What is included in an end-of-tenancy clean?

What is Included in an End-of-Tenancy Clean?

An end-of-tenancy clean is a thorough, deep cleaning of a rental property that is expected to restore it to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, accounting for fair wear and tear. The specific requirements are typically outlined in the tenancy agreement and cross-referenced with the initial inventory report.

The goal is to ensure the property is immaculate for the next occupants and to help tenants secure the full return of their security deposit. Many tenants choose to hire a professional cleaner to meet these stringent standards.

General Cleaning Throughout the Property

Across all rooms, a standard end-of-tenancy clean typically includes:

• Dusting and Wiping: All accessible surfaces, including shelves, ledges, skirting boards, light fittings, light switches, plug sockets, and radiators.
• Windows: Interior window panes, sills, and frames are cleaned.
• Doors: Wiping down doors, door frames, and door handles.
• Flooring: Thorough vacuuming of carpets and rugs. Hard floors are swept and mopped.
• Walls: Spot cleaning any marks on walls, though extensive scrubbing or re-painting is generally not included unless specified for significant damage beyond normal wear.
• Cobwebs: Removal of all cobwebs from ceilings and corners.

Kitchen

The kitchen often requires the most intensive cleaning. Key tasks include:

• Oven and Hob: Deep cleaning of the oven (internal and external), hob, and extractor fan filters.
• Appliances: Cleaning the microwave inside and out. The fridge and freezer are defrosted, cleaned, and wiped down (tenants must ensure the freezer is defrosted before the clean). The dishwasher and washing machine are cleaned, including detergent drawers and seals. For washing machines, consideration might be given to cleaning internal components.
• Cupboards and Drawers: All kitchen cupboards and drawers are emptied and wiped clean, both inside and out.
• Surfaces: Countertops, splashbacks, and tiled areas are scrubbed and disinfected.
• Sink and Taps: The kitchen sink and taps are descaled, scrubbed, and polished.
• Flooring: The floor is thoroughly swept, hoovered, and mopped.

Bathrooms

Hygiene is paramount in bathrooms, so a deep clean is expected:

• Toilet: The toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Basin: The sink basin and taps are descaled, scrubbed, and polished.
• Bath and Shower: The bath, shower tray, shower screen, and tiled areas are cleaned, descaled, and polished. Grout lines are scrubbed.
• Mirrors: All mirrors are cleaned and polished.
• Flooring: The floor is swept, hoovered, and disinfected.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

These rooms typically involve a refresh of all surfaces and floors:

• Furniture: Any furniture left behind (e.g., wardrobes, drawers) is cleaned internally and externally.
• Mirrors and Picture Frames: Cleaned and polished.
• Flooring: Carpets are vacuumed thoroughly, with professional carpet cleaning often being a separate but expected service if carpets are visibly soiled. Hard floors are swept and mopped.

Common Exclusions (Often Available as Additional Services)

While a comprehensive end-of-tenancy clean covers a vast amount, certain items are typically excluded from the standard package and may incur extra costs or require separate arrangements:

• Exterior Areas: Gardens, patios, balconies, and exterior windows are generally not included unless specifically requested.
• Upholstery Cleaning: Sofas, armchairs, and curtains usually require specialist cleaning that falls outside the standard scope.
• Rubbish Removal: Disposal of personal items or large amounts of leftover rubbish is generally not part of the cleaning service.
• Mould Treatment: Addressing significant mould growth often requires specialist treatment beyond surface cleaning.
• Repairs: Filling holes in walls or addressing damage is separate from cleaning.
• Loft Spaces/Garages: These areas are not typically included unless specifically agreed upon.

It is always advisable to review the tenancy agreement carefully and consult with the landlord or letting agent to confirm the exact expectations for the end-of-tenancy clean.