A common question from renters and property owners alike is “do landlords have to clean between tenants?” In the UK, there’s no strict law requiring landlords to clean between tenancies, but they are expected to ensure the property is clean, safe, and ready to live in before new tenants move in. That’s why end-of-tenancy cleaning often sits in a grey area, with both sides sharing some responsibility.
Understanding these expectations early helps prevent disputes, protect deposits, and maintain good relationships between landlords and tenants. Professional cleaning and clearance services like Hey Clear can make this transition easier, helping both parties meet their obligations without stress.
Every landlord handles the gap between tenants differently. Some use the time to redecorate or deep-clean, while others prefer a quick turnaround and want new tenants in straight away. Whatever your approach, knowing where responsibilities lie helps ensure the property is ready for its next occupants.
Who's Responsible For Ensuring A Property Is Clean By The End Of A Tenancy?
The responsibility for cleaning a rental property at the end of a tenancy usually falls on the tenant. Most tenancy agreements state that tenants must leave the property in the same clean condition it was in when they moved in, taking into account fair wear and tear.
Landlords aren’t legally obliged to provide a professional clean between tenancies, but they are expected to hand over a property that’s safe and fit for occupation. If a landlord provides a spotless property at the start of a tenancy, the tenant is expected to return it to the same standard.
This is where inventory reports and check-in/check-out inspections play a big role. They help compare the condition of the property before and after the tenancy, making it easier to resolve disputes or deposit deductions linked to cleaning.
Are Landlords Allowed To Charge Tenants For Cleaning?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in the UK are not allowed to charge tenants a set fee for end-of-tenancy cleaning. However, if a property is left in an unclean condition compared to the check-in inventory, a landlord can request cleaning costs to be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.
This means tenants aren’t required by law to pay for professional cleaning, but they are responsible for returning the property in the same clean condition it was in at the start of the tenancy. Failing to do so can lead to deductions to cover cleaning, repairs, or damage beyond fair wear and tear.
If you’re unsure whether your property meets the required standard, it’s worth reviewing your tenancy agreement and the original inventory report before handing back your keys.
What Does “Clean” Actually Mean at the End of a Tenancy?
The term “clean” can be subjective, which is why so many tenancy disputes arise over it. Generally, tenants are expected to return the property in a reasonable condition, meaning as clean as it was when they first moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
End-of-tenancy cleanliness standards usually include:
- Kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly sanitised, with grease, grime, and limescale removed.
- Ovens, hobs, and extractors cleaned and free from built-up residue.
- Carpets and flooring vacuumed or mopped, depending on material.
- Windows, skirting boards, and surfaces wiped down and dust-free.
- Bins emptied and any leftover items or rubbish removed.
Normal signs of use, such as light scuffs on walls or faded carpets, are acceptable. However, built-up dirt, stains, or odours can justify cleaning costs being taken from a tenant’s deposit.
What Happens If a Property Isn’t Clean Enough?
If a landlord finds the property hasn’t been cleaned to the expected standard, they can request cleaning costs to be deducted from the tenant’s deposit. This is only permitted if the claim is supported by evidence, such as photos or inventory reports from the start and end of the tenancy.
Any dispute over cleaning charges is handled by the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) or the relevant tenancy deposit scheme used by the landlord. Both the landlord and tenant can submit evidence, and the scheme’s independent adjudicator will decide whether the deductions are fair.
Leaving a property properly cleaned not only avoids deposit disputes but also helps maintain a good rental history, something future landlords may take into account.
How Hey Clear Can Help Landlords & Tenants
Whether you’re preparing a property for new tenants or moving out at the end of your lease, cleanliness plays a big part in how smoothly the process goes. That’s where Hey Clear’s end-of-tenancy cleaning services can help.
Our experienced team works with both landlords and tenants across London and Hampshire, ensuring every property is left spotless, compliant with tenancy agreements, and ready for its next occupants.
For landlords, we carry out deep cleans, sparkle cleans, and builder cleans between tenancies helping you maintain high property standards and attract new tenants faster.
For tenants, we help reduce the risk of deposit deductions by meeting the cleanliness level set out in your tenancy agreement and inventory report.
Every job is handled with care and environmental responsibility. We reuse, recycle, and rehome items wherever possible, offering an ethical and cost-effective approach to professional cleaning and clearance.
Our team will carefully and delicately clean the property you are moving from, working to your requirements to clean, move or disregard items. For more information on our house cleaning services, contact our team today or request a free quote online.
