End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs in London 2026
End of tenancy cleaning in London costs between £170 and £500+ in 2026 — with most 2-bedroom flats falling in the £260–£340 range. That's roughly 10–15% of one month's rent, and a fraction of the deposit you stand to lose if the property fails inspection.
How much you actually pay depends on your property's size and condition, which London borough you're in, what add-on services you need, and whether you choose to clean it yourself, hire an hourly cleaner, or use a professional end of tenancy service. Each approach has different cost, risk, and time profiles — and the cheapest option isn't always the most cost-effective when your deposit is on the line.
This guide breaks down every pricing factor for 2026, compares all three approaches side by side, and puts cleaning costs in context against average rents across 20 London boroughs. Whether you're moving out of a studio in Bexley or a 3-bed in Kensington, the data here will help you make an informed decision.
£260–£340
Average 2-bed
London 2026£22–£30
Hourly rate
London cleaners50%+
Of TDS disputes
are about cleaning20–30%
London premium
vs UK average
"I was shocked at how much it costs for end of tenancy cleaning. And the landlord insisted it had to be this particular company only. I thought £300 was too much for a 2-bedroom flat, but after seeing the result, I have to say I was impressed." — u/Repulsive_East_8349
Pricing by Property Size
The size of your property is the single biggest factor in what you'll pay. Larger homes take more time, more cleaning products, and often need a bigger team. These are typical London market ranges for 2026 — your actual quote will depend on the property's condition and what's included.
| Property Type | Base Cost | With Carpet Cleaning | With All Extras | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Flat | £170–£220 | £220–£280 | £290–£380 | 3–4 |
| 1-Bed Flat | £200–£260 | £260–£330 | £330–£420 | 4–5 |
| 2-Bed Flat | £260–£340 | £330–£420 | £400–£510 | 5–7 |
| 3-Bed House | £320–£420 | £420–£540 | £510–£650 | 6–8 |
| 4-Bed House | £380–£500 | £500–£640 | £600–£780 | 7–10 |
| 5+ Bed House | £450–£600+ | £600–£780+ | £740–£950+ | 8–12 |
Real Example Quotes: What Tenants Actually Pay
These are representative examples of what end of tenancy cleaning typically costs across different London areas and property types. Prices reflect 2026 market rates — your actual quote will depend on condition and specific requirements.
£310
Studio in Enfield
£165
£420
1-bed flat in Hackney
£225
£340
£510
£195
2-bed flat in Islington
£295
£385
£245
Estimate Your Cost
Use the calculator below to build an estimate based on your property size, condition, and any add-on services you need. This gives you a realistic budget before you start getting quotes.
Estimate Your End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost
Select your property size, condition, and any add-ons to get a London market estimate. These are indicative prices based on 2026 market averages — not Magic Pro Cleaning prices specifically.
Studio
£170–£2201 Bed
£200–£2602 Bed
£260–£3403 Bed
£320–£4204 Bed
£380–£5005+ Bed
£450–£600Carpet cleaning
per room+£50
Oven deep clean
single oven+£45
Upholstery cleaning
per sofa+£65
Interior window cleaning
all windows+£55
Wall spot washing
full property+£40
Balcony / patio
per area+£35
~£300
2 Bed • Average condition • 0 add-ons5–7 hours
2 person teamThree Ways to Handle It: Which Is Right for You?
There's no single right answer — but there is a right answer for your situation. The three approaches differ significantly in cost, risk, and time. A professional service costs more upfront but comes with a guarantee. An hourly cleaner is cheaper per hour but requires your supervision and carries no safety net. DIY costs the least in cash but the most in time, and you carry all the risk if the checkout inspection fails. If you're weighing the hourly route, our comparison between regular and end of tenancy cleaning explains the key differences.
Three Approaches Compared
There are three ways to handle end of tenancy cleaning. Each has different cost, risk, and time profiles. Select one to see the full breakdown.
Hourly Cleaner
Professional End of Tenancy Service
DIY (Do It Yourself)
Professional End of Tenancy Service
Fixed price. They handle everything.
✓
Fixed price — no surprise overruns
✓
Not time-limited — team stays until the job meets standard
✓
Commercial-grade equipment and products
✓
Inventory-standard checklist covering every area agents inspect
✓
Re-clean guarantee (typically 48–72 hours) if checkout fails
✓
No supervision needed — hand over keys and collect them when done
✓
Experienced with agency-specific standards (Foxtons specs, KFH inventories, etc.)
✗
Higher upfront cost than a few hours of hourly cleaning
✗
Must book in advance (especially month-end)
✗
Less control over timing — team works at their own pace
| Property | Hours | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3–4 | £170–£220 |
| 1 -bed | 4–5 | £200–£260 |
| 2 -bed | 5–7 | £260–£340 |
| 3 -bed | 6–8 | £320–£420 |
| 4 -bed | 7–10 | £380–£500 |
Best for
Any property where your deposit is at stake and you want certainty that the job meets inspection standard.
Side-by-Side: All Three Approaches at a Glance
Quick reference for a typical 2-bedroom flat in London.
| 🧤 DIY | ⏱️ Hourly Cleaner | ✅ Professional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash cost | £50–£100 | £140–£270 | £260–£340 |
| Your time | 10–16 hours | 2–4 hrs (supervising) | None |
| Equipment | Buy/hire yourself | Basic — you provide | Commercial-grade included |
| Guarantee | None | None | 48–72hr re-clean |
| Risk if checkout fails | You pay again + deduction | You pay again + deduction | Company re-cleans free |
| Supervision needed | N/A | Yes — you direct the work | None |
| Meets inventory standard | Maybe | Depends on cleaner | Yes — checklist-based |
What Landlords Actually Deduct (and How Much)
When the checkout inspection flags cleaning issues, landlords don't deduct vague amounts — they get quotes for remedial work and deduct at retail prices you didn't choose. Here's what typical deductions look like, based on common deposit claim patterns.
Single most common kitchen deduction. Landlord arranges professional oven clean at retail price.
£60–£120
Descaling and mould treatment across bathroom. Especially common in London's hard-water areas.
£80–£150
Professional carpet cleaning or partial replacement. Pet stains incur higher costs.
£60–£180
Landlord arranges complete end of tenancy clean at their chosen rate — always more than you'd have paid.
£300–£600+
Behind kitchen appliances dirty
Grease and food debris behind fridge, cooker, and washing machine.
£40–£80
Items left behind
Disposal and removal charges. Bulky items like mattresses are especially expensive.
£50–£200+
Professional mould treatment or sealant replacement in bathroom.
£80–£200
The maths
A 2-bed flat with a dirty oven (£90), bathroom limescale (£110), and one stained carpet (£120) = £320 in deductions. A professional clean covering all of that would have cost £280–£340 upfront — with a re-clean guarantee if anything was flagged. The deduction route costs more, you lose control, and you have no guarantee of getting the remainder back without a deposit dispute.
Using an Hourly Cleaner: What You Need to Know
Hiring an hourly cleaner for end of tenancy work is a legitimate approach, and for smaller properties in good condition it can work well. But there are important differences between a regular domestic clean and an end of tenancy clean that affect both the outcome and the real cost.
London hourly rates for domestic cleaners range from £20 to £30 per hour in 2026. Independent cleaners tend to charge £15–£22, while agency cleaners charge £22–£30. At the premium end, same-day or specialist bookings can reach £35 per hour. These rates reflect labour only — you'll need to provide cleaning products, and most hourly cleaners use household-grade equipment rather than commercial machines. If you're considering becoming a cleaner yourself, understanding these economics is essential.
You need to supervise
Unlike a professional end of tenancy team that works from a standardised checklist, hourly cleaners generally clean what you tell them to. You need to be present, direct the work, and check that no areas are missed. If you're not there, they'll clean the obvious areas and leave.
Budget realistically for time
Most tenants dramatically underestimate how long an end of tenancy clean takes. A 2-bedroom flat needs 7–9 hours of actual cleaning time with a single cleaner — not the 3–4 hours people typically book. Under-booking means the job is half-finished when the cleaner leaves.
Products and equipment are your responsibility
Hourly cleaners typically bring basic supplies. For end of tenancy standard, you'll need oven cleaner, limescale remover, mould treatment, degreaser, glass cleaner, and specialist tools like a steam cleaner or scrubbing brushes. Budget £30–£80 for supplies.
No guarantee if checkout fails
If the inventory clerk flags cleaning issues, the hourly cleaner has no obligation to return. You'll need to either rebook (and pay again) or accept the deposit deduction. This is the biggest financial risk of the hourly approach — read more about what constitutes cleanliness according to landlords.
When you factor in products (£30–£80), the time you spend supervising (3–4 hours minimum), and the risk of needing to rebook if the result isn't good enough — the effective cost of the hourly approach is often comparable to a professional service. The difference is that with the hourly route, you carry the risk.
6 Mistakes That End Up Costing More Than the Clean
These are the patterns we see repeatedly from tenants who end up paying more than they needed to — either in deposit deductions, rebooking costs, or wasted time.
Booking 3 hours of hourly cleaning for a 2-bed flat
What happens: A 2-bed needs 7–9 hours minimum. The cleaner leaves after 3 hours, half the property is untouched, and the checkout fails.
Fix: Book realistically or use a fixed-price professional service that stays until the job is done.
Not checking the check-in inventory first
What happens: You deep-clean the oven to perfection, but the inventory says it was only 'domestically clean'. Meanwhile, the bathroom had 'no limescale' at check-in and you ignored it — that's what gets flagged.
Fix: Read your check-in inventory before cleaning anything. It's the document that defines the standard.
Forgetting behind kitchen appliances
What happens: Inspectors pull appliances out. The grease, food debris, and dust behind the fridge is photographed and added to the checkout report.
Fix: Pull out every moveable appliance and clean behind and underneath.
Cleaning the day before with no time buffer
What happens: You underestimate the work, run out of time, and hand over keys with half the cleaning unfinished. Now the landlord arranges their own clean.
Fix: Overlap tenancies by 2–3 days if possible. Schedule cleaning 2 days before handover — not the night before.
What happens: Your cleaning was actually good, but the dark, blurry photos you took don't prove it. The landlord's well-lit checkout photos tell a different story.
Fix: Photograph every room in bright, natural light. Wide-angle plus close-ups. Record a video walkthrough.
Not attending the checkout inspection
What happens: The inventory clerk notes issues you could have explained or resolved on the spot. You dispute them weeks later with no context.
Fix: Be present at checkout. KFH and Hamptons both explicitly recommend it.
What's Included in the Price
One of the most common sources of pricing confusion is what's included in the base price and what's extra. Most professional end of tenancy services include a thorough deep clean of every room — but carpet cleaning, oven deep cleans, and upholstery are usually add-ons. Always clarify before booking. Our full end of tenancy checklist details exactly what inspectors expect.
What's Included (and What Costs Extra)
A standard professional end of tenancy clean covers every room to inventory inspection standard. Here's what's typically included in the base price, and what's quoted as an add-on.
Included in base priceKitchen
9 items✓
Oven interior, racks, door glass, seals, and fan cover
✓
Hob, grill pan, and drip trays
✓
Extractor hood and filters degreased
✓
Behind and under fridge, cooker, and washing machine
✓
Inside all cupboards and drawers
✓
Sink, taps, and draining board descaled
✓
Worktops, splashbacks, and tile grout
✓
Bin area cleaned and disinfected
✓
Floor washed including edges and corners
Bathroom(s)
7 items✓
Bath, basin, and shower tray scrubbed
✓
Taps, shower screen, and showerhead descaled
✓
Toilet cleaned inside, outside, and behind base
✓
Tile grout and sealant mould treatment
✓
Mirror and glass surfaces polished
✓
Extractor fan cover cleaned
✓
Floor washed and edges dried
Living Areas & Bedrooms
7 items✓
All surfaces dusted and wiped
✓
Skirting boards and door frames
✓
Light switches, sockets, and light fittings
✓
Window sills and frames (interior)
✓
Behind radiators and furniture spaces
✓
Mirrors and glass cleaned
✓
Floor vacuumed and mopped/washed
Hallways & Common Areas
5 items✓
Entrance hall and stairs cleaned
✓
Bannister and handrails wiped
✓
Storage cupboards cleaned inside
✓
Airing cupboard surfaces wiped
✓
Front door interior cleaned
| Service | Price range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet cleaning (per room) | £40–£65 | Steam extraction removes deep stains and odours |
| Oven deep clean (single) | £40–£55 | Specialist dip-tank or caustic treatment |
| Oven deep clean (double/range) | £55–£80 | Includes both cavities and all racks |
| Interior window cleaning | £45–£65 | All accessible windows, frames, and sills |
| Upholstery cleaning (per item) | £50–£80 | Sofas, armchairs — hot water extraction |
| Wall washing | £35–£55 | Spot cleaning or full wall wash |
| Balcony / patio cleaning | £30–£50 | Sweep, mop, glass rail cleaning |
| Blind cleaning (per blind) | £8–£15 | Venetian, roller, or vertical blinds |
What Affects the Price
Even two identical properties can receive different quotes. Understanding the factors that drive pricing helps you anticipate your costs — and avoid surprises when you get a quote.
Property size
The primary cost driver. Each additional bedroom adds roughly £40–£70 to the base price. More rooms mean more surfaces, more time, and often a larger team.
Property condition
A well-maintained property costs less because there's less deep cleaning to do. Heavy grease, mould, limescale, or pet-related issues can add 20–30% to the standard price.
London location
Central London commands a premium due to parking costs, congestion charges, and higher operating costs. Outer boroughs are typically 10–15% cheaper for the same property size.
Booking timing
Month-end is peak demand for end of tenancy cleaning. Same-day or next-day bookings can cost 30–50% more. Book at least 1 week in advance for the best rates.
Add-on services
Carpet cleaning, oven deep clean, upholstery, and window cleaning are almost always priced separately. These can add £40–£80 per service to the base clean cost.
Furnished vs unfurnished
Furnished properties take longer because the team needs to clean around, behind, and under furniture. If furniture is being removed on the day, timing coordination is needed.
Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms are the second most time-intensive room after kitchens. Each additional bathroom adds approximately £25–£40 to the total.
Access and parking
Difficult access (high-rise without lift, limited parking, no loading bay) can add to the cost or require special arrangements. Most companies factor London parking into their pricing.
When You Book Affects What You Pay
London's rental market follows predictable cycles. Booking during off-peak months can save 15–25% compared to peak summer demand. The last 3 days of every month are always the most expensive regardless of season.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Cleaning Cost vs Rent: London Borough Comparison
It's easy to look at a £300 cleaning bill and think it's expensive. But context matters. That £300 is typically 8–15% of one month's rent — and a much smaller fraction of the deposit (usually 5 weeks' rent) you stand to lose if the property fails inspection. Cleaning is an investment in getting your deposit back, not just an expense.
Cleaning Cost vs Rent by London Area
How does the cost of end of tenancy cleaning compare to your monthly rent? This table shows average cleaning costs for a 2-bedroom flat alongside average rents for each borough. The "% of rent" column puts the cleaning cost in context — it's typically a fraction of one month's rent, and a much smaller fraction of the deposit you'd lose.
| Borough | Zone | Avg Rent /mo | Avg Clean (2-bed) | % of Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington & Chelsea | Central | £3,616 | £320 | 8.8% |
| Westminster | Central | £3,251 | £310 | 9.5% |
| Camden | Inner | £2,804 | £295 | 10.5% |
| Hammersmith & Fulham | Inner | £2,759 | £290 | 10.5% |
| City of London | Central | £2,760 | £300 | 10.9% |
| Islington | Inner | £2,697 | £285 | 10.6% |
| Hackney | Inner | £2,557 | £280 | 11.0% |
| Southwark | Inner | £2,350 | £275 | 11.7% |
| Tower Hamlets | Inner | £2,400 | £280 | 11.7% |
| Lambeth | Inner | £2,250 | £270 | 12.0% |
| Wandsworth | Inner | £2,380 | £275 | 11.6% |
| Lewisham | Outer | £1,850 | £255 | 13.8% |
| Greenwich | Outer | £1,900 | £260 | 13.7% |
| Ealing | Outer | £1,950 | £260 | 13.3% |
| Croydon | Outer | £1,650 | £245 | 14.8% |
| Bromley | Outer | £1,600 | £240 | 15.0% |
| Barking & Dagenham | Outer | £1,580 | £235 | 14.9% |
| Bexley | Outer | £1,485 | £230 | 15.5% |
| Havering | Outer | £1,522 | £230 | 15.1% |
| Sutton | Outer | £1,521 | £235 | 15.5% |
The Deposit Perspective: What's Really at Stake
Cleaning is the number one reason for deposit disputes — appearing in over half of all cases adjudicated by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Source: TDS Statistical Briefing 2024/25, NRLA. Of 4.7 million protected deposits in England and Wales, approximately 47,000 required formal adjudication — and cleaning was the most common claim category.
Under current rules, your deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent. For a 2-bedroom flat at London's average rent of £2,252 per month, that's approximately £2,598. A £300 professional clean that ensures you get that deposit back in full represents about 11.5% of the deposit value. In contrast, if the landlord arranges their own clean after you've moved out, the cost will be deducted from your deposit — often at a higher price, and you lose any ability to choose the provider or negotiate the amount. Understand your full rights when moving out.
The mathematics are consistently in favour of investing in a proper clean. Even in the cheapest London boroughs, the deposit is worth far more than the cleaning cost. And once a landlord has a checkout report documenting cleaning failures with photographs, it becomes very difficult to dispute the deduction through the deposit protection scheme's adjudication process. If you've received a Section 21 notice, understanding your cleaning obligations is even more critical.
What Tenants Say About End of Tenancy Cleaning Costs
Real experiences from tenants who've been through the process in London.
"Paid £280 for a 2-bed in Hackney. The letting agent was Foxtons and they're incredibly picky about grout and descaling. Passed first time with the professional clean."
"Tried doing it myself to save £200. Spent 14 hours over 2 days, bought £65 worth of cleaning products, and still got charged £150 for the oven and carpets. Should have just booked the professionals."
"My agency (KFH) charges tenants £380 if they arrange the clean. I found a company for £290 with a guarantee. If I'd known the prices earlier I'd have saved a lot of stress."
"Got every penny of my £2,400 deposit back. The only thing I did differently this time was book a proper end of tenancy clean and photograph everything in daylight."
How to Reduce Your Cleaning Costs (Without Risking Your Deposit)
Book early — at least one week in advance
Same-day and next-day bookings command premiums of 30–50%. Booking 7–14 days ahead gets you standard rates and your preferred time slot.
Avoid month-end if possible
The last 3 days of each month are peak demand. If your lease allows flexibility, scheduling mid-month or mid-week saves money.
Do the easy stuff yourself
Clear all personal items, empty bins, remove fridge contents, and do a basic vacuum before the team arrives. This saves them time on non-specialist tasks and can reduce the quote. Check our moving guide for a full decluttering checklist.
Get quotes from 3+ providers
Prices vary significantly between companies. Get at least three quotes, check what's included in each, and confirm whether carpet and oven cleaning are in the base price or extra. Our alternatives page compares major London providers.
Bundle add-ons together
If you need carpet cleaning, oven deep clean, and window cleaning, booking them together with the same provider is typically 15–20% cheaper than booking separately.
Check if your agency has a preferred supplier discount
Some letting agencies have negotiated rates with cleaning companies. Ask your agent — the rate may be lower than what you'd find independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about end of tenancy cleaning costs in London.
How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in London in 2026?
End of tenancy cleaning in London typically costs between £170 and £500+ in 2026, depending on property size and condition. A studio flat averages £170–£220, a 1-bed £200–£260, a 2-bed £260–£340, and a 3-bed £320–£420. Add-ons like carpet cleaning, oven deep clean, or upholstery cleaning add £40–£80 each.
Is it cheaper to use an hourly cleaner or a professional service?
Hourly cleaners charge £20–£30/hr in London, but a full end of tenancy clean takes 6–12+ hours. That means the hourly route costs £120–£360+ in labour alone — without specialist equipment or a deposit-back guarantee. Professional services charge a fixed price (£170–£500+), bring commercial equipment, and include a re-clean guarantee. See our comparison with regular cleaning.
Can I clean it myself to save money?
Yes — there's no legal requirement to use professional cleaners. But if your check-in inventory says 'professionally cleaned', you must match that standard. The risk: if checkout fails, your landlord arranges their own clean at retail prices. Learn more about whether landlords can demand professional cleaning.
What's included in a standard end of tenancy clean?
A standard clean covers all rooms to inventory inspection standard: deep kitchen clean (oven, hob, extractor, behind appliances, inside cupboards), bathrooms (descaling, mould treatment, grouting), living areas (skirting boards, light switches, window sills), and common areas. Carpet cleaning, oven deep clean, and upholstery are usually add-ons. Check our full cleaning checklist.
Why is it more expensive in London?
London premiums of 20–30% reflect higher labour costs, parking/congestion charges, and stricter agency standards. Agencies like Foxtons publish detailed cleaning specifications that require more thorough work. See what letting agents actually check.
When is the cheapest time to book?
January, February, November, and December are the cheapest months. Avoid the last 3 days of any month — that's peak demand. Booking 7–14 days ahead secures standard rates. Same-day bookings can cost 30–50% more.
What if the checkout inspection still fails after a professional clean?
Most professional services include a 48–72 hour re-clean guarantee. If the inventory clerk flags anything within that window, the company returns to address it at no extra charge. This is the primary advantage over hourly cleaning or DIY. See our tenant benefits guide.
How much of my deposit could I lose if I don't clean properly?
Deposit deductions for cleaning typically range from £60 for a single issue (dirty oven) to £600+ for a full property that wasn't cleaned. Under current rules, your deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent — for a London 2-bed at average rent, that's approximately £2,600. Learn about your rights when moving out.
Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning
Fixed pricing. Commercial-grade equipment. Inventory-standard checklist. 72-hour re-clean guarantee if anything is flagged at checkout.
Deni is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in content marketing and vast knowledge in the cleaning business. He specializes in creating engaging content that drives growth and builds brand identity. Passionate about innovation, Deni believes in delivering value through impactful messaging and providing value to readers in a concise and comprehensive manner.
View all posts by Deni Ivanov →