A guide to end of tenancy cleaning

Moving out of a rented property is an exciting time, but it also comes with a list of responsibilities and one key task is end of tenancy cleaning. Ensuring that the property is left spotless can help you get your full deposit back and avoid any disputes with your landlord. However, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to cleaning, especially in light of the Tenant Fee Act 2019.

What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?

End of tenancy cleaning refers to the deep clean of a rental property once you’ve moved out. This process involves thoroughly cleaning all areas of the property, including the kitchen, bathroom, living spaces, and bedrooms. It may also include tasks such as cleaning carpets, windows, and appliances like ovens or fridges.

The Tenant Fee Act 2019: How It Affects You

The Tenant Fee Act 2019 was introduced to make renting more affordable by limiting the fees landlords and letting agents can charge tenants. When it comes to cleaning, this legislation has important implications. Here’s what you need to know:

• No unfair cleaning charges: Under the Tenant Fee Act, your landlord cannot charge you for end of tenancy cleaning unless it’s clearly stated in your tenancy agreement. This means they cannot surprise you with cleaning charges after you’ve moved out unless you’ve agreed to it beforehand.
   
• Cleaning must be reasonable: If cleaning charges are included in your tenancy agreement, the cost must be reasonable and reflect the actual work required to return the property to a clean condition. This means your landlord can’t charge you excessively or use cleaning as a way to profit from your deposit.
   
• Deposit deductions: If your landlord or letting agent believes the property hasn’t been cleaned to an acceptable standard, they may deduct cleaning costs from your deposit. However, these deductions must be reasonable and reflect the actual cleaning needed. You will be informed of the costs upfront and provided with an invoice or estimate before any quotes are agreed and the money is deducted from your deposit.

Why Is End of Tenancy Cleaning Important?

Proper cleaning is essential for a smooth transition out of your rental property. By leaving the property in good condition, you increase the chances of getting your full deposit back. Here are a few reasons why end of tenancy cleaning matters:

• Getting Your Deposit Back: The biggest benefit of a thorough clean is that it helps ensure your landlord or letting agent will return your full deposit. If the property isn’t cleaned to the required standard, they may make deductions to cover cleaning costs.
   
• Avoiding Disputes: Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for disputes between tenants and landlords. Having a clear understanding of what’s expected and what the cost will be if cleaning is needed can help avoid disagreements.
   
• Faster Handover: A well-cleaned property will make it easier for your landlord or letting agent to find new tenants, meaning your move-out process can be completed quickly.

What Should End of Tenancy Cleaning Include?

Although specific requirements may vary depending on the property and tenancy agreement, end of tenancy cleaning generally covers the following tasks:

• Kitchen: Cleaning of all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and all appliances (oven, fridge, freezer etc).
   
• Bathroom: Scrubbing and sanitising the sink, toilet, shower or bath, tiles, and mirrors.
   
• Living areas and bedrooms: Dusting and vacuuming of all floors and carpets, wiping down surfaces like windowsills, light fixtures, and baseboards.
   
• Windows and floors: Cleaning windows, sweeping, and mopping floors throughout the property. You may also want to consider hiring a professional cleaning machine or company to bring up those tough stains on carpets

How to Handle End of Tenancy Cleaning

To avoid disputes and ensure you get your full deposit back, here’s how to handle end of tenancy cleaning:

• Check Your tenancy agreement: Review your tenancy agreement carefully to see if there are any clauses related to cleaning. If there’s a specific cleaning requirement, make sure you understand what it covers and whether you need to hire professionals to carry out the work.
   
• Create an outgoing inventory list: At the start of your tenancy, an inventory list will have been created to document the condition of the property. When moving out, compare the condition of the property with the list. If the property is in good condition and has been cleaned properly, this will support your claim to get your deposit back in full. If you have misplaced your inventory, please contact us for a copy as soon as possible.
   
• Do the cleaning yourself or hire professionals: If you clean the property yourself, ensure every area is covered to avoid disputes. If you don't feel too confident about being able to carry out a thorough, deep clean yourself you may want to hire a professional cleaning company. For recommendations, contact us on 0845 838 2890.
   
• Communicate with your landlord or agent: If you’re unsure about any cleaning expectations or charges, communicate with your landlord or letting agent before moving out. It’s better to discuss any concerns beforehand rather than face unexpected charges after you’ve left the property.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean?

If you fail to clean the property to the required standard, your landlord or letting agent may use part of your deposit to cover cleaning costs. However, as above, these charges must be reasonable and reflect the actual cleaning needed. If you disagree with the charges, you have the right to dispute them through your tenancy deposit protection scheme, which ensures that deposits are held and returned fairly.

End of tenancy cleaning is an important part of moving out of a rental property, and understanding your rights under the Tenant Fee Act 2019 is key to ensuring you are treated fairly. By keeping your property in good condition and communicating clearly with your landlord or letting agent, you can help ensure a smooth transition and protect your deposit.

Always be aware of what’s included in your tenancy agreement and the reasonable costs associated with cleaning to avoid surprises when it’s time to move on.