Cleaning Between Tenancies: A Guide for Landlords

The standard a tenant must return the property to is the standard it was in when they moved in. If your inventory records a professionally cleaned property at check-in, that's a clear benchmark. If it records a property that was 'reasonably clean', that's what you'll be able to expect back.

Starting every tenancy with a thorough clean, documented with photos, makes it easier to resolve any deposit dispute and sets expectations for the tenant from day one.

The gap between tenancies is often tight. A typical sequence is: check-out inspection, any repairs or maintenance, cleaning, then the new check-in inventory. Cleaning should come after any repairs that create dust or mess, and as close to the new check-in as practical.

A turnaround clean is essentially an end of tenancy clean: kitchen and appliances, bathrooms with descaling, inside all cupboards, skirting boards, doors, windows inside, and floors. Carpet cleaning is often worth doing between tenancies, especially after pets or long lets. If the property is let furnished, add upholstery and mattresses.

Communal areas in HMOs and blocks may need separate arrangements – see our guide to communal area cleaning.

If the outgoing tenant leaves the property dirty, document it thoroughly at check-out against the check-in inventory, get a quote or invoice for the cleaning, and propose a deduction with evidence. Be proportionate: you can only claim to restore the check-in standard, allowing for fair wear and tear, and in England you can't require tenants to use a professional cleaner. Our deposit deductions guide covers the rules.

Working with one reliable cleaning company across your properties means consistent standards, someone who knows the properties and easier scheduling. Agree a standard task list and price per property size. Check that they hold public liability insurance and how they handle keys.

Some landlords, particularly in HMOs and student lets, provide cleaning of communal kitchens and bathrooms during the tenancy. It's a selling point and helps keep the property in good condition. If you do, make clear in the tenancy agreement what's included and what tenants remain responsible for.

Every day a property sits empty costs rent. A clean that's booked late, or that has to wait for maintenance to finish, can easily add several days to a void period. Building a standard turnaround plan for each property – who does what, in what order and how long it takes – helps.

Having trusted cleaners who know the property, and who can be booked as soon as a tenant gives notice, is one of the most effective ways to keep turnarounds tight.

Furnished properties need more time: mattresses, sofas, inside furniture and soft furnishings, plus any kitchen equipment on the inventory. HMOs have shared kitchens and bathrooms that may need a deeper clean than individual rooms, especially if several tenancies end at once.

Consider periodic professional cleaning of communal areas during the tenancy. It keeps the property in better condition and reduces the work at the end. See our guide to communal area cleaning.

Give cleaners the property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether it's furnished, the condition and the date. Photos help. Our end of tenancy cleaning prices give indicative ranges by property size.