Moving out of an Edinburgh flat? Your landlord or letting agent will almost certainly expect a professional end-of-tenancy clean before you get your deposit back. Here's what it actually costs in 2026, what's included, and whether it's worth it.
End of tenancy cleaning prices in Edinburgh (2026)
Prices are based on the number of bedrooms and the overall size of the property:
| Property size | Our price | Edinburgh range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | £110 | £90–£140 |
| 1-bed flat | £145 | £120–£180 |
| 2-bed flat | £180 | £150–£220 |
| 3-bed flat | £220 | £180–£280 |
| 4-bed house | £280 | £240–£380 |
| 5-bed house | £380 | £320–£480 |
These prices cover a full deep clean to inventory standard — which is significantly more thorough than a regular weekly clean. The goal is to return the property to the condition it was in when you moved in (allowing for fair wear and tear).
What's included in an end-of-tenancy clean?
An end-of-tenancy clean is more intensive than a standard clean. Here's what's covered:
Kitchen
- Full oven clean — inside, racks, door glass, grill pan
- Inside and outside of fridge/freezer (defrosted)
- Inside all cupboards and drawers (emptied by tenant)
- Hob, splashback, extractor hood and filter
- Microwave inside and out
- Dishwasher and washing machine — drum, seals, detergent drawer
- All worktops, sink, taps descaled
- Bins cleaned inside and out
- Floor — swept and mopped, including under appliances
Bathrooms
- Toilet — inside bowl, rim, base, behind, seat hinges
- Bath/shower — tiles, grout, screen, drain, taps, sealant
- Sink and taps descaled and polished
- Mirror cleaned and polished
- All tile grouting cleaned (mould treated if present)
- Extractor fan cleaned
- Floor mopped including behind toilet and under sink
Bedrooms and living areas
- All surfaces dusted and wiped
- Inside all wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers
- Light fittings and switches cleaned
- Skirting boards wiped throughout
- Window sills dusted and wiped
- Radiators dusted (including between fins)
- All floors hoovered and mopped
- Doors and door frames wiped
Throughout the property
- All internal windows cleaned (inside only)
- Light switches, plug sockets, and door handles wiped
- Cobwebs removed from ceilings and corners
- Any built-in storage cleaned inside
- Hallway, entrance, and communal stair landing cleaned
What's NOT included (usually)
- External windows — these require specialist equipment and are typically the landlord's responsibility
- Carpet deep cleaning — professional carpet shampooing is a separate service (£30–£60 per room). Some letting agents require it.
- Mould removal beyond surface treatment — if there's deep mould in walls or ceilings, that's a maintenance issue, not a cleaning one
- Garden or external areas — usually quoted separately
- Repairs or painting — cleaning, not maintenance
Do you actually need an end-of-tenancy clean?
Technically, no — your lease will say something like "return the property in the condition it was received, allowing for fair wear and tear." You could do it yourself. But there are good reasons to use a professional:
- Deposit protection — the #1 reason landlords withhold deposits is cleaning. A professional clean with a receipt removes any dispute. If the letting agent challenges it, you have proof of a professional clean to inventory standard.
- Time — a proper end-of-tenancy clean takes 4–8 hours depending on property size. That's a full day of work. Most people underestimate this significantly.
- Standards — letting agents check to a standard most people can't match with household products. Inside the oven, behind the fridge, descaled shower screens, cleaned extractor fans. Professionals have the products and know-how.
- Guarantees — most professional cleaning companies offer a re-clean guarantee if the landlord or agent isn't satisfied. That peace of mind is worth the cost.
What letting agents actually check
Edinburgh letting agents (DJ Alexander, Clan Gordon, Grant Property, Umega, Coulters, etc.) typically check against the move-in inventory. The most common items they flag:
- Inside the oven — the #1 deduction. If there's any grease or burnt residue, they'll deduct. Always.
- Bathroom grout and sealant — mould or discolouration around the bath/shower sealant is flagged in nearly every checkout inspection.
- Kitchen cupboards and drawers — crumbs, stains, or grease inside drawers. They open every one.
- Skirting boards — dust and marks on skirting boards are easy to miss and commonly flagged.
- Window tracks and sills — dead flies, dust, and grime in window tracks are always noted.
- Behind and under furniture — if you moved your own furniture, the space it occupied needs cleaning too.
How to save money on your end-of-tenancy clean
- Do the decluttering yourself — remove all your belongings before the cleaners arrive. Time spent moving your stuff is time not spent cleaning.
- Empty the fridge and freezer the night before — defrost the freezer. Cleaners can't clean a frosted freezer.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine empty — one hot cycle with white vinegar or a machine cleaner before the cleaners arrive saves them time.
- Book early — end of month is peak demand for end-of-tenancy cleans. Book at least a week ahead for the best rate and availability.
- Combine with a friend — moving out at the same time as a flatmate or neighbour? Some companies offer discounts for multiple properties on the same day.
End of tenancy vs regular deep clean: what's the difference?
| Feature | Regular deep clean | End of tenancy |
|---|---|---|
| Inside oven | Usually extra | ✅ Included |
| Inside fridge/freezer | Surface only | ✅ Full clean |
| Inside cupboards | Not usually | ✅ All emptied and cleaned |
| Skirting boards | Sometimes | ✅ Always |
| Window tracks | Not usually | ✅ Always |
| Behind appliances | Not usually | ✅ Where accessible |
| Re-clean guarantee | Varies | ✅ Standard |
Timing: when to book
The best time to book your end-of-tenancy clean:
- Ideal: 1–2 days before your lease ends — after all belongings are removed but before the final inspection
- Avoid: the last day of the month — that's when everyone else books too. Prices may be higher and availability limited.
- Book at least 5–7 days in advance — last-minute bookings are possible but may incur a surcharge
The bottom line
End-of-tenancy cleaning in Edinburgh costs £110–£380 depending on property size. It takes 4–8 hours and covers everything from the inside of the oven to the skirting boards. Professional cleaning with a receipt is the simplest way to protect your deposit and avoid disputes with your landlord or letting agent.