TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
“Professional Cleaning”: Your landlord cannot force you to pay for professional cleaning unless you left the house in a worse state than when you moved in.
Fair Wear & Tear: You are not responsible for normal aging (like faded curtains or worn carpets). Landlords cannot charge you “new for old.”
The Inventory: The check-in inventory is your golden ticket. If the dirt isn’t on there, they can’t prove you did it.
Dispute It: If you disagree with a charge, you can use the Deposit Protection Scheme’s free dispute service. You don’t need a lawyer.
Moving out is stressful enough without your landlord trying to bill you £200 for a “professional deep clean” because of a little dust on the skirting board. It is the most common dispute in UK renting.
Can they charge me? Usually, no.
Unless you have left the property in a significantly worse condition than when you arrived, they cannot just grab your cash for cleaning.
A Quick Story: Meet Sarah
Sarah rents a flat for 2 years. She vacuums and wipes everything down before leaving.
Her landlord inspects it and says, “The carpets aren’t steam-cleaned. I’m deducting £150 for a professional cleaner.”
Sarah checks her contract. It says: “Tenant must pay for professional cleaning.”
Sarah thinks she has to pay because it’s in the contract.
The Verdict: Sarah is right to be suspicious. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, clauses forcing you to pay for “professional cleaning” are illegal. As long as Sarah cleaned it to the same standard as when she moved in, she doesn’t have to pay a penny.
The Golden Rule: “Betterment” is Banned
Landlords are not allowed to use your deposit to upgrade their property.
The Law: You only have to return the property in the same condition it was given to you (minus “Fair Wear and Tear”).
Example: If the carpets were old and slightly stained when you moved in, you do not have to buy them brand new carpets when you leave. That is called “Betterment,” and it is illegal.
What is “Fair Wear and Tear”?
This is your best defence. A landlord cannot charge you for damage that happens naturally over time.
You ARE responsible for:
Red wine stains on the carpet (Damage).
A hole in the wall from a TV bracket (Damage).
leaving piles of rubbish bags (Neglect).
You are NOT responsible for:
Faded curtains from the sun (Wear and Tear).
Scuff marks on the hallway floor from walking (Wear and Tear).
Worn paintwork after 3 years (Wear and Tear).
Your 3-Step Dispute Plan
If your landlord sends you a bill you don’t agree with, do not panic. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Check the “Check-In” Report
Find the inventory report from the day you moved in.
Does it say “Carpets: Brand New” or “Carpets: Worn”?
If the house wasn’t spotless when you arrived, you don’t have to leave it spotless when you leave.
Step 2: Send the “Refusal” Email
Reply to your landlord politely but firmly. Use this template:
“I do not agree to the deduction of £150 for cleaning. I left the property in the same domestic standard as I found it, accounting for fair wear and tear. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans mandatory professional cleaning fees. Please return my full deposit.”
Step 3: Go to the Scheme
If they still refuse, tell them: “I will raise a dispute with the Deposit Protection Scheme.”
Good News: This service is free for you.
Better News: The Landlord has to prove you caused damage. If they have no evidence (photos/inventory), the Adjudicator will give you your money back.
Summary: Keep Your Cash
Landlords often try their luck with cleaning fees. Don’t let them.
Remember:
Take Photos: On your last day, photograph everything.
Ignore “Professional Clean” Clauses: They are likely unenforceable.
Use the Scheme: The Deposit Protection Service is there to help you.
(Sources: Gov.uk – Tenancy Deposit Protection, Shelter – Unfair Deductions)
This guide covers tenancy laws for England. Rules in Scotland and Wales may differ. Always consult a professional for specific legal disputes.