Moving out comes with a long list of jobs, and cleaning is usually the one that decides how much of your deposit you get back. A proper end-of-tenancy clean brings the property back to the same condition it was in at the start of your tenancy. Landlords and inventory clerks look for that level of detail during checkout, which is why many tenants choose a professional service instead of doing everything themselves.
If you want a clear idea of end-of-tenancy cleaning costs, this guide breaks down real 2026 prices across the UK and London. You’ll see what cleaners include, what counts as an extra, and what affects the final price. You’ll also get practical tips for saving money without risking deposit deductions.
2026 End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost at a Glance
If you want a quick idea of what you’ll pay in 2026, these ranges cover most homes:
UK average: £180–£420
London average: £220–£500+
Typical hourly rate: £22–£30 per hour
Typical cleaning time:
- Studio: around 4–5 hours
- 1–2 bed: 5–8 hours
- 3 bed: 8+ hours
Average End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost by Property Size
The size of the property is the main factor that shapes the final price. Larger homes take more time, more products, and often require a bigger team. These are the typical 2026 ranges you’ll see across the UK. London properties tend to sit at the higher end due to travel time, demand, and the level of detail expected during checkout inspections.
UK Average End of Tenancy Cleaning Prices by Property Size (2026)
|
Property Size |
Average Cost |
Typical Cleaning Time (hrs) |
|
Studio |
£160–£200 |
4–5 |
|
1 Bed |
£180–£240 |
5–6 |
|
2 Bed |
£220–£320 |
5–8 |
|
3 Bed |
£300–£400 |
8–10 |
|
4 Bed+ |
£380–£500+ |
10+ |
These ranges assume a regular move-out condition. Homes with heavy limescale, grease build-up, mould patches, or long-term wear will sit higher because they require extra time or specialist products.
London and Canary Wharf Prices (2026)
London rates run higher due to high-demand areas like Canary Wharf, Limehouse, Poplar, and the Isle of Dogs. Many tenants here live in modern apartments with glass balconies, built-in appliances, and tight check-out timelines, which increases the work involved.
|
Property Size |
Average Cost |
Typical Cleaning Time (hrs) |
|
Studio |
£180–£220 |
4–5 |
|
1 Bed |
£200–£260 |
5–6 |
|
2 Bed |
£260–£350 |
6–8 |
|
3 Bed |
£330–£450 |
8–10 |
|
4 Bed+ |
£420–£550+ |
10+ |
Hourly Rates and Cleaning Times
Some cleaners price by the hour instead of fixed packages. This can work for partial cleans or smaller properties, but full tenancy cleans are usually quoted as a flat rate.
- UK hourly rate: 22–27
- London hourly rate: 25–30
Most homes fall into these time ranges:
- Studio: 4–5 hours
- 1–2 bed: 5–8 hours
- 3 bed: 8+ hours
A furnished property or a home with carpets and soft furnishings takes longer because everything needs a deeper pass.
What Affects End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost?
Several factors shape the final price. Even two properties with the same layout can end up with different quotes based on the work involved. Here’s what makes the biggest difference.
Property Size
A larger home takes more time and more cleaning products. Extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage areas add to the total cost.
Location
London homes, especially areas like Canary Wharf, Limehouse, Poplar, and the Isle of Dogs, usually sit at the higher end because of demand, access, parking, and higher labour costs.
Condition of the Property
Light surface dirt is normal. Heavy grease, limescale, mould, pet hair, or long-term build-up add extra time. This is where prices shift the most.
Furnished vs Unfurnished
Furnished homes take longer because cleaners must move, clean, and treat more items like sofas, beds, drawers, and soft furnishings.
Extras and Specialist Tasks
Carpets, ovens, upholstery, blinds, curtains, and balcony areas are often priced separately because they require specialist tools.
Timeframe
Same-day or next-day bookings cost more. Month-end and weekend move-outs also carry higher demand, especially in London’s rental-heavy zones.
What’s Included in an End of Tenancy Clean?
A full end of tenancy clean brings the property back to the standard recorded in the inventory. Every room is cleaned deeply, not just tidied, so nothing gets flagged during checkout. Most services follow a clear pattern that covers kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and any furnished areas.
Kitchen
The kitchen usually takes the most time. Cleaners wipe down worktops, splashbacks, cupboard fronts, and the inside of drawers. They remove limescale around the sink and taps, clean major appliances such as the oven, hob, extractor and fridge, and finish by washing the floors and bin areas. This room is one of the most common sources of deposit deductions, so attention here matters.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need to look fresh and free from residue. The clean includes the shower, screens, tiles, grout, toilet, basin, taps and mirrors. Any limescale or soap build-up is removed, vents are wiped, and the floors and skirting boards are cleaned. A bathroom that looks dull or streaky is a quick fail during checkout, so this step is thorough.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Cleaners move through these rooms with a full dust-and-detail approach. Surfaces, shelves, switches, sockets, and skirting are wiped. Windows and frames are cleaned inside, wardrobes and cupboards are emptied and wiped, and floors are vacuumed or mopped depending on the surface. These rooms tend to clean quickly unless the home is furnished.
Floors, Windows, and Finishing Touches
Across the property, cleaners vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, remove cobwebs and dust radiators, vents and door frames. Internal window glass is included, and window sills always get a detailed pass because they show dust easily during an inspection.
Furnished Properties
If the home is furnished, the clean goes deeper. Sofas, chairs and headboards are vacuumed, bed frames are wiped down, and cleaners work under cushions and under furniture where dust collects. Upholstery cleaning can be added if the inventory requires it.
This level of detail is what helps tenants avoid deposit deductions and helps landlords prepare a move-in-ready home.
Extra Services and Hidden Costs
Some tasks are not included in a standard end of tenancy clean. Certain areas need specialist tools or extra time, so they’re priced separately. These add-ons matter because they often decide whether a tenant passes the checkout or faces a deduction.
Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets collect dust, pet hair and deep-set stains, so they often need more than a vacuum. Most cleaners use hot water extraction to lift dirt properly, especially in hallways and lounges where foot traffic is heavy. Upholstery follows a similar process. These treatments are usually optional but commonly recommended when the inventory lists fabric furniture.
Oven and Kitchen Appliances
The oven is one of the biggest reasons tenants lose part of their deposit. A deep clean involves removing racks, trays and panels, treating grease build-up and wiping everything down to a fresh finish. Larger appliances like double ovens or built-in units may cost more because of the extra work.
Blinds, Curtains and Fabrics
Blinds and curtains hold dust, smoke, and odours. Some fabrics can be steam treated, while others require more delicate handling. These items aren’t always part of the standard package, but they’re often checked closely in modern London rentals where window coverings are part of the inventory.
Balconies and Outdoor Spaces
Flats in Canary Wharf, Limehouse and similar areas often have balconies or small patios that collect dirt quickly. Cleaning can involve scrubbing, pressure washing or treating glass rails. Because these areas fall outside the main living space, they’re usually quoted separately.
Heavily Soiled or Neglected Properties
A home with mould, nicotine residue, heavy limescale, or long-term grease build-up needs more time and specialist products. This is where prices can shift the most. Cleaners may need to schedule a larger team or spend extra hours on problem areas.
Even though these extras come with added cost, they often prevent bigger deductions during checkout. The safest approach is to ask for a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what’s included.
How to Reduce Your End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost
A few small steps can lower your end of tenancy cleaning cost without putting your deposit at risk. These are the areas that make the biggest difference.
Handle Simple Jobs Yourself
Doing small tasks before the cleaning team arrives reduces the total time on site.
You can take care of things like:
- Emptying cupboards and drawers
- Removing personal items
- Wiping easy shelves and surfaces
- Clearing floors so cleaners can move freely
Bedrooms, in particular, clean quickly when they’re already cleared out.
Book During Off-Peak Times
Timing affects price.
You’ll usually find lower rates if you:
- Avoid Fridays, weekends, and month-end
- Choose a midweek slot
- Book early if you already know your checkout date
Peak dates in areas like Canary Wharf and Limehouse fill fast and push prices up.
Keep the Property in Decent Shape
Heavy limescale, grease, mould, or long-term build-up adds time and cost.
Light cleaning during your tenancy helps prevent:
- Repeated scrubbing
- Specialist product use
- Extended cleaning times
The cleaner the starting point, the lower the final bill.
Only Add Extras You Actually Need
Inventories decide what matters.
Before adding carpets, upholstery, blinds, or balcony cleaning, check whether:
- Those items appeared in the check-in report
- They were already professionally cleaned at the start
- The agent specifically requires those extras
Clear communication avoids paying for tasks you don’t need.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings
Urgent appointments usually cost more because cleaners must rearrange schedules or send a larger team.
Even a two to three-day notice period keeps prices more reasonable.
Seasonal and Last-Minute Booking Tips
Timing can change how smoothly your end of tenancy clean goes. Weather, daylight, and booking demand all play a role, especially in London where rentals turn over quickly. Planning around these patterns helps you avoid delays and extra costs.
Winter Move-Outs
Cold weather brings a few challenges. Carpets and upholstery take longer to dry, so low-moisture methods are often safer. Condensation can leave marks around windows, and mould appears more easily in bathrooms and on external walls. Short daylight hours also make it harder to inspect small areas, so booking your clean earlier in the day helps.
Summer and High-Season Moves
Between May and September, demand rises as students, job movers and families shift tenancies. Slots fill faster, and last-minute bookings can cost more. Homes with balconies or outdoor areas often need extra attention because warm weather brings dust, pollen and frequent balcony use.
Last-Minute or Emergency Cleans
If you’re moving on short notice, the best approach is to prioritise key rooms. Kitchens, bathrooms and floors matter most during checkout. Asking for a larger team speeds up the job, but urgent bookings usually come at a higher rate, especially at month-end or in busy areas like Canary Wharf.
Match the Clean to Your Inventory Date
The safest window is 24–48 hours before your inspection. This gives carpets time to dry and leaves space to fix anything the cleaning team flags. It also prevents dust settling again before the checkout takes place.
These small timing decisions help you avoid avoidable costs and make the checkout process much smoother.
DIY vs Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning
Some tenants consider doing the clean themselves to save money. Others prefer a professional service because of the deposit risk. Both options work in the right situation, but they come with different costs, time demands, and outcomes. These tables give you a clear side-by-side view.
DIY vs Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost and Time Comparison (2026)
|
Option |
Typical Cost |
Time Needed |
Best For |
|
DIY Clean |
£30–£80 for products and equipment |
1–2 full days |
Simple layouts, lightly used homes |
|
Professional Clean |
£160–£500+ depending on size |
4–10+ hours |
Passing checkout with minimal risk |
DIY seems cheaper at first, but it becomes expensive if the checkout fails. Professional cleaning often pays off in deposit protection alone.
DIY vs Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning Quality and Deposit Security Comparison (2026)
|
Factor |
DIY |
Professional Service |
|
Detail Level |
Depends on your time and tools |
High: cleaners follow inventory standards |
|
Carpets & Upholstery |
Requires rented machine |
Done with commercial hot-water extraction |
|
Oven & Appliances |
Time-consuming, often incomplete |
Deep cleaned with specialist products |
|
Hidden Areas |
Easy to overlook |
Included: skirting, vents, behind appliances |
|
Deposit Risk |
Higher |
Lower: many companies offer a re-clean guarantee |
Inventory clerks check areas most tenants miss. This is usually where deductions happen.
Who Should Choose DIY?
DIY works when:
- The property is very small or already in excellent condition
- You have enough time for a full deep clean
- You’re confident you can match the check-in report
It becomes risky if ovens, limescale, or carpets need heavy attention.
Who Should Choose a Professional Clean?
A professional clean is the safer choice when:
- You’re short on time
- The inventory is strict
- The property is furnished
- You need carpets, upholstery, or appliances treated properly
London rentals, especially modern flats in Canary Wharf, Limehouse and Poplar, tend to have higher checkout standards, making professional cleaning more reliable.
How to Choose an End of Tenancy Cleaning Company
The right cleaning team makes a big difference during checkout. A reliable service gives you a predictable cost, a clear scope of work, and a lower chance of deposit deductions. Here’s what to look for when comparing companies.
Check What’s Included in the Quote
A good quote outlines exactly what will be cleaned. Kitchens, bathrooms and major appliances should always be included. If carpets or upholstery appear on your inventory, confirm whether they require an add-on. Clear scope means no surprises on checkout day.
Look for Experience with Inventory Standards
Companies that handle end of tenancy cleaning regularly understand how landlords and agents inspect properties. They know how to clean hidden areas and high-touch points that often fail during checkout.
Ask About Guarantees
A re-clean guarantee matters. If the landlord raises an issue, the cleaning team returns at no extra cost. This small detail often protects your deposit.
Check Availability and Timing
Cleaners should offer flexible slots, especially if your checkout falls midweek or during peak rental dates. Booking early helps you secure a fair rate and avoids last-minute charges.
What to Compare When Choosing a Cleaning Company
|
Question |
Why It Matters |
|
Is the quote detailed? |
Avoids unexpected add-ons or missed tasks. |
|
Are appliances included? |
Ovens and fridges are major deposit checkpoints. |
|
Do they offer a re-clean guarantee? |
Lowers the risk of deductions. |
|
Do they work with your inventory date? |
Ensures the property stays clean before inspection. |
|
Can they handle carpets or upholstery if needed? |
Important for furnished homes and high-traffic areas. |
Why London Tenants Choose BetterMaid
Better Maid is known across Canary Wharf, Limehouse, Poplar and the wider London area for consistent, deposit-focused cleaning. You get locally vetted cleaners, eco-friendly products, and flexible booking seven days a week. Every service includes clear pricing and a smooth checkout, which helps tenants and landlords avoid stress.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost FAQs
How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in 2026?
Most homes fall between £160 and £500+, depending on size, location, and how much deep cleaning is required. London properties, especially furnished flats, usually sit at the higher end.
Is professional cleaning required to get my deposit back?
No. Tenants aren’t legally required to hire a professional service. The property just needs to match the cleanliness recorded in the check-in inventory. Many tenants choose professional cleaning because it reduces deposit disputes.
Why does London cost more than the rest of the UK?
Labour costs, travel, high-rise access, and demand all push prices up. Areas like Canary Wharf, Limehouse and Poplar often require extra appliance cleaning and balcony work, which also increases the quote.
Are carpets included in the standard price?
Usually not. Carpet cleaning is a separate service because it requires specialist equipment. If carpets were professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy, your landlord may expect the same at checkout.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A studio can take around 4–5 hours. A 1–2 bed flat typically needs 5–8 hours. Larger or furnished homes may take a full day. Heavy grease, limescale or mould adds extra time.
What makes the cost increase the most?
The biggest factors are property size, heavy build-up in kitchens and bathrooms, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and any last-minute booking during peak dates.
Do cleaners wash external windows or balconies?
External windows usually require a separate service. Balconies, glass rails and outdoor areas are also treated as add-ons because they need different equipment and more time.
Can I save money by doing part of the cleaning myself?
Yes, especially simple jobs like clearing surfaces, removing your belongings, wiping down easy areas, or vacuuming before the clean. This reduces the time the team spends on site.
What if the landlord isn’t satisfied with the clean?
Professional cleaners who specialise in tenancy work typically offer a re-clean guarantee. They return to fix anything noted during checkout. This is one of the biggest reasons tenants choose a professional service.
Do furnished homes cost more to clean?
Yes. Sofas, beds, drawers, and fabric furniture all require more time. Upholstery cleaning is often an additional service.
Final Thoughts
End of tenancy cleaning costs vary, but the goal stays the same for every tenant and landlord: a smooth checkout with no surprises. Understanding what shapes the price helps you budget properly and avoid last-minute stress, especially in busy areas like Canary Wharf, Limehouse and Poplar. When you know what’s included, what counts as an extra, and how timing affects the final quote, it’s much easier to decide whether to handle parts of the clean yourself or book a full professional service.
If you prefer a professional service, BetterMaid provides end of tenancy cleaning across London with clear pricing, vetted local cleaners, and flexible booking seven days a week. You can add carpets, upholstery or appliance cleaning only if your inventory requires it, keeping the whole process straightforward and cost-effective.
Get your free quote today and get ready for a smooth checkout.