Landlord Cleaning Requirements UK — What You Can Actually Insist On

Cleaning is the single biggest source of deposit disputes in the UK. The rules tightened sharply with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, but most landlords and many tenants still don't know exactly what is — and isn't — allowed. Here's the practical position.

Landlords can't require 'professional' cleaning

Since 1 June 2019, landlords cannot make a professional clean a condition of the tenancy or charge a flat 'professional cleaning fee' at the end. The property just needs to be returned in the same condition as the check-in inventory, allowing for fair wear and tear.

But the inventory standard still applies

If the check-in inventory shows the kitchen oven was spotless, you need to return it spotless. If it shows light limescale on the shower screen, you don't need to descale it perfectly. The benchmark is the photographs in the inventory, not a magazine.

What landlords CAN deduct for

• Cleaning below the check-in standard (with a written quote)
• Carpet stains that weren't there at check-in
• Limescale build-up beyond fair wear and tear
• Pet hair / odour requiring specialist treatment
• Garden left significantly worse than handed over

What landlords CAN'T deduct for

• A flat 'professional cleaning' fee with no quote
• Faded paint or worn carpets from normal use
• Cleaning the inside of windows the landlord couldn't reach at check-in
• Replacement when a repair would do

Practical advice for tenants

Photograph everything on move-in day. Use a vetted cleaning company with a 48-hour re-clean guarantee. Keep the receipt — it's your single best defence if the landlord disputes the standard.