“End of tenancy cleaning” gets used loosely — some companies mean a light tidy, others mean a full inventory-standard clean. If you’re comparing quotes, it’s worth knowing exactly what should be included before you book, so you’re not caught out with a property that still fails the check-out inspection.
Here’s what a genuinely thorough end of tenancy clean covers, room by room.
The Standard Service Breakdown
| Room | Included as Standard |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Cupboards (in & out), worktops, sink, extractor fan, floor |
| Bathroom(s) | Toilet, bath/shower, sink, tiles, extractor fan, floor |
| Bedrooms | Surfaces, skirting boards, wardrobes (inside), windowsills |
| Living areas | Surfaces, skirting boards, windowsills, light fittings |
| Throughout | Door frames, switches, radiators, cobwebs |
What’s Usually an Add-On
Not every company includes these as standard — always confirm before booking:
- Oven cleaning — a proper interior degrease takes real time and is frequently quoted separately
- Fridge/freezer — including defrosting if needed
- Carpet cleaning — professional steam cleaning, usually priced per room
- Exterior window cleaning — interior windows are standard; exterior glass often isn’t
- Wall washing/mark removal — beyond light spot-cleaning
- Garden or garage clearance
If a quote seems unusually low compared to others, this is almost always why — check what’s actually included rather than comparing the headline price alone.
Task-by-Task Checklist
- All cupboards and drawers cleaned inside and out
- Worktops, splashbacks and sink degreased and sanitised
- Extractor fan and filter cleaned
- Toilet, bath/shower and sink descaled and disinfected
- All skirting boards throughout the property
- All windowsills and interior window glass
- Light fittings, switches and door frames
- Radiators wiped down (front and top)
- Wardrobes and built-in storage cleaned inside
- All floors vacuumed and mopped
- Cobwebs removed throughout
DIY vs Professional: A Fair Comparison
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | Typically a full day | 3–7 hours, done for you |
| Products/equipment | You supply and store them | Included |
| Risk of missing something | Higher, especially first-timers | Low — trained to inventory standard |
| Guarantee if landlord disputes | None | Often included (re-clean guarantee) |
| Cost | Lower out-of-pocket, higher time cost | Fixed price, no time cost |
Neither option is objectively “better” — it depends on how much your time is worth versus the money saved doing it yourself, and how confident you are in matching an inventory clerk’s standard.
FAQ
Do I need to be present during the clean? No — most companies just need key access, either from you directly or via the letting agent.
What happens if the letting agent still isn’t satisfied? Reputable companies offer a re-clean guarantee, usually within 24–48 hours, at no extra cost — always ask about this before booking.
Is carpet cleaning always necessary? Only if your tenancy agreement specifically requires it. Check your contract before paying for something you don’t need.
How far in advance should I book? Ideally 1–2 weeks before your move-out date, especially around common moving periods (end of month, university term ends) when availability books up fast.
Can the same clean work for moving into a new property? Yes — the same standard applies whether you’re the outgoing tenant or checking into a new place and want it properly cleaned first.
Book a Clean That Covers Everything Above
Our End of Tenancy Cleaning service includes every item on this checklist as standard, with appliance cleaning available as an add-on — no surprises at check-out. Get your free quote today.
Related reading: The Complete End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist · How Much Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost in 2026? · End of Tenancy Cleaning Guide
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