Losing part of your deposit over cleaning is one of the most frustrating experiences a tenant can face — especially when you’ve put so much effort into keeping a property tidy during your tenancy. The truth is, standard day-to-day cleaning and a proper end of tenancy clean are two very different things. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Do Landlords and Letting Agents in Walsall Actually Look For?
Letting agents across Walsall, Aldridge, and Sutton Coldfield use detailed inventories when conducting check-out inspections. They compare the current condition of the property against the check-in report, and any deterioration beyond fair wear and tear can be deducted from your deposit.
The most common reasons for deposit deductions related to cleaning include:
- Oven not cleaned inside — this is the number one cause of disputes
- Limescale on taps, showerheads and shower screens
- Mould or mildew in bathroom grout and sealant
- Marks on walls and skirting boards
- Carpets not cleaned to the standard recorded at the start of the tenancy
- Kitchen cupboards dirty inside and out
- Windows not cleaned on the inside
The Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
A professional end of tenancy clean covers every inch of the property — not just the visible surfaces. Here’s what should be included as a minimum:
Kitchen: Oven cleaned inside and out including door glass and racks; extractor fan filter degreased; fridge and freezer defrosted and wiped down inside; all cupboards cleaned inside and out; sink and taps descaled; behind and underneath all appliances cleaned.
Bathrooms: Limescale removed from all fixtures; toilet cleaned including behind and underneath; shower screen polished; grout scrubbed; mirrors polished streak-free; extractor fan grille cleaned.
Throughout the property: All carpets vacuumed and stains treated; hard floors mopped; skirting boards, door frames and light switches wiped; windows cleaned inside; all walls checked and marks removed where possible; bins emptied and cleaned.
Should You Clean It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Tenants can complete the cleaning themselves, but the property should be returned to the standard recorded at the beginning of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. If you employ a cleaning company, ask for a written checklist confirming what is included and whether it offers a return-clean policy if an agreed task has been missed.
How Much Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost in Walsall?
Prices vary depending on the size of the property. As a rough guide for the Walsall area:
- One bedroom flat — from £120
- Two bedroom house — from £160
- Three bedroom house — from £200
- Four bedroom house — from £260
Always get a quote based on the specific property rather than just the number of bedrooms, as condition and layout affect the time required.
Book Your End of Tenancy Clean in Walsall
WOW Cleaner provides professional end of tenancy cleaning across Walsall, Aldridge, Streetly, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, Pelsall, Rushall and surrounding areas. Our team is fully insured, and we provide a written cleaning scope confirming the rooms, tasks and optional extras included in your quotation.
Call us on 07809 121721 for a free no-obligation quote. We’ll help prepare your property for its final inspection in accordance with the agreed cleaning checklist.