If you’re moving out of a rented property, the end of tenancy clean is one of the biggest factors in whether you get your full deposit back. But “a clean” means very different things to different people. So what does a professional end of tenancy clean actually include?
In short: everything needed to return the property to the condition it was in at the start of your tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. Here’s how that breaks down.
The standard: inventory check-out
A proper end of tenancy clean isn’t judged by how it looks at a glance. It’s judged against your check-in inventory — the report (usually with photos) that recorded the property’s condition when you moved in. At check-out, the landlord, agent or an independent inventory clerk compares the two. Anything dirtier than it was at check-in can be flagged, and flagged items can become deposit deductions.
That’s why we clean to inventory check-out standard: the same criteria your property will be inspected against.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most cleaning deductions happen, so it gets the most time.
- Inside the oven, racks, trays and glass door — degreased and cleaned (included as standard in our end of tenancy cleans)
- Hob, extractor hood and splashback degreased
- Inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers
- Fridge and freezer cleaned inside and out
- Washing machine and dishwasher cleaned, including seals and drawers
- Sink and taps descaled and polished
- Worktops, tiles and skirting wiped down
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
Bathrooms
- Limescale removed from taps, showerheads, screens and tiles
- Toilet cleaned and sanitised, including the base and behind
- Bath, shower tray and basin scrubbed
- Mirrors, glass and chrome polished
- Extractor fan covers wiped
- Floors cleaned, including edges and corners
Bedrooms and living areas
- Inside wardrobes, drawers and built-in storage
- Skirting boards, door frames and doors
- Light switches, sockets and handles
- Internal windows, sills and frames
- Radiators dusted and wiped
- Floors vacuumed and hard floors mopped
Throughout the property
- Cobwebs removed from ceilings and corners
- All accessible surfaces dusted and wiped
- Light fittings dusted (where safe and accessible)
- Bins emptied and cleaned
What’s usually an add-on?
Some jobs need specialist equipment or extra time, so they’re priced separately. With Nestro, carpet cleaning is £30 per room and external window cleaning starts from £30. It’s worth checking your inventory: if the carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in, you may be expected to return them in the same condition.
Does the property need to be empty?
Ideally, yes. An end of tenancy clean works best when all your belongings are out, so every cupboard, surface and floor can be reached. If you’re still living there, a deep clean is usually the better fit.
How to book
Tell us the property size, your check-out date and anything specific in your inventory. We’ll give you a fixed price up front — our end of tenancy cleans start from £200 for a one-bedroom property — and we can usually get to you within 24–48 hours. If anything is flagged within 48 hours, we come back and re-clean it free of charge.
Furnished vs unfurnished properties
In a furnished let, the clean also covers the furniture provided by the landlord: wiping down tables, chairs and bedside units, cleaning inside furnished drawers and wardrobes, and vacuuming sofas and mattresses. Upholstery cleaning (from £45) is available if sofas or chairs need more than a vacuum. In an unfurnished property, the focus is entirely on the fixtures, fittings and built-in storage.
What isn’t included?
A standard end of tenancy clean covers the inside of the property. It doesn’t normally include gardens, sheds or garages, external windows (available from £30), rubbish removal (quoted on request) or repairs such as filling holes or repainting. If something like mould in grout has grown into the material itself, cleaning may lighten it but not remove it completely — we’ll always be upfront about that.
Quick answers
Do I need to be there during the clean?
No. Many tenants have already moved out by cleaning day. We offer key collection and drop-off, so you can arrange access and get on with your move.
Do you bring your own products and equipment?
Yes. Everything is supplied, so you don’t need to leave anything behind for us.
What if the agent isn’t happy with something?
Tell us within 48 hours and we’ll come back and re-clean the flagged items free of charge. That’s our re-clean guarantee.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can once you know your check-out date. That said, we can often fit in short-notice cleans within 24–48 hours.