What the standard is
Whichever route you choose, the goal is the same: return the property as clean as it was at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear. In England and Wales, landlords generally can't require you to use a professional cleaner, but they can deduct reasonable costs if the property is left less clean. See professional cleaning clauses.
If the check-in inventory says the property was professionally cleaned, the bar is high. If it was only 'domestically clean', a thorough DIY clean may meet it.
The case for DIY
DIY makes sense if the property is small, in good condition, and you've kept on top of cleaning during the tenancy. A studio or one-bedroom flat with a lightly used oven and no limescale problems is very manageable over a day or two. You save the cost of a professional clean and can work to your own timetable.
It also suits tenants with time between moving out and the check-out inspection – enough to do it properly and fix anything missed.
The case for professionals
Professional teams are fast, experienced and bring the right products and equipment. They know what inventory clerks check, work to a detailed checklist and usually offer a re-clean guarantee. For larger homes, heavily used kitchens, hard-water bathrooms and tight move-out schedules, the time saved is significant.
A professional invoice can also be useful evidence if there's a dispute. If the property was professionally cleaned at check-in, it's the most reliable way to match that standard. See end of tenancy cleaning guarantees.
Comparing time and cost
A rough comparison for a two-bedroom flat in average condition:
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Often 12–20 hours for one or two people | Around 4–7 hours on site with a team |
| Cost | Products and equipment | Around £150–£300 outside London (see price guide) |
| Oven | Hours of scrubbing | Usually included; dip tank if specialist |
| Carpets | Hire machine, longer drying | Add-on with professional extraction |
| Guarantee | None | Often 48–72 hours or more |
Illustrative comparison only. Your time, prices and condition will differ.
Get quotes from local cleaners
The hardest jobs to do yourself
These are the areas most often noted at check-out, and the ones DIY cleaners struggle with:
- Ovens, grills and extractor hoods with years of baked-on grease
- Limescale on shower screens, taps and tiles in hard-water areas
- Mould on sealant and grout
- Carpets, especially with pets or spills
- High-level dusting, light fittings and the tops of cupboards
- Inside windows and window tracks
A middle ground
Many tenants save money by doing most of the clean themselves and booking specialists for the hardest parts – a professional oven clean, carpet cleaning, or both. Others book a professional end of tenancy clean but do the decluttering, defrosting and rubbish removal themselves first so the clean is quicker.
If you go DIY, use our end of tenancy cleaning checklist, start a few days early, take dated photos of every room, and attend the check-out if you can.
Getting quotes
If you decide to hire, get quotes early – end of month and late summer are busy. Compare the checklist, what's included (oven, carpets, windows), the guarantee and insurance as well as the price. See end of tenancy cleaning prices and our end of tenancy cleaning page to request quotes from local companies.
