End-of-tenancy cleaning: The landlords’ checklist to guarantee a property is re-let ready

As a landlord, ensuring a quick turnaround between tenancies is vital for minimising void periods and maximising returns. A crucial, yet often overlooked, part of this process is the end-of-tenancy clean. When done professionally, a cleaning service can be a powerful tool to meet all legal requirements, streamline the inventory check, and ultimately re-let your property.

Why a specialist service is required

Tenants are usually required to leave the property in the same state of cleanliness as when they moved in. However, the standard of a tenant’s DIY clean rarely meets the meticulous requirements of a professional inventory clerk.

Hiring a dedicated move out cleaning service achieves a higher standard and delivers key benefits:

• Speed and efficiency: Professionals can deep clean an entire property in a fraction of the time, minimising your void period.
• Specialist equipment: They use industrial-grade equipment (like high-powered steam cleaners and professional oven cleaning tools) that tenants simply don’t possess.
• Guarantee: Many services offer a guarantee that if the inventory clerk finds an issue, they will return to rectify it for free.

Finding a reliable, high-quality cleaning team is crucial. Using a platform like Rated People means you can hire local professionals with verified reviews, giving you the assurance that they understand the high standards required by inventory clerks and letting agencies.

The landlord’s essential checklist for a guaranteed clean

Your end of tenancy cleaning landlord checklist should be exhaustive. A reliable cleaning service will cover these areas to the standard needed to pass any professional inspection:

• Kitchen: Full degreasing of walls and tiles; deep cleaning inside and outside all cupboards and drawers; descaling of sinks and taps; and a professional oven clean (often charged separately, but essential).
• Bathrooms: Complete sanitisation and descaling of all surfaces, including shower screens, tiles, sinks, and toilets; polishing mirrors and chrome fittings.
• General areas (lounge, bedrooms, hallways): Vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets (where required); cleaning all internal windows and frames; wiping down all skirting boards, door frames, and internal doors; cleaning all light fittings and switches.
• External: Balcony sweeps, patio cleaning, and ensuring any rubbish is removed from the premises.

Addressing the deposit dispute: Cleaning evidence

One of the most common causes of tenant/landlord disagreements is the cleanliness standard upon moving out. Protecting yourself with solid cleaning evidence is paramount.

By using a professional service, you create an irrefutable paper trail:

• Invoice and receipt: The cleaning company’s invoice confirms the date and scope of the deep clean, proving the property was restored to a professional standard.
• Detailed report: Many professional services provide a detailed breakdown of the work completed, which directly counters a tenant’s claim that they “cleaned it themselves.”
• Inventory link: The standard set by the professional end of tenancy clean should directly correspond to the check-in inventory report, creating an easy comparison for the deposit scheme adjudicator.

Cost of a professional end of tenancy clean

The cost of a professional end of tenancy clean will vary depending on the size of the property (number of bedrooms/bathrooms) and location. While you may save money with a non-specialist, the cost of a cleaning service is a fraction of the potential expense incurred through deposit disputes, lost rent during void periods, or the damage caused by mould and pests resulting from a substandard clean. Always get a fixed quote for a full, guaranteed service.

With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.