What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include? UK Checklist

End of tenancy cleaning is a detailed move-out clean covering the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, hallways, interior windows, accessible surfaces, cupboards and drawers, skirting boards, and floors. The exact scope varies between cleaning companies and packages. At Properly Services, carpet vacuuming and interior windows are included in the standard property clean, while services such as internal oven cleaning and professional carpet extraction may be separately priced depending on the package booked.

This UK end of tenancy cleaning checklist explains what is normally cleaned room by room, what Properly Services includes, which services require separate agreement, and what tenants should check before handing back the keys. You can also view our end of tenancy cleaning service for our current service scope.

What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include at a Glance?

Cleaning task	Properly Services standard scope	Separate / optional
Kitchen surfaces, sink and taps	Included	—
Cupboards and drawers	Inside and outside when empty and accessible	—
Bathrooms and toilets	Included within the booked package	Additional bathrooms may affect the quote
Limescale removal	Included where required and reasonably removable	Specialist treatment may require separate assessment
Interior windows	Included	Exterior window cleaning is separate
Skirting boards, doors and accessible surfaces	Included	—
Carpet vacuuming	Included	—
Hard-floor cleaning	Included	—
Kitchen appliance interiors	Up to 3 agreed appliance interiors in 1–5 bedroom packages	Additional appliances are separately priced
Internal oven cleaning	Included within the Studio package	Separately priced for 1–5 bedroom packages
Professional carpet extraction	Not part of standard vacuuming	Optional add-on
Upholstery cleaning	Not standard	Optional add-on
Exterior windows	Not standard	Separate service subject to access and availability

Important: “End of tenancy cleaning” does not have one universal checklist used by every cleaning company. Always compare the written scope of the service you book with your property, check-in information and any specific checkout requirements.

What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include, Room by Room?

A move-out clean focuses on detailed areas that may be missed during routine cleaning and often become easier to access once belongings have been removed. The checklist below shows the main areas normally considered during an end of tenancy clean.

Kitchen

• Worktops, splashbacks and accessible surfaces
• Sink and taps, including descaling where required
• Hob and extractor exterior surfaces
• Oven exterior
• Cupboard and drawer interiors and exteriors when empty and accessible
• Agreed kitchen appliance interiors
• Light switches and sockets
• Interior window glass, frames and sills
• Skirting boards, edges and corners
• Vacuuming and mopping of floors

Internal oven cleaning and appliance interiors should always be checked against the package booked rather than assumed to be included automatically.

Bathrooms and Toilets

• Baths, showers and shower trays
• Shower screens and accessible glass
• Toilets and surrounding areas
• Sinks and taps
• Limescale and soap-residue removal where reasonably possible
• Accessible tiles and grout
• Mirrors and accessible surfaces
• Empty cabinet interiors
• Extractor exterior
• Floors, edges and corners

Cleaning can remove ordinary surface dirt, soap residue and many limescale deposits, but it cannot repair damaged grout, deteriorated sealant, permanent staining or underlying mould problems that require specialist remediation.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Accessible surfaces and ledges
• Skirting boards and door frames
• Doors and handles
• Light switches and sockets
• Cobweb removal from accessible areas
• Empty wardrobes, cupboards, shelves and drawers
• Interior windows and sills
• Radiator exterior surfaces
• Carpet vacuuming or hard-floor cleaning

Hallways and Stairs

• Accessible banisters and rails
• Skirting boards
• Doors, handles and frames
• Switches and sockets
• Stair edges and corners
• Vacuuming or mopping
• Empty understairs storage where included and accessible

Windows

• Interior window glass
• Accessible interior frames
• Window sills
• Accessible handles and tracks

Exterior window cleaning is normally treated as a separate service because safe access, height and specialist equipment requirements vary between properties.

Floors and Carpets

• Thorough vacuuming of carpeted areas
• Attention to accessible edges and corners
• Vacuuming or sweeping beneath lightweight, safely movable items where accessible
• Vacuuming and mopping suitable hard floors

Professional carpet extraction, steam cleaning, shampooing and specialist stain treatment are different from standard carpet vacuuming and should be booked separately where required.

What Is Included in a Properly Services End of Tenancy Package?

For 1–5 bedroom property packages, the scope includes the selected number of bedrooms, one bathroom/toilet, one living room and hallway, one kitchen, all interior windows, all radiator exterior surfaces, and internal cleaning of up to three agreed kitchen appliance interiors.

Internal oven cleaning is separately priced for 1–5 bedroom packages and does not count towards the three included appliance interiors. The £150 Studio package includes all appliance interiors within the studio.

Additional bathrooms, extra rooms, additional appliance interiors and specialist services should be declared when requesting a quote so they can be included in the agreed scope and price.

Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include Oven Cleaning?

It depends on the cleaning company and the package booked. Some end of tenancy cleaning services include the oven interior as standard, while others charge separately. At Properly Services, the oven exterior is included in the standard property clean. Internal oven cleaning is included within our Studio package but is separately priced for our 1–5 bedroom property packages.

Our separately priced internal oven cleaning service covers the oven interior, racks, trays and internal door glass. Tell us the type and condition of the oven when requesting your quote.

Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include Carpet Cleaning?

Standard end of tenancy cleaning usually includes vacuuming carpets, but professional carpet extraction or deep cleaning is a separate service. At Properly Services, carpet vacuuming is included in the standard property clean. Professional hot-water extraction and specialist carpet treatment can be added separately when required.

Carpet task	Properly standard EOT clean
Vacuuming	Included
Accessible edges and corners	Included
Hot-water extraction / deep cleaning	Optional add-on
Specialist stain treatment	Separate assessment / add-on
Pet odour or heavy soiling treatment	Separate assessment / add-on

If the carpet requires more than normal vacuuming, add our professional carpet cleaning service to the booking. Not every stain can be removed, and deep carpet cleaning is not automatically necessary for every tenancy.

Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include Windows?

Yes. Properly Services includes interior windows throughout the quoted property as part of the standard end of tenancy clean. This includes accessible interior glass, frames and sills. Accessible window tracks and handles are also cleaned where they form part of the agreed scope.

Exterior window cleaning is not part of the standard end of tenancy package. It is a separate service subject to safe access, property type and availability.

Are Cupboards, Drawers and Wardrobes Cleaned Inside?

Yes, when they are empty and accessible. Properly Services cleans the interiors and exteriors of agreed kitchen cupboards and drawers, together with empty wardrobes, cupboards and drawers in bedrooms and living areas. Personal belongings should be removed before the team arrives so the interiors can be cleaned properly.

Are Kitchen Appliances Cleaned Inside?

Properly Services’ 1–5 bedroom packages include internal cleaning of up to three agreed kitchen appliance interiors. These should be agreed when the quote is arranged. Internal oven cleaning is separately priced and does not count towards the three included appliance interiors.

Fridges and freezers should be empty and defrosted where required before internal cleaning. Additional appliances beyond the package allowance can be added to the quote.

What Is Not Included in End of Tenancy Cleaning?

A standard end of tenancy clean does not automatically include every specialist, exterior or repair-related task. The following services either require separate agreement or fall outside ordinary cleaning work.

Services That Usually Need Separate Agreement

• Internal oven cleaning where it is not included in the booked package
• Professional carpet extraction or steam cleaning
• Upholstery and mattress cleaning
• Exterior window cleaning
• Additional appliance interiors beyond the package allowance
• Additional bathrooms, bedrooms or other rooms beyond the quoted package
• Outdoor pressure washing and specialist exterior cleaning

Work That Is Not Ordinary Cleaning

• Repairs to broken fittings or damaged surfaces
• Replacing damaged grout or sealant
• Repainting or repairing walls
• Removing permanent stains or physical damage where cleaning cannot reverse them
• Specialist mould remediation
• Pest treatment
• Hazardous-waste removal
• Unsafe or inaccessible areas
• Moving unusually heavy furniture or appliances where it is unsafe to do so

If any of these issues apply to the property, tell us before booking so we can confirm whether the work is available and whether it requires a separate service.

What Standard of Cleaning Is Required at the End of a Tenancy?

The most useful benchmark is the level of cleanliness recorded when the tenancy began. Check-in inventories, schedules of condition, photographs and check-out reports can help show whether the property has been returned to an appropriate level of cleanliness.

Cleaning and physical condition are not exactly the same issue. Ordinary ageing and deterioration are considered differently from dirt, grease, limescale or other cleaning issues. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme advises that the check-in and check-out evidence is important when assessing cleaning claims and that a tenant should not be required to return a property cleaner than it was at the start of the tenancy.

For more detail on cleaning obligations and paid professional services, read our guide to whether end of tenancy cleaning is mandatory.

Can I Do End of Tenancy Cleaning Myself?

Yes. You can carry out an end of tenancy clean yourself. The important issue is whether the property is returned to the required level of cleanliness, rather than simply whether a professional cleaning company was used.

• Compare the property with the check-in inventory and photographs.
• Allow enough time for detailed cleaning rather than only routine tidying.
• Use suitable products for grease, limescale and the surfaces being cleaned.
• Empty cupboards, drawers and appliances that need internal cleaning.
• Check commonly missed areas before handing back the keys.
• Keep appropriate evidence of the condition at the end of the tenancy.
• Consider specialist help for tasks such as oven interiors or deep carpet cleaning if they are needed.

Do I Have to Hire a Professional End of Tenancy Cleaner?

Not automatically. In England, landlords and agents cannot simply require a tenant to pay a separate professional-cleaning fee. The relevant question is whether the property has been returned to the required cleaning standard. If you can achieve that standard yourself, using a professional cleaning company is not automatically required.

Tenancy rules differ across the UK, so check the agreement and guidance that applies where the property is located if you are unsure.

Easy-to-Miss Areas to Check Before Handover

• Cupboard corners and handles: empty storage areas are easier to inspect and clean internally.
• Extractor surfaces: grease and dust can collect around extractor covers and accessible surfaces.
• Appliance seals and edges: check the appliances included in the booking.
• Bathroom edges: inspect around taps, shower screens, the toilet base and tiled edges.
• Window sills and tracks: dust and debris can remain in accessible tracks and corners.
• High and low surfaces: check accessible wardrobe tops, light fittings, skirting boards and door frames.
• Switches and handles: frequently touched surfaces can be easy to overlook.
• Behind accessible furniture: check areas that can be reached safely without moving unusually heavy items.

How Should You Prepare for an End of Tenancy Clean?

The property should be as empty and accessible as practical before the cleaning team arrives. Removing belongings and rubbish first allows the team to concentrate on the cleaning work rather than clearing the property.

• Remove personal belongings and rubbish.
• Empty cupboards, drawers and wardrobes that need internal cleaning.
• Empty appliances that are being cleaned internally.
• Defrost fridges or freezers where required and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make sure the team can access the property at the agreed time.
• Keep water and electricity available throughout the clean.
• Arrange any required parking or access permits.
• Share your inventory and point out any specific cleaning concerns.
• Confirm the key-handover or check-out deadline.

How Long Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Take?

The time required depends on property size, condition, the number of bathrooms, team size and any additional services booked. Heavy kitchen grease, significant limescale, additional appliance interiors and professional carpet cleaning can all increase the time required.

Properly Services’ current published London estimates are around 2 hours for a studio, 3 hours for a 1-bedroom property, 3.5 hours for 2 bedrooms, 4 hours for 3 bedrooms, 4.5 hours for 4 bedrooms and 5.5 hours for 5 bedrooms. These are typical estimates based on previous jobs, not guaranteed completion times.

For a detailed explanation of property size, team size and the factors that affect cleaning time, read our guide to how long end of tenancy cleaning takes. For current property-size prices and add-ons, see our London end of tenancy cleaning price guide.

When Should End of Tenancy Cleaning Be Done?

End of tenancy cleaning is usually most practical after most or all personal belongings have been removed and before the final check-out inspection or key handover. This gives cleaners better access to cupboards, floors, storage areas and other surfaces and gives you an opportunity to inspect the property before leaving.

Allow a sensible buffer between the cleaning appointment and your final deadline where possible, particularly for larger properties or bookings that include carpet cleaning, multiple appliances or other additional services.

End of Tenancy Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

	End of tenancy cleaning	General deep cleaning
Main purpose	Preparing a rental property for move-out and check-out	Thoroughly cleaning a property regardless of tenancy stage
Check-in inventory relevance	Often important	Not normally the main focus
Empty cupboard and drawer interiors	Commonly included when accessible	Depends on the booked scope
Interior windows	Commonly included	Depends on the booked scope
Property occupancy	Best completed once belongings are largely removed	Can be carried out in an occupied property

If you are moving out and deciding which service you need, read our guide to deep cleaning after moving out.

Check the Property Before Returning the Keys

• Walk through the property using your check-in inventory where available.
• Compare the completed work with the cleaning scope you booked.
• Check cupboards, appliances and other areas that needed to be empty for cleaning.
• Inspect commonly missed areas before returning the keys.
• Keep your invoice, booking confirmation and relevant messages.
• Keep appropriate evidence of the property’s condition at handover.
• Raise any missed cleaning tasks promptly with the cleaning provider.

A professional clean does not guarantee the full return of a tenancy deposit. Cleaning is only one part of a property check-out, and a cleaning receipt does not by itself establish the property’s overall condition.

For a broader look at the final inspection beyond cleaning, see our guide to what a landlord checks at the end of a tenancy, including cleanliness, inventory condition, damage, missing items, keys and check-out evidence.

If you are concerned about a proposed deduction after check-out, read our guide to landlord cleaning charges and tenancy deposit deductions.

How Much Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost?

End of tenancy cleaning prices depend on property size, bathrooms, condition and any additional services booked. Properly Services’ current London property-size packages start from £150 for a studio, with the full price confirmed before the booking.

See our London end of tenancy cleaning price guide for current property-size prices, typical durations, appliance charges, carpet cleaning prices and other optional services.

End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: Frequently Asked Questions

What gets cleaned at the end of a tenancy?

A detailed end of tenancy clean normally covers the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, hallways, accessible storage, interior windows and floors. The exact scope depends on the package booked, particularly for oven interiors, specialist carpet cleaning, upholstery and exterior windows.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include the oven?

It depends on the provider and package. Properly Services includes the oven exterior in the standard clean. Internal oven cleaning is included in our Studio package and separately priced for our 1–5 bedroom packages.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include carpets?

Carpet vacuuming is included in Properly Services’ standard end of tenancy cleaning scope. Professional carpet extraction or deep steam cleaning is a separately priced optional service.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include windows?

Properly Services includes interior window cleaning in the standard end of tenancy package. Exterior window cleaning is a separate service and depends on safe access and availability.

Can I clean the property myself at the end of the tenancy?

Yes. Using a professional cleaner is not automatically required. What matters is whether the property is returned to the required cleaning standard, taking the recorded starting condition into account.

How long should an end of tenancy clean take?

There is no single duration. Property size, condition, bathrooms, team size and additional services all affect the time required. Properly Services’ published estimates currently range from around 2 hours for a studio to around 5.5 hours for a 5-bedroom property, with actual times varying by job.

Sources and Further Guidance

For tenancy-specific questions, the starting condition of the property and the evidence available at check-in and check-out are important. The following independent guidance may help:

• GOV.UK — Tenant Fees Act 2019 guidance for tenants (England)
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme — Do I need to professionally clean at the end of the tenancy?

Service information on this page was reviewed by Properly Services Ltd in October 2026. Always check the written scope supplied with your own booking because cleaning requirements and package inclusions can vary.

Arrange Your End of Tenancy Clean

Properly Services provides end of tenancy cleaning throughout England, plus Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas. View our end of tenancy cleaning service or request a quote with your property size, location, required appliances and preferred date.