To maximise your chances of getting your full deposit back in Edinburgh, clean the property to the same (or better) “domestic standard” as check-in, using a room-by-room end of tenancy cleaning checklist and taking before/after photos as evidence. Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions and disputes—SafeDeposits Scotland reported 71% of disputes in 2021–22 related to cleaning—so it pays to focus on the kitchen, bathroom, floors/carpets, and rubbish removal.
In this guide, you’ll get a complete end of tenancy cleaning list, a practical cleaning tick list, Edinburgh-specific advice (tenements, coastal areas like Leith and Portobello, student lets), local cost guidance, and a clear “when to call the pros” section—plus area coverage and FAQs.
Move-Out Cleaning Summary for Edinburgh
The 80/20 Priorities (Fastest Wins)
If you only have a few hours, hit these first—because they’re the most inspected and most frequently missed:
- Kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, inside cupboards, sink, fridge/freezer
- Bathroom: limescale/soap scum, toilet base, shower screen, grout, mirrors
- Floors: vacuum edges + skirtings, mop hard floors, spot-treat stains
Rubbish: remove everything, wipe bins, and book bulky uplift early if needed (Edinburgh’s uplift charges can apply per item).
Time Estimate (Apartment vs House)
- 1–2 bed flat (typical Edinburgh apartment move out cleaning): half-day to full day DIY
- House / pet-heavy / heavy grease: full day+ (often faster and safer with professional help)
Why End of Tenancy Cleaning Matters in Edinburgh
Cleaning is a top cause of deposit disputes in Scotland
If you’re following a tenant moving out checklist UK style, the biggest “why” is simple: cleaning drives disputes.
- SafeDeposits Scotland says cleaning remained the most frequent cause of deduction claims, with 71% of disputes (2021–22) involving cleaning.
- Deposit dispute guidance in Scotland notes that common disputes involve cleaning charges and wear and tear—and expectations can differ between tenants and landlords.
- Scotland also uses government-approved deposit schemes (your landlord must protect the deposit, and disputes can be adjudicated).
Edinburgh-specific scenarios we see all the time
As local cleaners, these are the patterns we regularly run into:
- Tenement flats: soot/dust around fireplaces, high skirtings, and sash window tracks that trap grit
- Leith & Portobello: sand tracked in, salt residue on windows and sills after windy weeks
- Student/flat-share move-outs: fridge hygiene, overflowing bins, stained carpets, and lingering odours
Before You Start (Tools, Supplies, and a Smart Plan)
Essentials checklist (home cleaning checklist)
A proper end of tenancy deep clean is mostly about having the right kit:
- Degreaser (kitchen-safe), limescale remover, microfibre cloths
- Scrub pads (non-scratch), vacuum attachments (crevice + brush head)
- Rubber gloves, bin bags, mop/bucket
- Optional: magic sponge (patch-test first), grout brush, squeegee
Safety warning (don’t skip this):
- Never mix bleach with other cleaners (especially ammonia-based products).
- Ventilate well when using strong degreasers or oven cleaners.
- Patch-test products on delicate finishes (Edinburgh flats often have older paintwork, wood, and stone features).
The Edinburgh renter workflow (cleaning a house before moving out)
Use this order to avoid re-cleaning what you’ve already done:
- Declutter + rubbish removal
- Dry tasks (dust top-to-bottom, vacuum)
- Wet tasks (bathroom and kitchen)
- Floors last + final inspection photos
This workflow also makes your “before/after” photo set cleaner and easier to organise.
The Complete End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
Whole Home (Move Out Checklist)
- Walls/Ceilings: Remove cobwebs and spot clean any marks (avoid repainting if not necessary).
- Skirtings/Doors: Wipe off fingerprints and disinfect handles/light switches.
- Windows: Clean glass, sills, frames, and tracks.
- Radiators: Dust between the fins and wipe down the top ledges.
- Lights: Clean light shades and replace any dead bulbs (if tenant responsibility).
Kitchen (End of Tenancy Deep Clean)
- Oven + Hob + Grill: These are high-risk areas for deposit deductions. Clean the oven, racks/trays, door glass, and knobs thoroughly.
- Extractor Hood/Filter: Degrease the extractor and soak the filter if removable.
- Cupboards/Drawers: Empty and vacuum crumbs, wipe inside/out.
- Sink/Taps: Descale and polish taps, and clear the drain.
- Fridge/Freezer: Defrost, sanitise seals, and remove any lingering smells.
- Final Touches: Clean bin areas, splashbacks, and floor edges.
Bathrooms (After Tenancy Cleaning)
- Shower/Bath: Descale the screen, remove soap scum, and scrub grout.
- Toilet: Clean the bowl, base, and flush point; disinfect behind the toilet.
- Sink/Vanity: Clean taps, overflow, and inside the cabinet.
- Mirrors & Vents: Polish mirrors and dust the extractor vent.
- Floor: Disinfect, mop, and clean corners.
Bedrooms (End of Tenancy House Cleaning)
- Wardrobes/Drawers: Wipe the interiors and remove any lint or dust.
- Bed Frame/Under-Bed: Vacuum the bed frame and check under the bed for any hidden debris.
- Windows/Curtains: Wipe window sills, vacuum curtains/blinds.
Living Room / Lounge
- Upholstery: Vacuum and spot clean upholstery, and deodorise if necessary.
- TV Units/Shelves: Dust and remove any sticky residues.
- Floors: Vacuum edges and treat any stains.
Hall, Stairs, Landing
- Handrails and Bannisters: Wipe down all high-touch areas.
- Entryway: Clean scuffs, door handles, and mats.
Floors & Carpets (Apartment Move Out Cleaning)
- Vacuum Pattern: Start with edges, then the centre. Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces.
- Spot Stains: Treat stains gently without over-wetting carpets.
- Hard Floors: Mop using the appropriate product to avoid streaks.
Cleaning List for Cleaner
If you’re hiring a cleaner (or comparing quotes), send this exact scope so nothing gets missed.
Minimum scope (what the cleaner must tick off)
- Full kitchen degrease (including oven)
- Bathroom descaling + grout focus
- Inside all cupboards/drawers
- Skirtings/doors/handles/light switches
- Windows inside (and tracks) where accessible
- Floors vacuum + mop; carpet stain check
- Completion photos + invoice/receipt (useful evidence in disputes)
Common add-ons (priced separately in many Edinburgh quotes)
- Carpet shampoo / hot water extraction
- Upholstery/sofa cleaning
- Exterior windows
- Heavy mould treatment
- After-builders cleaning
If you need those add-ons, it’s often more cost-effective to bundle them as a single visit.
Evidence & Handover (How to Protect Your Deposit)
Photo checklist
- Recreate check-in angles room by room
- Take close-ups of: oven, hob, shower screen, toilet base, sinks, carpets, inside fridge
- Save receipts and invoices (they help show market-rate cleaning happened)
Rubbish & bulky items in Edinburgh
Don’t leave bags by communal bins or stairwells—this is one of the quickest ways to trigger complaints or deductions.
Edinburgh bulky uplift charges (per an FOI response) state £5 per item, with up to five items collected per uplift—so book early if you have furniture or mattresses.
You can also use the council’s uplift booking process for household bulky waste.
What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Include? (Edinburgh/Scotland)
What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Mean?
End of tenancy cleaning means returning the property as clean as it was at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear (not “brand new”). Guidance for deposit disputes repeatedly highlights the need for realistic expectations and avoiding “betterment” thinking.
What landlords/agents commonly check first
- Kitchen grease (oven, extractor, cupboard fronts)
- Bathroom limescale (shower screen, taps, grout)
- Odours and bin areas
- Carpets and visible stains
- Windows, sills, and tracks
One-time long-tail note (don’t overdo it)
People sometimes search for misspellings like “end of tennancy cleaning”—if that’s you, you’re in the right place.
Edinburgh-Specific Problems (and Fixes)
Tenement Flat Pain Points
- Window Tracks + Sash Cords: These areas tend to accumulate dust and require extra attention.
- Fireplaces: Soot residue can be difficult to clean, so take care when vacuuming and wiping the surrounding areas.
Leith / Portobello Move-Outs
- Sand and Salt: Be sure to vacuum the entryway thoroughly, and wipe the window sills multiple times to remove any coastal residues.
Festival/Short-Let Style Wear (City Centre)
- High-Traffic Carpet Lanes: These areas may require additional treatment for stains, and skirtings might show scuffs.
Cost of End of Tenancy Cleaning in Edinburgh (What Renters Usually Pay)
Prices vary by size and condition, but these ranges reflect what many local providers advertise:
- Typical Edinburgh range: roughly £120–£280 for end of tenancy cleaning depending on size/condition.
- Some providers list higher “by bedroom” starting points (for example, 1-bed pricing can sit closer to ~£190+ with certain companies).
- UK-wide context: many sources describe 1-bed end-of-tenancy cleans often falling around £100–£200, with larger homes higher.
What changes the price in Edinburgh
- Property size and number of bathrooms
- Grease level (especially ovens) and limescale level
- Furnished vs unfurnished
- Carpet condition (stains, pet odours)
- Parking/access (Old Town and tight stairwells can add time)
- Timing (weekend or last-minute bookings)
Cost-saver tips
- Defrost fridge/freezer 24 hours ahead
- Do a “pre-clean” (declutter + bins) before the deep clean
- If carpets are stained, bundle carpet cleaning with your end of tenancy clean to avoid repeat callouts
Prevention & Maintenance Tips
The 10-minute weekly routine
- Wipe hob/splashback
- Squeegee shower screen
- Empty food waste
- Vacuum edges and skirtings
Monthly mini deep clean
- Descale taps/shower head
- Clean extractor filter
- Vacuum sofa cushions (if furnished)
60-day move-out countdown
- Patch small scuffs (only if it blends)
- Address carpet stains early (they set over time)
- Book pros early if your end date is fixed
Nearby Areas
End of tenancy cleaning checklist in Leith
Waterfront flats often need extra attention on windows/sills, kitchen grease, and entryway sand.
End of tenancy cleaning list for New Town
Older Georgian flats: high skirtings, sash windows, and ornate moulding dust are the big time sinks.
Moving out cleaning in Portobello
Beach sand loves carpets—focus on hallway edges, under furniture, and stair treads.
End of lease cleaning in West End
Communal entries and high-traffic stairwells: keep the hallway spotless and watch scuff marks near doors.
End tenancy cleaning in Morningside
Family rentals: bathrooms, cupboards, bin areas, and pet hair checks usually matter most.
After tenancy cleaning in Colinton / Juniper Green
More outdoor debris—entryways plus patio/balcony sweep if included.
Tenant moving out checklist (UK) for Currie / Balerno
Larger homes: plan kitchen + bathrooms + floors as separate blocks; consider a pro team for speed.
End of tenancy deep clean in Corstorphine
Busy households: carpets, kitchen, and storage areas tend to need the most attention.
When to Call a Professional in Edinburgh
Here’s the honest line: DIY works when the property is already in good shape and you have time. Call a professional when:
- You’re time-poor (48–72 hours to move out)
- The oven is heavily greased or the bathroom has stubborn limescale
- There’s visible mould or strong pet odours
- Carpets have stains that need extraction
- Your agent/landlord is strict and you want an invoice + photo evidence for deposit protection discussions
What to ask before booking
- What’s included (oven? fridge? windows?)
- Time on-site and number of cleaners
- Insurance and checklist proof
- Any re-clean policy if something is missed
Why Choose Us for End of Tenancy Cleaning in Edinburgh
At LSA Spotless Cleaning Services Ltd, we’re a family-run Edinburgh cleaning company headed by husband-and-wife duo Richard & Lynn, with 6+ years of hands-on experience and a strong focus on detail and consistency.
What makes our end of tenancy service different
- Checklist-led cleans that focus on the areas most likely to affect deductions (kitchen + bathroom)
- Clear scope, realistic standards, and practical advice (we’re local—we know Edinburgh properties)
- Optional add-ons for carpets and upholstery when it’s needed for a true “move-out ready” finish
If you need a deeper reset beyond move-out standards (for example after illness, renovations, or long neglect), our deep cleaning services in Edinburgh are designed for that thorough “start fresh” outcome.
Book Your End of Tenancy Cleaning in Edinburgh
If you want a deposit-ready clean without the last-minute stress, book your End of Tenancy Cleaning Edinburgh with LSA Spotless Cleaning Services Ltd.
You can also combine your move-out clean with Deep Cleaning Services in Edinburgh for a full reset, or add Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning if stains, pet odours, or allergens are a concern.
Local FAQs
- What does end of tenancy cleaning include in Edinburgh?
It typically includes deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, cleaning inside cupboards, wiping skirtings/doors, cleaning floors, and removing limescale/grease to match the check-in standard. - Is professional end of tenancy cleaning required in Scotland?
Not always—what matters is the cleanliness standard versus check-in, but invoices and photos can help if there’s a dispute. - What’s the most missed item on an end of tenancy cleaning checklist?
Ovens, extractor filters, shower screen grout, and window tracks are the most commonly overlooked areas. - How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in Edinburgh?
Many companies advertise ranges roughly from £120–£280 depending on property size and condition, with some charging higher “by bedroom” starting prices. - Can my landlord deduct from my deposit for cleaning in Scotland?
Yes—cleaning deductions may be claimed if the property is left below the check-in standard and the claim is supported with evidence. - How do I handle bulky items before moving out in Edinburgh?
Book a council uplift early—an FOI response notes £5 per item with up to five items collected per uplift. - How long should moving out cleaning take for a 1–2 bed flat in Edinburgh?
A typical flat can take half a day to a full day DIY, but heavy grease, limescale, or carpet stains often push it longer and are where professionals save the most time.
