A Cambridge Landlord's Guide to End of Tenancy Cleaning

As a Cambridge landlord or letting agent, the end of a tenancy is one of the most time-sensitive and potentially contentious periods of property management. Getting the property cleaned to the required standard quickly — and fairly — is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Standard Should an End of Tenancy Clean Achieve?

The legal position in the UK is that a tenant must return the property in the same condition as when they moved in, taking into account reasonable wear and tear. In practice, this means the property should be cleaned to a standard that matches the original inventory — not necessarily spotless to a new-build standard, but thoroughly clean and presentable.

Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords in England cannot require tenants to use a specific cleaning company or pay for a professional clean as a condition of the tenancy. However, if the property is not returned in adequate condition, deductions from the deposit are legally permissible where they are reasonable and evidence-based.

The Role of the Inventory Clerk

A detailed check-in and check-out inventory is your most important tool. The cleanliness standard documented at check-in is the benchmark you can hold the tenant to at check-out. Without a clear check-in inventory, deposit deductions for cleaning become very difficult to enforce through arbitration schemes.

What a Professional End of Tenancy Clean Should Include

A reputable professional cleaning company should provide a comprehensive room-by-room deep clean covering:

• Kitchen — all cupboards inside and out, worktops, appliances, sink, floor
• Bathrooms and WCs — tiles, grout, limescale removal, sanitary fittings, floor
• All bedrooms — wardrobes inside and out, all surfaces, floors, carpets hoovered
• Living areas and hallways — all surfaces, carpets, hard floors, skirting boards
• Interior windows throughout

What is NOT Included in a Standard End of Tenancy Clean

It is important to confirm the scope carefully. Standard end of tenancy cleans typically do not include:

• Oven cleaning — this is usually an additional service
• Carpet deep cleaning — hoovering is standard; hot water extraction is extra
• External windows
• Garages, sheds, outbuildings, garden rooms, conservatories
• Balconies and external areas
• Garden maintenance

If these areas need to be cleaned, ensure they are specifically requested and priced at the time of booking.

Should You Arrange the Clean or Leave it to the Tenant?

Both approaches are common. If you arrange a professional clean yourself (and deduct the cost from the deposit), ensure you have evidence that the property was not returned in adequate condition — photographs and a checkout inventory report.

If you leave it to the tenant, confirm with your letting agent whether the checkout report will include a cleaning assessment, and what the threshold is for raising a dispute.

Turnaround Times — Getting the Property Back on the Market

In Cambridge's competitive rental market, a fast turnaround matters. If you are arranging a professional end of tenancy clean between tenancies, it is worth booking in advance rather than waiting for the check-out date — especially in peak periods such as end of August when student accommodation turns over.

Booking a Professional End of Tenancy Clean in Cambridge

Zap Cleaning works with landlords and letting agents across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. We provide a free, no-obligation quote for every property, confirmed after receiving the full details, and we are transparent about what is and isn't included.

For landlords managing multiple properties, please contact us to discuss ongoing arrangements.