End of Tenancy Cleaning FAQ
These are the questions we get asked every week about end of tenancy cleaning in Derby. Cost, what's covered, how it relates to your deposit, and the awkward ones nobody else answers honestly. If your question isn't here, call us on 01332 480163 and we'll add it.
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These are the questions we get asked every week about end of tenancy cleaning in Derby. Cost, what's covered, how it relates to your deposit, and the awkward ones nobody else answers honestly. If your question isn't here, call us on 01332 480163 and we'll add it.
Cost and pricing
Pricing is the first thing people ask about, so we'll lead with it.
How much does an end of tenancy clean cost in Derby?
Our standard rate is £25 per hour and end of tenancy cleans are priced on time. A typical one-bed flat is 2 to 3 hours (£50 to £75), a two-bed property 3 to 4 hours (£75 to £100), a three-bed house 4 to 5 hours (£100 to £125), and a four-bed 5 to 7 hours (£125 to £175). Larger homes, very dirty properties or extras like carpet shampooing add time, which we quote upfront.
Why is end of tenancy cleaning more expensive than a regular clean?
The hourly rate is the same (£25). The difference is how long it takes. A regular clean maintains a lived-in property in a couple of hours. An end of tenancy returns it to inventory standard: oven stripped and degreased, every cupboard cleaned inside, limescale removed from all metalwork, dust removed from rarely-touched surfaces. It typically takes 4 to 7 hours instead of 1 to 3, which is what changes the total.
Do you charge extra for ovens or carpets?
Standard oven cleaning (degrease and racks) is included in the time estimate for an end of tenancy clean. Specialist add-ons like full oven strip with sealed-unit cleaning, carpet shampooing or upholstery cleaning use specialist equipment and are quoted separately so you can choose what's needed. We always tell you upfront, never bill on the day.
Can I split the cost with housemates?
Yes, and most students do. We can invoice the lead tenant for the full amount or take separate payments from each housemate before the clean. The single invoice option is usually easier to claim back from the deposit if the cleaning isn't disputed.
What's included and what's not
What does an end of tenancy clean include?
Every internal room cleaned to inventory standard. Kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, all cupboards inside and out, all appliances (fridge, washing machine, dishwasher), worktops, floors. Bathroom: full descale, sealant cleaned, toilet, tiles, mirrors, extractor. Bedrooms and living rooms: dust removed from every surface including tops of doors and skirtings, windows cleaned internally, floors vacuumed and mopped. Full written report after.
What is not included in an end of tenancy clean?
External windows, gardens and outdoor areas are not included. We don't move heavy furniture (the property should be empty for an EOT clean). We don't repaint walls, fix damage, or deal with anything that needs a tradesperson. If carpets are heavily stained, professional shampooing is a separate quote.
Do you clean inside the fridge and freezer?
Yes, if they belong to the landlord and are staying with the property. The fridge should be emptied before we arrive and the freezer defrosted overnight if possible. If they're yours and going with you, we don't clean them as part of the EOT clean.
Will you clean the inside of the windows?
Yes, internal glass, sills, frames and the runner tracks at the bottom are all included. External windows are not — they're considered the landlord's responsibility under most tenancy agreements.
Timing and booking
How far in advance should I book?
Aim for at least one week ahead during quieter months and two to three weeks ahead between June and September (peak student turnover). We can sometimes fit in next-day work if there's a slot, but it's not something to rely on at month-end.
Do you clean on the day my tenancy ends?
Where possible, yes. Most tenants book the clean for the day before checkout so it's complete and dry before the inspection. We can also work on checkout day itself if access is arranged with the agent.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A one-bed flat is 4 to 5 hours, a two-bed house 5 to 7 hours, a three-bed house 7 to 9 hours. We send a team sized to complete the job in a single visit, so the property is ready in one day.
Deposits, disputes and the cleaning report
Will the clean guarantee I get my deposit back?
We work to inventory-clerk standards on every checkout clean and return free of charge if any cleaning issue is flagged. We can't guarantee the inspection result itself because deposit deductions also happen for damage, missing items and pre-existing issues, which are nothing to do with the cleaning.
Will my landlord accept a clean from any company, or does it have to be a specific one?
Under standard tenancy law in England and Wales, the landlord has to accept any clean that returns the property to the standard recorded in the original inventory. They cannot require you to use a specific company. Our cleaning report is accepted by all major deposit schemes (DPS, MyDeposits, TDS).
What is in the cleaning report you provide?
A written report by email listing the property address, date, every room cleaned and tasks completed, plus dated photos of the kitchen, bathroom and oven by default. If a deposit dispute is later raised, this is third-party evidence accepted by all major deposit schemes.
What if the landlord still tries to deduct money for cleaning?
Send them our cleaning report and the dated photos. If they still propose a deduction, ask for the specific photos and inventory entries it's based on. If you can't reach agreement, escalate to your deposit scheme's free arbitration service. We've supported tenants through several adjudications.
Related guides
End of tenancy cleaning service
Full service page with pricing examples and what's included.
Read moreInventory-clerk approved standards
The exact specification we work to.
Read morePre-checkout self-inspection
Walk your property the way an inventory clerk would.
Read moreAvoiding section 21 disputes
How to stop cleaning disputes happening at all.
Read moreFailed checkout cleaning
What to do if you've already failed inspection.
Read moreEnd of tenancy vs move-in cleaning
Which one you actually need.
Read moreHave questions?
We are happy to help. Call us or send an enquiry and we will get back to you.