Deposit disputes
Challenging unfair cleaning charges
Cleaning is the single most disputed deduction across all three deposit schemes. The standard is the condition at the start of the tenancy — not showroom perfection.
The legal standard
You must return the property in the same state of cleanliness as at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear. A clause requiring a 'professional clean' regardless of condition is likely unenforceable under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Building your case
- Compare the check-in and check-out inventories line by line.
- Provide date-stamped photos and videos from when you left.
- Ask for itemised invoices — a flat fee with no breakdown is weak evidence.
- Challenge charges for areas that were dirty at the start.
Proportionality
Adjudicators award only the cost of returning the property to the check-in standard. If one oven needed cleaning, charging for a whole-house clean is disproportionate.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord insist on a professional clean?
Not as a blanket requirement in England. They can only charge for cleaning needed to restore the check-in standard.
How much could you claim?
Use the free calculator to estimate your compensation and generate a letter before action.
Open the calculator