End of Tenancy Deep Clean: What Landlords Need to Know
End of tenancy cleaning is the single most common cause of deposit disputes in the UK. This guide explains exactly what landlords and letting agents should expect from a deposit-dispute-proof clean, and when a routine end-of-tenancy turns into a specialist job.
1. What the deposit schemes actually require
TDS, DPS and MyDeposits all apply the same standard: the property must be returned in the same condition as the check-in inventory, allowing for fair wear and tear. Cleanliness is judged against the check-in report, not against 'professionally cleaned' as a blanket standard.
A professional clean with a written checklist and dated photographs is the easiest way to win a deposit dispute. Verbal assurances don't survive adjudication.
2. Standard end-of-tenancy scope
Kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, fridge/freezer defrost, all cupboards inside and out, descale. Bathrooms: full descale, grout, sealant, extractor. All rooms: skirtings, sockets, light fittings, doors, frames, inside windows. Carpets: vacuum, stain treat or full extraction. Garden/outside: bin area, patio sweep.
3. When it becomes a specialist job
Escalate to a specialist when there is hoarding, pet damage at scale, smoke contamination, mould, biohazard contamination, drug-use residue, needles, or a deceased estate. Standard end-of-tenancy companies are not insured or licensed for these — and the deposit will not cover the work without the right invoices.
4. Turnaround and cost
A standard 2-bed end-of-tenancy with ATG is typically completed in a day. Specialist escalations (hoarding, biohazard) take 2–5 days. We invoice the landlord or letting agent directly, with VAT receipts and a photographic completion report suitable for deposit scheme adjudication.
ATG Cleaning delivers deposit-dispute-proof end of tenancy cleans across Kent and Surrey, with a photographic completion report on every job. Call 07711 794 975.
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