End-of-tenancy cleaning guide
By Northern Tech Ltd · Published 2026-09-04 · Updated 2026-09-04 · 7 min read
End-of-tenancy cleaning is a specific deep clean checked against an inventory. Passing it first time saves money on deposit deductions. Most 3-bed houses cost £220–£360 for a professional end-of-tenancy clean.
What is end-of-tenancy cleaning?
It's the clean you do when you hand back a rented property, checked against the inventory taken when you moved in. It's stricter than a regular deep clean because the landlord or letting agent is looking specifically for evidence of wear vs damage vs uncleanliness — and the last of those is deductible from your deposit.
What agents actually check
- Oven, hob, extractor and grill pan — inside and out.
- Fridge and freezer — defrosted, cleaned, left open.
- All kitchen cupboards inside and out.
- Limescale on all bathroom tiles, taps, screens.
- Toilet including base, behind, and cistern.
- Skirting boards, door frames, tops of doors.
- Windows inside, sills and tracks.
- Light fittings, switches and sockets.
- All carpets vacuumed; heavy stains may need professional shampoo.
- Mould in bathroom silicone (often marked as tenant responsibility if new).
What it costs
- 1-bed flat: £120–£200
- 2-bed flat/house: £170–£280
- 3-bed house: £220–£360
- 4-bed house: £320–£500
Most professional end-of-tenancy providers offer a re-clean guarantee: if the agent flags anything within 48–72 hours, they come back and fix it free of charge. Always confirm this before booking.
DIY vs professional
You can do it yourself if you have time, equipment (oven cleaner, limescale remover, heavy-duty degreaser) and patience. Most tenants find the maths favours paying a professional: a £250 clean beats a £400+ deposit deduction plus the re-clean stress.
Use our end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist to make sure nothing is missed either way.
Use our free calculator to get an indicative price range for your home.
Open cleaning cost calculator →FAQs
- How much does end-of-tenancy cleaning cost?
- Typically £220–£360 for a 3-bed house in the UK in 2026, depending on condition and add-ons like carpet shampoo.
- Is end-of-tenancy cleaning worth it?
- Usually yes. A professional clean with a re-clean guarantee is often cheaper than the deposit deduction you'd face if you missed something.
- Do I need a receipt from a professional end-of-tenancy clean?
- Yes. Keep the invoice — some tenancy agreements require one, and it protects you if the agent tries to deduct for cleaning.
- How long does an end-of-tenancy clean take?
- A team of two typically takes 4–7 hours for a 2–3 bed property, longer with add-ons like carpet shampoo.
Browse verified local providers, including MOLLY MAID Cheltenham.
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