Yes, tenants are allowed to carry out the end of tenancy cleaning themselves — but there’s a catch. While there’s no legal requirement to hire professionals, the property must be returned in the same clean condition it was in at the start of the tenancy. This often means achieving a professional standard of cleanliness, which can be more involved than a regular weekly clean.
Know Your Tenancy Agreement
Before you decide to do it yourself, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement. Some agreements explicitly state that the property must be professionally cleaned, especially if that was the condition it was in when you moved in. In such cases, a DIY clean might not be enough to meet the requirements — and could risk a deduction from your deposit.
If your agreement doesn’t specify professional cleaning, you’re free to take on the task, but you’ll need to be thorough and methodical.
What a DIY End of Tenancy Clean Involves
Doing it yourself means tackling a detailed list of cleaning tasks across the whole property:
- Deep cleaning the kitchen, including oven, hob, extractor fan, cupboards and appliances
- Sanitising bathrooms, removing limescale, and polishing all surfaces
- Dusting and wiping all woodwork, skirting boards, and doors
- Cleaning windows (inside only), light fixtures and switches
- Vacuuming and mopping floors, and potentially cleaning carpets
- Removing all rubbish and personal belongings
It’s a big job — especially when you’re busy with moving — but it’s possible with the right planning and effort.
To better understand the level of detail expected, companies like Mayer Cleaning offer checklists that mirror letting agent standards. These can be helpful whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.
Want Peace of Mind?
If you’d rather avoid the hassle and ensure the job meets expectations, our end of tenancy cleaning in Farnham is a trusted choice for tenants. We follow agency-approved checklists and ensure no area is overlooked, giving you the best chance of getting your full deposit back.
In Summary:
Tenants can do the end of tenancy clean themselves, provided they meet the standard expected by landlords or letting agents. Check your agreement first and prepare for a detailed clean — or consider professional help if time and effort are a concern.
