Top End of Tenancy Cleaning Questions You Must Ask

End of Tenancy Cleaning Questions You Must Ask

End-of-tenancy cleaning is often a stressful process for both tenants and landlords. Getting the property back to its move-in condition is critical for the return of the tenant’s deposit and for a smooth handover to the next occupant. In fact, cleanliness is the single biggest factor in whether tenants get their full deposit back.

To avoid disputes and deductions, it’s important to ask the right questions when hiring an end-of-tenancy cleaning service. Below, we outline the top questions to ask – each backed by recent UK stats and facts – to ensure the job is done properly.

Will the cleaning satisfy the inventory?

One of the first concerns is whether the cleaning will meet the standards set out in the inventory check. The inventory report documents the property’s condition (including cleanliness) at move-in and is used at check-out to assess any differences. This is crucial because cleaning issues are the number one cause of deposit disputes in the UK.

According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), cleaning is consistently the most common area of disagreement, appearing in over half of all deposit dispute cases each year.

The British Landlords Association similarly notes that more than 56% of deposit disputes involve insufficient cleaning. Failing to meet the inventory’s cleanliness standard can be costly – the average deduction from a tenant’s deposit for cleaning shortcomings is around £250, and nearly 30% of tenants who lost deposit money for cleaning were charged over £500.

To avoid these penalties, both tenant and landlord should confirm that the cleaning service will adhere to the inventory requirements. A detailed inventory isn’t just red tape; it’s the key reference for cleanliness. In fact, inventory reports are often the most essential evidence in resolving disputes over cleanliness.

Be sure to show the cleaning company the inventory or checkout checklist so they know exactly what “clean” means in this context (e.g. “professionally clean” often implies a very high standard).

Ask the cleaners if they guarantee their work to pass the inventory inspection – some companies even offer a re-clean for free if the landlord or letting agent isn’t satisfied. By ensuring the service can satisfy the inventory criteria, you greatly increase the chances of a full deposit return.

Reference:

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) Statistical Briefing 2022/23 – Key data on deposit disputes and reasons

Can access be obtained? 

Access is a key factor in carrying out a professional end-of-tenancy deep clean. You’ll want to make sure the cleaners can get into all areas of the property without hindrance on the scheduled day.

Confirm who will provide keys or door codes and at what time, and ensure any security systems are taken care of (for example, inform the alarm company or provide the code so alarms can be disabled during cleaning). This may seem obvious, but it’s critical – a typical end-of-tenancy clean for a one-bedroom flat takes around 4 hours, and for larger homes 8+ hours (basically an entire workday).

Professional cleaners in the UK charge roughly £20–£25 per hour on average (and a bit more in London), so any delay in access could extend the cleaning time and potentially increase your costs.

Make sure all rooms, cupboards, and appliances are accessible. That includes removing personal belongings beforehand and checking that no locks will bar entry to areas like sheds or garages if those are included in the tenancy. If cleaners have to wait around for a key or if they cannot get into a locked room, you might incur a waiting fee or require a return visit. Unencumbered access ensures the team can do a thorough job in the allotted time.

Discuss access arrangements in advance – for instance, will you meet the cleaners to let them in, or will the letting agent provide access? By confirming these details, you prevent logistical hiccups and ensure the deep clean can be completed efficiently in one go.

Reference:

Checkatrade Home Services Guide – “End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost Breakdown 2025” (UK)

What equipment needs to be brought by the cleaners? 

A proper end-of-tenancy clean is a deep clean that goes far beyond a regular weekly tidy-up. It requires the right tools and products to get professional-level results.

Reputable cleaning companies will bring their own equipment and supplies – and it’s worth asking exactly what they plan to use. Professional-grade machines and cleaning agents can make a huge difference in outcome. For example, a powerful carpet cleaning machine can extract dirt and stains that a normal vacuum would never touch, and steam cleaners can sanitise surfaces by killing 99%+ of bacteria. If you were to do it yourself, you’d likely have to rent a carpet shampoo or steam cleaner at about £25–£40 per day, buy an oven cleaning kit for £10–£20, and purchase specialty descalers and degreasers (£15–£30) to tackle limescale and grease – and that’s on top of many hours of hard work.

When interviewing a cleaning service, ask if they will bring all necessary equipment and cleaning products. A professional end-of-tenancy team should come equipped with industrial vacuums, carpet cleaners, steamers, high-grade detergents, ladders for high spots, and so on. They should also use appropriate products for different surfaces (e.g. wood-safe cleaners for hardwood floors, proper glass cleaner for windows, etc.). By confirming this, you ensure you won’t be expected to supply anything and that the cleaners will be prepared to handle tough grime.

High-quality equipment not only cleans more effectively but often more quickly – which can save time on the job. Remember, end-of-tenancy cleaning is meant to return the property to “move-in ready” condition, so the crew should have the tools to, for example, wash down walls, deep-clean appliances, and reach into every nook. If a company only plans to bring a rag and a standard vacuum, that’s a red flag to look elsewhere.

Reference:

Buzz Cleaners (BuzzMaids) – Data-driven analysis of end-of-tenancy cleaning ROI (April 2025)

Can they cover other cleaning services?

End-of-tenancy cleaning isn’t always just dusting and vacuuming – there are often additional services you might need, depending on the property.

Common problem areas at move-out include things like carpets, ovens, and windows. In fact, greasy ovens and stained carpets are among the top causes of deposit deductions for tenants. You should ask the cleaning company what specific tasks are included in their end-of-tenancy package and what might cost extra.

Many cleaning companies offer add-on services such as professional carpet shampooing, upholstery cleaning, deep oven cleaning, and exterior window washing – but these might not be part of a standard quote.

According to a Checkatrade home services guide, carpet or upholstery cleaning is typically charged as an additional service rather than included by default. Similarly, washing the outside of windows or cleaning appliances like the fridge/freezer might incur extra fees if not explicitly included.

Clarify upfront which areas will be covered in the base price. A good end-of-tenancy cleaner will usually do a comprehensive interior clean: all rooms, surfaces, inside cabinets, bathroom limescale removal, and a basic oven interior wipe, for example. Optional add-ons often cost more – for instance, full carpet steam-cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or exterior window cleaning are usually optional extras if needed.

If you know the property has specific cleaning needs (like a very dirty oven or pets that have left hair in the carpets), ensure the company can handle those. It might be convenient (and cost-effective) to use one company that can do everything in one session rather than hiring separate specialists.

Also, ask if they clean things like blinds, light fixtures, or outbuildings if applicable – essentially, match the cleaning service to the scope of the inventory. By covering these bases, you’ll avoid any gaps in service that could lead to charges against your deposit for overlooked areas.

Reference:

British Landlords Association – “End of Tenancy Clean & Deposit Guide 2024” (Marc Attwater, Dec 2023)

How much will it cost, and when is this due?

Price is obviously a major consideration – end-of-tenancy cleaning is more intensive than a regular clean, and you’ll want to budget for it. Costs can vary based on property size, location, and the extent of cleaning needed.

In the UK, professional end-of-tenancy cleaning for a typical property can range from around £80 on the very low end (for a studio) up to £400 or more for a large house. For example, a British Landlords Association guide suggests that a 3-bedroom house can cost roughly £380 for a thorough end-of-tenancy clean, with larger 4-bedroom homes around £420+. These figures can go higher if additional services (like carpet shampooing) are added.

Geographical location also plays a role – prices tend to be highest in London and big cities, whereas smaller towns might be a bit cheaper. Always get a detailed quote in writing that itemizes what is included in the price.

Equally important is understanding when and how payment is expected. Some cleaning companies may require a deposit or partial payment upfront (especially for large jobs or bookings made well in advance), while others will allow full payment on the day of the cleaning or immediately after completion. It’s common for firms to ask for payment once the job is done and you’re satisfied, but always confirm the payment terms to avoid any misunderstandings.

Ask if the price is a fixed fee or if it could change based on conditions (for instance, extremely dirty properties sometimes incur a surcharge if significantly more time or cleaners are needed than initially estimated). Reputable cleaners will usually stick to their quote unless the scope changes. Also clarify what forms of payment they accept (cash, card, bank transfer) and the deadline for payment (immediately after service, within 7 days, etc.).

By having the cost and payment timing settled in advance, you can budget accordingly and ensure a smooth transaction with no last-minute surprises.

End of Tenancy Cleaning Questions: Conclusion

In conclusion, doing your homework and asking these key questions will help ensure your end-of-tenancy cleaning goes as smoothly as possible. The goal is to return the property to its previous condition (minus fair wear and tear) so that the tenancy can end on good terms.

The statistics show how crucial a proper clean is – with cleanliness accounting for the majority of deposit issues – so it’s worth taking the time to hire the right professionals and communicate your needs clearly.

By verifying that the cleaning will satisfy the inventory checklist, arranging unhindered access, confirming the cleaners have the proper equipment, checking on extra services, and understanding the costs, you’ll set everyone’s expectations correctly.

This preparation can save you money, protect your deposit, and remove a lot of stress from the moving process. After all, moving out is hectic enough; with the right cleaning service lined up, you can hand back the keys with confidence.