What Does an End of Tenancy Clean Include? A Full Breakdown
8 min read · 10 Ten Cleans Editorial Team
"End of tenancy clean" is one of the most loosely used phrases in the cleaning industry. One company's version is a quick spruce; another's is a top-to-bottom deep clean that satisfies the strictest inventory clerk. If you are booking one — or arguing with a landlord about what should have been done — you need to know exactly what a proper end of tenancy clean includes.
The standard a clean must meet
An end of tenancy clean is not a regular clean taken further. It is a full reset of the property to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. Letting agents and inventory clerks check against the original check-in inventory, so the clean must cover every item on that document — not just the visible surfaces.
Kitchen
- Oven, hob, and extractor hood degreased inside and out
- All cupboard fronts, handles, and the tops of the units wiped
- Cupboard interiors emptied and wiped
- Sink descaled and tap polished
- Fridge and freezer interior cleaned and defrosted
- Splashback and wall tiles degreased
- Floor swept and mopped, including behind and under freestanding appliances where accessible
Bathroom
- Showerhead descaled, tiles and grout treated
- Bath, basin, and toilet cleaned and sanitised inside and out
- Glass shower screen descaled and polished
- Mirrors and chrome fittings streak-free
- Sealant and silicone edges treated for mould
- Floor mopped right to the edges
Living areas and bedrooms
- All skirting boards, door frames, and architraves wiped
- Light fittings, switches, and plug sockets cleaned
- Internal windows and sills cleaned
- Carpets vacuumed throughout — and steam-cleaned if included
- Wardrobe and cupboard interiors emptied and wiped
- Marks on walls and doors lifted where possible
The details that decide deposits
Inventory clerks check the spots tenants miss: the tops of door frames, the inside of the extractor hood, behind the toilet, and the sealant around the bath. A clean that skips these is the difference between a returned deposit and a deduction.
What is usually not included
Unless you specify it, most end of tenancy cleans do not include carpet steam cleaning, curtain cleaning, or the inside of light fittings. These are typically add-ons — worth booking if the check-in inventory notes them as clean.
Our end of tenancy service follows a 50-point checklist and is backed by a re-clean guarantee. Book online and walk away knowing your deposit is protected.
