What Does End of Lease Clean Include? Complete UK Guide for Tenants

If you’re moving out of a rented property in the UK, you’ve probably heard the phrase end of lease clean-but what does it actually mean? It’s not just a quick vacuum and wipe-down. Landlords and letting agents expect a deep, professional-level clean that returns the property to the condition it was in when you moved in. Skip this step, and you risk losing part or all of your deposit.

What’s Included in a Standard End of Lease Clean?

An end of tenancy cleaning goes far beyond everyday tidying. It’s a full-scale deep clean covering every surface, corner, and appliance in the property. Most landlords expect the following areas to be spotless:

• Kitchen: Inside and outside of all appliances (oven, fridge, freezer, microwave), removal of grease from hobs and extractor fans, cleaning inside cabinets and drawers, degreasing walls behind the cooker, wiping down countertops, and scrubbing the sink and taps.
• Bathrooms: Deep scrubbing of tiles, grout, shower screens, and bathtubs; descaling taps and fixtures; cleaning under the sink; disinfecting toilets inside and out; emptying and sanitising waste bins.
• Living areas: Dusting all surfaces including skirting boards, light switches, door frames, and window sills; vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets; wiping down walls and baseboards; cleaning inside and outside of windows.
• Floors: Mopping hard floors with degreaser (especially in kitchens and bathrooms); removing scuff marks; cleaning under furniture.
• Bedrooms: Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning inside wardrobes and drawers, wiping down mirrors and windows.
• General: Cleaning light fittings, removing cobwebs, wiping down doors and door handles, cleaning the inside of the fridge and freezer, emptying and cleaning the washing machine drum.

Many tenants think they’re done if the place looks tidy. But landlords and agents look for evidence of professional cleaning-no grease streaks, no mould in grout, no dust under the fridge. If you left crumbs in the oven or soap scum on the shower door, that’s a red flag.

Why Landlords Care About the Clean

It’s not just about aesthetics. A proper end of lease clean protects the property’s value. Grease buildup in kitchens can damage extractor fans. Mold in bathrooms can spread and ruin walls. Dust and dirt in carpets reduce their lifespan. Even small neglects can add up to expensive repairs.

In England and Wales, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) requires landlords to prove any deduction from your deposit is directly linked to damage or cleaning beyond normal wear and tear. That means if your kitchen isn’t cleaned to professional standards, they can legally withhold part of your deposit-sometimes hundreds of pounds.

A 2024 survey by the UK Tenants’ Association found that 42% of tenants lost part of their deposit due to inadequate cleaning. The most common reasons? Dirty ovens (31%), stained bathroom grout (28%), and dusty windows (22%). These aren’t accidents-they’re preventable.

What’s Not Included? Normal Wear and Tear

Just because you’re cleaning doesn’t mean you’re responsible for everything. Landlords can’t charge you for normal wear and tear. Here’s what’s considered fair:

• Faded paint from sunlight
• Slight scuffs on skirting boards
• Minor wear on carpets from foot traffic
• Loose door handles from regular use
• Small nail holes from hanging pictures (if filled)

What’s NOT normal? Burnt-on food in the oven, mould from lack of ventilation, broken tiles, stained mattresses, or missing lightbulbs. These are your responsibility.

Always refer to your inventory report from move-in day. If the oven was already a bit grimy then, you shouldn’t be charged for it. Take photos on your first day and your last day. They’re your best defence.

How to Do It Yourself: A Step-by-Step Checklist

You don’t need to hire a professional if you’re willing to put in the work. Here’s a realistic 3-day plan:

Day 1: Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms

1. Remove everything from the fridge and freezer. Wipe down shelves and drawers with warm soapy water. Defrost the freezer if needed.
2. Clean the oven inside and out. Use a non-abrasive oven cleaner or baking soda paste. Don’t forget the door seals and the extractor hood.
3. Scrub the hob, splashback, and walls behind it. Grease builds up fast-use a degreaser.
4. Wash all dishes and wipe down cupboards inside and out.
5. Remove limescale from taps and showerheads using vinegar or a commercial descaler.
6. Scrub tiles and grout in the bathroom. Use a grout brush and bleach solution (or eco-friendly alternative).
7. Disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, and base. Clean under the rim and behind the cistern.

Day 2: Floors, Windows, and Living Areas

1. Move all furniture to clean underneath. Vacuum carpets thoroughly-go over high-traffic areas twice.
2. Steam clean carpets if you have access to a machine. This removes deep dirt and odours.
3. Mop hard floors with a floor-specific cleaner. Pay attention to corners and under appliances.
4. Wipe down all windows inside and out. Clean tracks and sills. Remove fingerprints.
5. Dust every surface: light fixtures, vents, picture rails, door handles, and switches.
6. Empty and clean the washing machine drum. Run a hot empty cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.

Day 3: Final Touches and Inspection

1. Check every room with a flashlight. Shine it along skirting boards and corners-dust shows up clearly.
2. Wipe down all doors and frames. Clean the inside of the front door.
3. Remove all rubbish and recycling. Take out any bins you brought in.
4. Replace any missing lightbulbs.
5. Take clear, well-lit photos of every room before you leave.

When to Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaner costs between £100 and £300 depending on property size and condition. It’s worth it if:

• You’re short on time
• You’re moving far away and can’t be there for the final inspection
• You’re unsure what’s expected
• Your property has stubborn stains, grease, or mould

Look for cleaners who offer a landlord-approved guarantee. Reputable companies will provide a certificate of cleaning and are happy to re-clean if the agent isn’t satisfied. Ask if they’re members of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)-it’s a good sign.

Don’t go for the cheapest quote. Some companies use weak chemicals or skip key areas. A good cleaner will spend 4-6 hours on a 3-bedroom flat. If someone says they’ll do it in 2 hours, they’re cutting corners.

Common Mistakes Tenants Make

Even careful tenants mess up. Here are the top five mistakes I’ve seen in Bristol rentals:

1. Ignoring the oven. It’s the #1 reason deposits are withheld. Grease doesn’t just look bad-it can damage the appliance.
2. Wiping the fridge but not cleaning inside. Old food, spills, and mould grow fast. Empty it completely.
3. Only vacuuming carpets. Surface dirt isn’t enough. Steam cleaning removes allergens and deep stains.
4. Forgetting the windows. Smudges and dust on sills and tracks are easy to miss but obvious to inspectors.
5. Not taking photos. Without proof, you have no defence if the landlord claims damage.

One tenant in Clifton lost £250 because they didn’t clean the extractor fan. The grease had clogged the filter. The landlord had to replace it. That’s not wear and tear-that’s negligence.

What to Do If Your Deposit Is Wrongfully Withheld

If your landlord refuses to return your deposit without good reason, you can challenge it. Here’s how:

1. Check your deposit is protected in a government scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits).
2. Review the inventory report from move-in. Compare it to your photos.
3. Request a detailed breakdown of deductions in writing.
4. If the claim seems unfair, use the scheme’s free dispute resolution service.
5. Keep all communication in writing.

Most disputes are resolved in the tenant’s favour if they have solid evidence. Don’t let a landlord bully you into giving up your money.

Final Tips for a Smooth Move-Out

• Start cleaning at least 10 days before your move-out date. Rushing leads to mistakes.
• Use white vinegar and baking soda for eco-friendly cleaning-they work better than most chemical sprays.
• Leave the property broom-swept and empty. Don’t leave boxes, bags, or old furniture.
• Return all keys, fobs, and remote controls.
• Take a final walk-through with the agent if possible. Ask them what they’re looking for.

A clean property isn’t just about getting your deposit back. It’s about leaving with your integrity intact. Do it right, and you walk away with your money-and your peace of mind.