Cleaning Responsibilities for Tenants and Landlords

Cleaning is one of the most frequently disputed areas between tenants and landlords at the end of a tenancy. Understanding who is responsible for what — and what standard is expected — can help both parties avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure deposit deductions are fair and justified.

Tenant Responsibilities During a Tenancy

Tenants are generally responsible for keeping the property in a clean and tidy condition throughout their tenancy. Most tenancy agreements include a clause requiring the tenant to maintain the property in "the same state of cleanliness as at the commencement of the tenancy". In practice, this means:

• Regular cleaning of kitchen surfaces, hob, and appliances
• Regular cleaning of bathrooms, including toilets, baths, and showers
• Keeping floors clean and free from staining where avoidable
• Preventing mould build-up through adequate ventilation
• General upkeep of all rooms throughout the tenancy

Tenant Responsibilities at the End of a Tenancy

At the end of a tenancy, tenants are expected to return the property in the same condition — in terms of cleanliness — as it was provided. If the property was professionally cleaned before the tenancy began, a professional standard of cleaning is expected on departure.

A thorough end of tenancy clean should include:

• Full kitchen clean, including inside and outside of all appliances and cupboards
• Bathroom and toilet deep clean, including descaling and grout cleaning
• All rooms — skirting boards, window sills, door frames, and light fittings
• Floors — vacuumed and mopped as appropriate
• Inside all wardrobes and storage cupboards

What about carpets and ovens?

These are common sources of dispute. If carpets were professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy, the tenant is expected to have them professionally cleaned at the end. The same principle applies to ovens — if the oven was clean at check-in, it should be clean at check-out. Professional carpet cleaning and oven cleaning are available as part of a full end of tenancy package.

What Landlords Cannot Charge Tenants For

Landlords cannot deduct from a deposit for cleaning that goes beyond the standard of cleanliness at the start of the tenancy. They also cannot charge for fair wear and tear — for example, a carpet that is simply worn from normal use rather than dirty or damaged.

Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England cannot require tenants to pay for a professional clean as an upfront mandatory fee. However, if the property is returned dirty and a professional clean is required, the cost may be deducted from the deposit via the deposit protection scheme.

Landlord Responsibilities Between Tenancies

Landlords are responsible for ensuring the property is professionally cleaned to a good standard before a new tenant moves in. This protects the incoming tenant's right to a clean home and provides the baseline against which the outgoing tenant will be measured at the end of their tenancy.

Landlords should also address any maintenance issues — repairs, painting, and general condition — between tenancies. Our landlord maintenance service covers all of these requirements in one visit, minimising void periods.

The Role of the Inventory

The inventory is the single most important document in any cleaning dispute. A detailed check-in inventory with photographs provides a clear baseline for the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. Without it, landlords have little evidence to support deductions for cleaning.

Always commission a thorough inventory at the start of every tenancy, and carry out a detailed check-out inspection at the end.

Need Help?

Whether you're a tenant preparing to leave a property or a landlord getting ready for a new occupier, Multrex Maintenance can help. We provide professional end of tenancy cleaning, carpet cleaning, and oven cleaning across Essex and the surrounding region. Contact us for a free quote.