Why Landlords Cannot Force Tenants to Pay for Professional Cleaning

Why Landlords and Letting Agents Cannot Insist on Professional Cleaning at the End of a Tenancy

For years, it was routine for tenancy agreements to include a clause requiring tenants to pay for a professional clean at the end of their tenancy. Many landlords and letting agents saw it as the easiest way to guarantee their property was returned in top condition.

But times have changed. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, this practice is no longer just outdated—it’s illegal. If you’re a landlord or agent still trying to enforce professional cleaning clauses, you’re exposing yourself to deposit disputes, financial penalties, and even reputational damage.

At 360 Properties, we’ve seen first-hand how easily landlords can fall foul of this rule. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know.

The Law Is Clear: Professional Cleaning Clauses Are Banned

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 was designed to make renting fairer, stripping out unfair costs and hidden charges. One of the biggest changes is that landlords and agents cannot demand tenants pay for third-party services, including:

• Professional end of tenancy cleaning
• Inventory checks
• Gardening services
• General admin or processing fees

If your tenancy agreement includes a professional cleaning clause, it’s unenforceable. And if you try and enforce tenants to have the property professionally cleaned, you could be breaking the law.

The risk: Landlords or agents who insist on professional cleaners could face fines of up to £5,000 for a first offence—and unlimited penalties for repeat breaches.

What Tenants Must Still Do

This doesn’t mean tenants get a free pass. They’re still legally obliged to return the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.

That means:

• The property must be reasonably clean and presentable
• Ovens, bathrooms, and carpets should be returned in a similar condition to when the tenancy began
• Any excessive mess, stains, or dirt left behind may justify deductions from the tenant’s deposit

So while you cannot demand they hire a cleaning company, you can absolutely hold them accountable if the property is left in a poor state.

Why This Matters for Landlords and Letting Agents

Ignoring this legislation isn’t just risky—it’s reckless. Here’s why:

• Deposit disputes: If you try to enforce professional cleaning, adjudicators will throw it out
• Legal penalties: Local authorities can (and do) issue fines to landlords and agents in breach
• Reputation damage: Tenants talk, and agencies ignoring the law quickly gain a bad name online

At 360 Properties, we work with landlords every day who are shocked to learn that what they thought was “standard practice” is now unlawful. The bottom line is simple: you cannot insist on professional cleaning—it’s a prohibited payment, full stop.

The Smarter, Legal Alternative

If you want to protect your investment without crossing the legal line, here’s what you should be doing instead:

• Use a detailed inventory and check-in report to record the property’s condition
• Explain clearly to tenants that they must return the property clean, even if they do the work themselves
• Carry out a thorough check-out inspection to compare against the inventory
• Make fair deductions from the tenant’s deposit if cleaning is required to restore the property

This keeps you compliant, protects your property, and avoids messy disputes.

Final Word

The law couldn’t be clearer: landlords and letting agents cannot require tenants to use professional cleaners. Trying to enforce this is illegal, puts you at risk of fines, and weakens your position in deposit disputes.

At 360 Properties, we make sure our landlords stay compliant while still safeguarding their rental properties. We manage tenancy agreements, carry out detailed inspections, and handle deposit disputes on your behalf—so you never fall foul of the Tenant Fees Act.

👉 If you’re a landlord who wants peace of mind that your rental property is protected and compliant, speak to 360 Properties today.