenancy Cleaning Prices (2026)

Based on average quotes from established cleaning agencies in the UK.

Property Size	Outside London (Avg.)	London (Avg.)	Time Estimate
Studio Flat	£100 – £120	£150 – £220	3–5 Hours
1-Bedroom Flat	£120 – £160	£170 – £250	4–6 Hours
2-Bedroom Flat	£140 – £200	£180 – £280	5–7 Hours
3-Bedroom House	£240 – £470	£300 – £590	6–10 Hours
4-Bedroom House	£280 – £480	£320 – £640	8–12 Hours
5+ Bedroom House	£300 – £600	£340 – £690	10+ Hours (2 Days)

 

Additional Costs & Hidden Fees

 

The “base price” usually covers standard cleaning. However, certain items require specialist equipment and are almost always charged as extra “add-ons.”

1. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Standard vacuuming is included. Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is not.

• Single Bedroom: £25 – £35
• Living Room: £35 – £50
• Stairs & Landing: £30 – £45
• Whole House Discount: Many companies offer a 50% discount on carpets if booked with a full end of tenancy clean.

2. Exterior Windows & Balconies

Cleaners will clean the inside of windows as standard.

• Outside Windows: Usually not included (requires ladder/pole access).
• Balconies/Terraces: £15 – £40 depending on size and pigeon mess/debris removal.

3. Parking & Congestion Charges

If you live in a Zone 1 or Zone 2 area in London (or a permit-only zone), you are responsible for the cleaner’s parking costs.

• Congestion Charge: ~£15.00
• Parking Fees: Variable (must be arranged by the tenant).

4. Weekend & Bank Holiday Rates

Booking a clean on a Saturday, Sunday, or Bank Holiday often incurs a £30 – £50 premium.

The “DIY” vs. “Professional” Debate

“Can’t I just clean it myself and save the money?”

This is the most common question tenants ask. The answer depends on how much you value your time and whether you are willing to risk your deposit.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Pro

Feature	DIY Cleaning	Professional Cleaning
Monetary Cost	£60 – £110 (Cleaning supplies, rental of steam cleaner, chemicals)	£170+ (Full Service)
Time Cost	12–20 Hours (For a 2-bed flat)	0 Hours (You hand over keys)
Equipment	Domestic Vacuum, Supermarket sprays	Industrial Steamers, Dip Tanks, Pro-grade Descalers
Risk Level	High. If you miss a spot, the landlord hires a pro anyway, and you pay twice.	Zero. If they miss a spot, they come back for free.

 

The Hidden Costs of DIY

To match professional standards, you cannot just use a damp cloth. You will need:

• Oven Cleaning Kit: £8
• Limescale Remover (Professional Strength): £10
• Carpet Cleaner Rental (Rug Doctor): £30–£50 per day
• Sugar Soap (for walls): £5
• New Mop/Bucket/Cloths: £20

 

The Legal Side (Tenant Fees Act 2019)

 

There is a lot of misinformation about what landlords can and cannot demand. Here is the legal reality in the UK as of 2026.

Can Landlords Force Me to Pay for Professional Cleaning?

No.

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot include a clause in your tenancy agreement requiring you to pay for a professional cleaning service. Phrases like “Tenant must pay for professional cleaning upon exit” are now illegal and unenforceable.

The Loophole: “Standard of Cleanliness”

While they cannot force you to hire a professional, they can legally require you to return the property to the same standard of cleanliness as documented in the check-in inventory.

• Scenario A: You moved into a professionally cleaned flat. You leave it “domestic clean” (vacuumed, but limescale on taps and dust in cupboards).
  • Result: The landlord can deduct the cost of a professional clean from your deposit to restore it to the original standard.
• Scenario B: You moved into a dusty flat. You leave it dusty.
  • Result: The landlord cannot charge you for cleaning, as you are only required to maintain the standard you received.

Key Takeaway: The “Check-In Inventory” is your most important document. If the inventory says “Professionally Cleaned to High Standard,” you must match that standard or risk a deduction.

 

What is Included in an End of Tenancy Clean? (The Checklist)

If you decide to hire a cleaning company, ensure they follow an Agency-Approved Checklist. A reputable cleaner will not leave until the following tasks are complete:

The Kitchen (The Hardest Room)

• Oven: Deep clean inside and out, including racks, trays, and glass door (removing burnt-on carbon).
• Fridge/Freezer: Defrosted, shelves removed and washed, rubber seals wiped (mould removal).
• Washing Machine: Soap dispenser drawer removed and descaled; rubber rim wiped.
• Dishwasher: Filter removed and cleaned.
• Cupboards: Cleaned inside, outside, and on top (where dust collects).
• Tiling: Degreased and polished.

The Bathroom

• Limescale Removal: Complete descaling of taps, showerheads, and shower screens.
• Toilet: Deep descaling of the bowl (below the waterline) and behind the seat.
• Extractor Fan: Dust and debris removed from the vent.
• Grout: Scrubbed to remove orange/pink mould.

General Areas (Bedrooms/Living Room)

• Walls: Spot cleaning of scuff marks (full wall washing is usually a separate “decoration” service).
• Skirting Boards: Dusted and wiped.
• Light Switches & Sockets: Wiped free of fingerprints.
• Windows: Internal glass and frames polished.
• Furniture: Vacuumed under sofas and beds (furniture must be moved).

 

Why Cleaning Causes 50% of Deposit Disputes

 

According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), cleaning is consistently the number one reason for deposit disputes in the UK, accounting for over 50% of all cases.

Common Failure Points

Why do tenants fail inspections? It is rarely the big things; it is the small details:

1. The Oven: Leaving burnt food on the glass door.
2. Limescale: Failing to remove the white crusty buildup on shower screens and chrome taps.
3. Dust: Forgetting to wipe the tops of skirting boards, door frames, and picture rails.
4. Drawers: Leaving a single hair or crumb inside a bedside drawer.
5. Windows: Streaks on the glass.

Inventory clerks use high-powered torches to inspect these areas. If they find dust, they mark it as “Not Clean,” and the landlord charges you for a full clean.

How to Choose a Reliable Cleaner

Not all cleaning companies are equal. The market is flooded with “splash and dash” cleaners who offer cheap rates but leave you with a failed inspection.

The “Red Flag” Checklist

• Quotes an hourly rate: A real end of tenancy clean takes “as long as it takes.” Avoid companies that quote “4 hours for £80.” If they run out of time, they leave, and you lose your deposit.
• No “Re-Clean Guarantee”: If the clerk finds an issue, will the cleaner come back for free? If the answer is no, do not hire them.
• Requires you to provide equipment: Professionals bring their own industrial vacuums and dip tanks.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

1. “Do you offer a 48-hour free re-clean guarantee?”
2. “Is oven cleaning included in the price?”
3. “Are you fully insured against damage?”
4. “Do you provide a receipt I can show my landlord?”

Final Verdict: Is It Worth The Cost?

The average end of tenancy clean costs £200–£300.

The average deposit deduction for a failed clean is often higher, as landlords may hire expensive emergency cleaners or add administrative fees.

By hiring a professional with a guarantee, you are essentially buying peace of mind. You transfer the risk from yourself to the cleaning company. If the landlord complains, you simply forward the email to the cleaners, and they fix it.

Ready to Secure Your Deposit?

Don’t leave your deposit to chance. If you are moving out in London, ensure you book a checklist-approved cleaning service at least 7 days in advance.

At Urbanshine Cleaners, we provide reliable, checklist-approved end of tenancy cleaning in London. Our experienced team delivers spotless results, transparent pricing, and re-clean guarantees. Book your end of tenancy cleaning service today and hand over your keys with confidence.