How Much Can a Landlord Charge for Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Anthony T.
Posted on 20 October 2024
How Much Can a Landlord Charge for Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning?
When a tenancy comes to an end, one of the most common concerns for both landlords and tenants is the state of cleanliness of the property. For the landlords it could mean the difference between a higher rent with the next tenant or a headache, while for the tenants vacating it could mean a deduction of their security deposit and possible financial difficulties
This is where the key question arises: How much can a landlord charge for professional end of tenancy cleaning? Understanding this can help both parties avoid disputes and ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Firstly, it's essential to recognize that landlords cannot charge arbitrary fees for cleaning. The amount must be reasonable and reflect the actual cost incurred. In many regions, especially under regulations like the Tenant Fees Act 2019 in the UK, landlords cannot mandate professional cleaning but can expect the property to be returned in the same condition it was at the start of the tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear is obviously an arbitrary and obscure description, but any normal tenant and landlord would know what that means and in this particular case we're not going over crazy examples.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Costs
Several variables affect the cost of professional end of tenancy cleaning and we have covered that in other articles, but we'll go over them once more below:
Property Size and Type: Larger properties naturally require more time and resources to clean thus a higher price for the job can be expected.
Condition of the Property: A property that's been well-maintained will cost less to clean than one that's been neglected although there are minimal callout charges that most cleaning companies would advise you about prior to booking a job.
Location: Cleaning services in urban areas might charge more than those in rural locations due to higher operational costs.
Specific Cleaning Requirements: Deep cleaning tasks like carpet steam cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or removing stubborn stains can add to the cost.
Can Tenants Clean the Property Themselves?
Absolutely! Tenants have the option to carry out the cleaning themselves even today in 2025. However, the key is ensuring the property meets professional standards or the standards outlined in the original tenancy agreement. Here are some considerations:
Time and Effort: Deep cleaning a property can be time-consuming, often taking an entire day or more.
Equipment and Products: Certain tasks may require specialized equipment (e.g., carpet steam cleaners) and industrial-strength cleaning agents.
Risk of Deposit Deductions: If the cleaning doesn't meet the required standard, landlords may hire professionals and deduct the cost from the deposit.
Make sure you also take a look at our article on the most common mistakes people make when they decide to go the DIY route here.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaners
Quality Assurance: Professionals have the expertise to clean efficiently and thoroughly.
Saves Time: Allows tenants to focus on moving rather than cleaning.
Deposit Protection: Reduces the likelihood of disputes over cleanliness and deposit deductions.
Guarantees: Many cleaning companies offer a guarantee, returning to re-clean if necessary.
The Role of Check-In and Check-Out Reports
Having detailed inventories and condition reports at the start and end of the tenancy is crucial. These reports:
Provide Evidence: Document the property's condition, helping resolve disputes.
Set Expectations: Clarify what is considered 'clean' and note any existing issues.
Protect Both Parties: Ensures tenants aren't unfairly charged and landlords have recourse if the property isn't returned appropriately.
Tips for Landlords
Set Clear Standards: Outline cleaning expectations in the tenancy agreement at the very beginning. If you are clear from the get-go you can expect the tenant to not act surprised when their tenancy is eventually over.
Provide Guidance: Offer tenants a cleaning checklist or recommend reputable cleaning services if you have any in mind. That way you'll avoid seeming like you are just out to get them or take money from their deposit. Obviously as a landlord you have a different type of business and 200 pounds or something like that which is the average price for that kind of job won't make you rich beyond belief or turn you into a broke person.
Conduct Mid-Tenancy Inspections: Regular checks can identify issues early. These are slightly hard to schedule as most people especially people living in London have a tight enough timetable as it is, but if you plan ahead enough in advance, the tenants shouldn't have problems fitting half an hour every 6 months or so with you.
Tips for Tenants
Review the Inventory Report: Ensure it accurately reflects the property's condition at move-in and ensure you document everything with photos/videos or whatever media you can with timestamps and everything.
Maintain Cleanliness Throughout Tenancy: Regular upkeep prevents buildup that's hard to clean later. If you are a clean person and take care of your things that shouldn't be much of a problem, but if you are a bit on the sloppy side, get a fortnightly cleaner or something to help ease this part of your life.
Document the Property at Move-Out: Take photos or videos after cleaning as evidence. When the cleaners leave, take photos or better yet ask them to take photos with you and keep them safe in their own records. That way you can reference these photos for your landlord and have some sort of a witness on your side in case a dispute arrises.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs and expectations around end-of-tenancy cleaning can prevent misunderstandings and foster a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Whether opting for professional services or undertaking the task personally, the goal is to return the property in the condition it was received, ensuring a fair and smooth conclusion to the tenancy.
