How Much Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost? 2026 Pricing Guide

End of tenancy cleaning is one of those jobs where the price can vary wildly depending on who you ask. We've seen quotes range from £80 to over £800 for the same property. So what should you actually expect to pay, and what should be included?

We carry out hundreds of end of tenancy cleans every year across Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Here's an honest breakdown of what things cost in 2026 and what you should look for when comparing quotes.

Average end of tenancy cleaning prices in 2026

Prices vary by property size, condition, and what's included. These are typical prices for a standard end of tenancy clean (property in average condition, no extreme mess or hoarding):

What affects the price?

The headline price depends on several factors beyond just the number of bedrooms:

• Property condition: a well-maintained property costs less to clean than one that's been neglected
• Number of bathrooms: each additional bathroom adds time and cost
• Kitchen appliances: ovens, hobs, extractors, and fridge freezers all need individual attention
• Whether carpet cleaning is included or charged separately
• Whether the property is furnished or unfurnished (furnished takes longer)
• Access arrangements: key collection adds a small cost if the cleaner has to travel for keys

What should be included in an end of tenancy clean?

A proper end of tenancy clean should cover every room to the standard an inventory clerk expects. Be wary of companies that quote cheaply but only do a surface-level clean. At minimum, an end of tenancy clean should include:

Carpet Cleaning: Included or Extra?

Most end of tenancy cleaning companies charge for carpet cleaning separately, and this is standard practice. Professional carpet cleaning uses hot water extraction equipment that most general cleaning teams don't carry.

• First room: £75
• Additional rooms: £25-£35 each
• Full house (3-bed): typically £125-£175
• Stain treatment: included in most professional services

DIY vs Professional: Is It Worth the Cost?

We understand the temptation to save money and clean it yourself. But deposit dispute data tells a clear story: cleaning is the cause of over 50% of all deposit deductions. A professional clean with receipts and photographic evidence protects you against disputes and gets the property back on the market faster.

A failed inspection means rebooking, revisiting, and extending the void period. The cost of a professional clean is almost always less than the cost of an extra week of lost rent.

How to choose a cleaning company

If you need an end of tenancy clean in Lincoln or across Lincolnshire, we provide a clear, all-inclusive quote with no hidden extras. Every clean includes before and after photography, and we guarantee to return and address anything raised at checkout at no extra cost.

End of tenancy cleaning prices in Lincoln

Lincoln pricing sits below the national average — particularly when compared to London or the Home Counties. A 2-bed property that would cost £350-£500 in London typically costs £250-£350 in Lincoln. Lincolnshire-wide, expect to pay £20-£40 less than the equivalent national average.

Don't be tempted by quotes under £150 for a full property clean — these are almost always either a partial clean (e.g. communal areas only) or a sole-trader operating without insurance. The deposit you'd risk on a failed inspection makes saving £50 a false economy.

How long does an end of tenancy clean take?

Typical job durations for a property in average condition with two cleaners working together:

• Studio or 1-bed flat: 3-4 hours
• 2-bed house: 4-6 hours
• 3-bed house: 5-8 hours
• 4-bed house: 7-10 hours
• 5+ bed property: full day or split across two days

Heavy soiling (kitchen grease, mould, hoarding, pet damage) can add 30-50% to these times — and most companies will price-up accordingly once they've seen the property.

Add-on costs you might encounter

Standard end of tenancy cleans don't always include:

• External windows: £15-£40 typically (often excluded if the property is above ground floor)
• Garden tidy or patio sweep: from £50
• Limescale-heavy bathroom remediation: from £30 per bathroom on top of standard pricing
• AGA or range cooker deep-clean: £80-£150 vs standard oven £50-£75
• Mould treatment in bathrooms or behind furniture: £20-£60 per affected area
• Refuse removal (e.g. bin bags left behind): £30-£60
• Key collection from a non-local agent or holder: £15-£30

Frequently asked questions about cost

How much does an end of tenancy clean cost on average in 2026?

Across the UK, a typical end of tenancy clean costs £200-£550 depending on property size and location. The mid-point for a standard 3-bed house is £350-£400 (£300-£450 outside London). Add £75-£175 if carpet cleaning is included.

How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost for a 1-bed flat?

A standard 1-bed flat clean is £200-£300 in 2026 outside London, or £250-£375 in London. Studios sit at the bottom of that range. Add £75-£100 for carpet cleaning if needed.

Is end of tenancy cleaning cheaper if I do it myself?

On paper, yes — you'll save £200-£500. In practice, deposit dispute data shows cleaning causes more than half of all disputed deductions. The average deduction is £60-£100, but disputed cleaning charges can reach £200-£400. If you fail inspection and have to rebook a professional clean anyway, you'll pay twice. For most tenants, professional cleaning costs the same or less than the risk of deposit deduction.

Who pays for end of tenancy cleaning — landlord or tenant?

In England and Wales, since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot charge a tenant to pay for a professional clean as a condition of the tenancy. The tenant must return the property in the same standard of cleanliness as at move-in (per the inventory). If they don't, the landlord can deduct reasonable costs from the deposit. So while the tenant doesn't have to pay for a clean, they will end up paying via deposit deduction if the property isn't clean enough.

Why is end of tenancy cleaning more expensive than regular cleaning?

Three reasons: time, scope, and standards. A regular weekly clean is 2-3 hours focused on visible surfaces. An end of tenancy clean is 4-10 hours covering every surface, every appliance, and every space — including ovens, fridges, descaling, behind toilets, and inside cupboards. The standard required is also higher: inventory-pass rather than tidy-and-hoover.

How much should I pay for oven cleaning specifically?

A standalone professional oven clean costs £50-£75 for a standard built-in oven, £60-£90 with the hob and extractor, and £80-£150 for an AGA or range cooker. If included as part of an end of tenancy clean, it's usually folded into the headline price.

What's the cheapest way to get a property cleaned for end of tenancy?

Three legitimate ways to keep cost down: (1) book early — cleaners often offer 10-15% off if you book 2+ weeks ahead; (2) skip the carpet cleaning if the carpets aren't badly soiled and run a domestic vacuum thoroughly instead; (3) hand the property over already empty and pre-tidied, so the cleaner is doing a deep clean rather than also clearing your stuff. Avoid: mid-week trade groups on Facebook, no-name £100 quotes, and anyone unwilling to provide insurance details.

Are end of tenancy cleaning prices VAT-inclusive?

Most established cleaning companies are VAT-registered and quote prices either inclusive or with '+ VAT' shown clearly. Smaller sole traders may not be VAT-registered if their turnover is under £85k. Always check whether VAT is included before comparing quotes — a £300 + VAT quote is £360 net of VAT, the same as a £360 inclusive quote elsewhere.

Can I negotiate end of tenancy cleaning prices?

Sometimes. Cleaning companies have less flexibility on small jobs than large ones. For a single 1-2 bed flat, you're unlikely to get more than 5-10% discount unless the company is filling a quiet diary slot. For a multi-property landlord booking 5+ cleans a year, expect 10-20% discounts and priority scheduling. Loyalty matters — repeat business gets the best rates.