End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs in London 2025
The average cost of an end of tenancy cleaning service is around £170
The job will usually take about 6 - 8 hours or a full day, depending on what route you decide to take - professional cleaning or DIY.
Here's what else you'll learn
- Factors that will reflect on the pricing of the cleaning
- What can you expect to pay depending on your property's size
- Questions most people in your position have about professional end of tenancy cleaning
- What can you expect if you decide to do the end of tenancy cleaning yourself
- What the cleaning process looks like and should you try it yourself at all
- How to find and hire a professional cleaner
The cost of end of tenancy cleaning in London typically ranges between £160 and £420, depending on the size and condition of the property. Additional services, such as carpet or upholstery cleaning, can raise this cost. Professional cleaning is a wise investment for tenants looking to recover their full deposit, as tenancy cleaners are equipped to meet the high standards landlords and estate agents often set.
"I was shocked at how much it costs for end of tenancy cleaning. And the landlord insisted it had to be this particular company only. I thought £300 was too much for a 2-bedroom flat, but after seeing the result, I have to say I was impressed." — u/Repulsive_East_8349
Factors Influencing End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs
Several factors influence the pricing of end of tenancy cleaning services. Understanding these will help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected charges.
The larger the property, the higher the cost. For example:
Property Type | Estimated Cost (£) |
---|---|
Studio/1-bedroom apartment | 150 - 200 |
Two-bedroom flat | 190 - 240 |
Three-bedroom house | 350+ |
If the property has not been maintained regularly, it will require more intensive cleaning, increasing costs. Properties that have accumulated grime or stubborn stains will incur higher charges as more time and effort are needed.
Extra services like carpet cleaning or oven cleaning can significantly impact the total cost. For example:
- Carpet Cleaning: £30 - £60 per room
- Oven Cleaning: £40 - £70
Pricing Table
Property Type | Base Cost (£) | With Carpet Cleaning (£) | With Oven & Windows (£) |
---|---|---|---|
Studio Apartment | 99 | 139 | 189 |
One-Bedroom Flat | 139 | 189 | 219 |
Two-Bedroom Flat | 199 | 239 | 289 |
Three-Bedroom House | 249 | 299 | 319 |
Four-Bedroom Property | 299 | 289 | 359 |
The cost of end of tenancy cleaning varies based on several factors, primarily the property’s size and condition. Larger properties typically incur higher costs, as do properties that haven’t been well-maintained. For instance, studio apartments or one-bedroom flats usually cost between £150 and £200, while two-bedroom flats range from £190 to £240. Multi-bedroom houses can cost significantly more, with a three-bedroom house priced around £350 and larger homes costing up to £600 or more. The duration of the cleaning also increases with property size, generally taking between 4 to 8 hours or more.
Additional services, such as carpet or upholstery cleaning, are common add-ons that can further raise costs. Steam cleaning carpets, for example, may cost an additional £150 to £300, depending on the property size. Standard cleaning packages often include basic appliance cleaning, but extra appliances or specialized services like oven cleaning may incur additional fees. Professional cleaning companies bring their own equipment and materials, including high-powered steam cleaners and industrial-strength detergents, ensuring thorough results that standard household products cannot achieve.
The condition of the property also plays a significant role in determining the cleaning costs. Properties that have not been regularly cleaned or that contain tough stains will require more intensive cleaning efforts, which raises the overall price. Regular upkeep throughout the tenancy can help reduce these costs. However, even with good maintenance, professional services are often necessary to meet the high standards expected by landlords and agents.
Frequently Asked Questions About End of Tenancy Cleaning Pricing
Can landlords force tenants to pay for professional cleaning services?
Legally, landlords cannot enforce professional cleaning unless it’s explicitly stated in the tenancy agreement. However, the property must still be cleaned to a professional standard, and tenants may find it easier to hire a professional service to avoid disputes.
Is it cheaper to book end of tenancy cleaning directly or through an agency?
Booking directly with a cleaning company is often more cost-effective. Agencies may charge additional fees for arranging cleaning services, so keep that in mind.
How long does an end of tenancy clean usually take?
It varies depending on the property size, but typically, a professional team can complete a two-bedroom flat in 4-6 hours.
What is the average cost of end of tenancy cleaning in London?
The average cost ranges from £80 to £600, depending on the size and condition of the property. Studio apartments may cost around £100, while larger homes can reach up to £600 or more.
Are additional services like carpet or oven cleaning included in the base price?
No, additional services such as carpet, oven, window, or upholstery cleaning are usually charged separately. It’s important to check with the cleaning provider for an itemized quote.
How much does carpet cleaning add to the total cost?
Carpet cleaning can add an extra £30 to £60 per room. The price may vary based on the type of carpet and the extent of cleaning required (e.g., stain removal).
Is it possible to get a discount for booking multiple services at once?
Yes, many cleaning companies offer discounts when booking multiple services, such as carpet and oven cleaning together. Always ask for bundled service pricing to save money
Are weekend or evening appointments more expensive?
Some cleaning companies charge a premium for weekend or evening appointments due to higher demand or staff availability. This can increase the price by 10-20%.
Is there a price difference between hiring a local cleaner and a large cleaning company?
Yes, local independent cleaners may offer lower prices compared to large cleaning companies. However, larger companies may provide additional guarantees and a more comprehensive service, which might justify the higher cost.
Can I negotiate the price of end of tenancy cleaning?
Some cleaning companies may be open to negotiation, especially if you’ve received multiple quotes from competitors. It’s always worth asking for a discount or price match.
How do I know if the price quoted is fair?
To ensure the price is fair, get multiple quotes from different cleaning companies. Compare services offered, read customer reviews, and check if the company has any accreditations or certifications for professional cleaning.
DIY vs. Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning
While hiring a professional service is recommended, some tenants opt for a DIY approach to save money. We have compiled a super thorough end of tenancy cleaning checklist which you can follow to do the job yourself. Before going ahead with that though, you should know what you can expect, so here's a comparison:
Aspect | Professional Service | DIY Approach |
---|---|---|
Cost | £80 - £600 | £50 - £100 for supplies |
Time | 4-8 hours (team of cleaners) | 1-2 days (individual effort) |
Thoroughness | High (usually comes with free re-clean guarantee) | Varies, risk of missed areas |
Risk of Dispute | Low | High (if not cleaned to standard) |
"I cleaned a flat to a professional standard once. It took 36 hours non-stop and almost ended our relationship. We still lost £80 in fees for lint between the mattress topper and mattress." — u/kreemypies
Understanding the Process: Why Hire Professionals in the first place?
Professional end of tenancy cleaning involves deep-cleaning services that exceed the standard of regular cleaning. These services often include steam cleaning carpets, scrubbing ovens, and tackling hard-to-reach areas.
Professional cleaners use specialized tools and techniques, such as steam cleaning and industrial-grade detergents, ensuring a higher quality result. This thorough approach guarantees that even the toughest stains are removed.
"You'll be far too stressed out to do a good job. A professional usually has a clause that if the landlord isn't happy, they'll come back to rectify any issues without additional cost." — u/Janedoe4242
Many professional cleaning services offer a guarantee. If the cleaning does not meet the landlord’s standards, the company will re-clean the property free of charge within a specific timeframe (usually 48-72 hours).
Professionals complete the cleaning faster than tenants could on their own, saving valuable time, especially during the stressful moving period. Professional cleaners will complete the job much faster than a tenant, saving valuable time during a move. Also tenancy cleaners use professional grade cleaning products which make cleaning heavily built up limescale and oven cleaning much easier and do a better job decrease the time required for the cleaning detergents to take effect, etc.
Best Value End Of Tenancy Cleaning in London
Low prices are not always the best offer
When looking for a professional cleaning company, consider the following to ensure you get the best value:
Check multiple review platforms (e.g., Google, Trustpilot) to find reputable cleaning companies with consistent high ratings. Although lots of these can be manipulated, the bigger a company gets the harder that becomes.
Obtain quotes from at least three different cleaning companies to compare services and prices. Some companies offer bundled services at a discount and if you book a couple months in advance, a discount is guaranteed
Always ensure the cleaning company is certified and insured. This protects against potential damages during the cleaning process. A reputable cleaning companies would never fall short to provide it beforehand. Most even show it on their website and will gladly send details about the coverage to you .
A reference from a person you know and trust will always be way more valuable compared to an anonymous person online or the information provided to you by a salesperson. Ask around, if you're new in London, check with neighbours. Even if you don't want to trust your landlord, a neighbour might be helpful.
A company which has a local office will definitely help ease your mind as in case of an issue you can go to their office and make your issues heard. There will be someone that can help ease your mind (hopefully). You can find out about our offices and our end of tenancy coverage here if you need to.
"If you get your letting agent to arrange the cleaning, they can't charge you if it falls short of the required standard." — u/taxman202o
Other benefits of using professional end of tenancy cleaners
Many professional cleaning companies also provide guarantees. If the cleaning does not meet the landlord’s or agent’s standards, the company often returns to rectify any issues within a set timeframe, usually 48-72 hours. This guarantee offers tenants peace of mind, knowing they have a safety net if the cleaning does not meet expectations. Such guarantees reinforce the value of professional services, ensuring quality at an affordable price.
Verifying certifications and insurance coverage is another critical step when hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaning service. Certified companies adhere to industry standards, and insurance coverage protects against potential damages during the cleaning process. This reduces the risk of disputes and ensures both parties are safeguarded. By following these steps, tenants can secure a reliable cleaning service that meets their needs and budget, helping to make the moving process smoother and less stressful.