End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost in the UK
What end of tenancy cleaning typically costs in the UK by property size, what the price covers and how to avoid paying twice on your deposit.
At the end of a tenancy, the cleaning standard is judged against the inventory, and your deposit can be reduced if the property is not returned in the condition it was let in, allowing for fair wear and tear. A professional end of tenancy clean is a common way to protect that deposit. Here is what it typically costs and what you are paying for.
Typical prices
End of tenancy cleans are generally priced per property, and the figure depends heavily on size, furnishing and condition. Typically:
| Property | Unfurnished | Furnished |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | £90 to £150 | £100 to £170 |
| 1-bed | £110 to £180 | £120 to £200 |
| 2-bed | £150 to £260 | £170 to £290 |
| 3-bed | £200 to £350 | £230 to £400 |
| 4-bed | £280 to £450+ | £320 to £500+ |
London and the South East are usually higher. Carpet cleaning, oven cleaning and window cleaning are frequently extra, so check what the quote actually includes.
Why the price is higher than a normal clean
It is a deep clean to a handover standard. The aim is to remove every sign of occupation, so cleaners typically work through the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas in far more detail than regular cleaning. That means cupboards inside and out, skirting boards, door frames, light fittings, sinks and taps descaled, and appliances cleaned. The detailed approach is why costs resemble deep cleaning prices, sometimes slightly more.
What affects the quote
- Property size and bathrooms. The biggest drivers of time.
- Condition. Heavy limescale, mould or greasy kitchens add hours.
- Furniture left in place. Cleaners must work around it.
- Carpets. Many agents ask for evidence of professional carpet cleaning; it is usually an extra.
- Timing. Short notice, weekends and the busy end-of-month period tend to cost more, so book early.
- Garden or outbuildings. Rarely included in a clean and often handled by a separate service.
Check what your agent or landlord expects
Before booking, read your tenancy agreement and check-out inventory. Some agreements require professional cleaning; others only require the property to be clean to the standard it started at. Ask what the agent usually looks at closely. Typical pressure points are the oven, extractor hood, limescale on taps, inside the fridge and freezer, window sills and carpets. Use our end of tenancy cleaning checklist to compare what you have against what the cleaner will do.
How to get the best value
- Get the scope in writing. List rooms, appliances and extras so there is no disagreement afterwards.
- Clear out first. Remove rubbish and personal items. Cleaners are not there to clear a property.
- Book the clean after you are fully moved out. Cleaning before the last boxes leave means repeating work.
- Ask about a re-clean. Some providers will return to fix issues raised at check-out within a set period. Ask what their policy is before you pay rather than assuming one exists.
- Keep records. Take dated photos after cleaning and keep your receipt.
If you are comparing offers on Compito, you can search your postcode, read reviews left after completed bookings and message providers about the exact scope before accepting an offer and paying online.
When a cheaper option makes sense
If the property is small and in good order, a thorough DIY clean may be enough, especially if your tenancy agreement does not require professional cleaning. A middle option is to do the general cleaning yourself and book professionals only for the oven and carpets, which are the hardest to do well.
A worked example
Consider a two-bed unfurnished flat in a mid-sized city. A quote of £190 might cover kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas, but not carpets or the oven. Add oven cleaning at £50 to £70 and a carpet clean for two bedrooms, a living room and a hall at roughly £130 to £180, and the total lands somewhere between £370 and £440. The headline price is not always the final one, so ask for a line-by-line total.
DIY versus professional
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Supplies only | Several hundred pounds in some cases |
| Time | A day or more | A few hours |
| Evidence | Your own photos | Receipt and sometimes a report |
| Result | Depends on effort and kit | Usually thorough, with specialist equipment |
Questions to ask a provider
- Is the price for the whole property, and does it include appliances and inside cupboards?
- Are carpets, oven and windows included or extra?
- Do you bring all products and equipment?
- How long will it take, and how many cleaners will attend?
- What is the process if the agent raises an issue after check-out?
Common mistakes
- Booking the clean before moving out completely.
- Assuming a cheap price includes carpets.
- Not keeping the receipt or taking photos.
- Leaving it until the last day, when availability is lowest.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord insist on professional cleaning?
Only if the tenancy agreement requires it. Otherwise, they can generally expect the property to be returned clean to the standard it was in at the start, allowing for fair wear and tear. Check your agreement, and if there is a dispute, seek advice from an appropriate tenancy advice service.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A one-bed flat can take three to five hours for one person. A three-bed house is typically a full day for one cleaner or around half a day for a team of two or three.
Should I be present?
It helps if you can let the cleaner in, confirm priorities and sign off the result. If you cannot be there, arrange keys carefully and agree when the property will be locked and returned.
Do I need a receipt?
It is wise to keep one. Some agents ask for evidence of professional carpet or whole-property cleaning, and a receipt helps if there is a dispute.