Deposit Deduction Calculator
How clean is your home for move-out?
This calculator estimates potential deposit deductions based on UK landlord expectations for end-of-tenancy cleaning. Use it to understand what you need to fix before you leave.
Enter your cleaning status for each area to see potential deposit deductions.
When you’re moving out, the biggest question isn’t just how clean your house should be-it’s whether you’ll get your deposit back. Landlords in the UK don’t expect a showroom-level finish, but they do expect you to leave the property in the same condition you found it, minus normal wear and tear. If you’ve lived in a place for two years and never cleaned the oven, you’re not going to get your £500 deposit back. Here’s what actually matters.
What’s considered normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear is the slow, unavoidable damage that happens over time. Faded paint from sunlight, slightly scuffed floorboards from furniture, or a few loose tiles in the bathroom? That’s fine. But grease buildup on the stove, mould around the shower seal, or holes in the walls from hanging pictures without permission? That’s your responsibility.
The UK government’s guidance for tenancy deposits says landlords can’t charge for fair wear and tear. But they can charge for damage beyond that. A carpet that’s worn thin after five years? Normal. A carpet stained with red wine you never cleaned up? That’s your bill.
The five areas landlords check most
Landlords and letting agents don’t inspect every square inch, but they always check these five spots:
- The kitchen - Grease on the cooker hood, burnt-on food in the oven, sticky drawers, and dirty fridge seals. If you’ve used the oven regularly, it needs a deep clean. Not a quick wipe. A full scrub with oven cleaner and elbow grease.
- The bathroom - Soap scum on tiles, mould in grout, limescale on taps, and urine stains around the toilet base. A vinegar-and-baking-soda scrub works for most of it. For mould, use a specialist cleaner. If you ignore this, you’ll pay for professional removal.
- Flooring - Carpets need vacuuming and steam cleaning if they’re dirty. Hard floors need to be mopped with a proper cleaner, not just a damp cloth. Stubborn scuff marks from shoes? Sandpaper and a bit of polish fix them.
- Windows and frames - Smudged glass is one thing. Black grime in the window tracks, dust in the seals, or peeling paint on wooden frames? That’s not normal. Clean the tracks with an old toothbrush and white vinegar.
- Doors and walls - Fingerprints on door handles are normal. Holes from nails, paint splashes, or permanent marker? You pay. Patch holes with filler, sand them smooth, and repaint with the original colour if you have it.
What you can skip
You don’t need to clean things that are impossible to restore to brand-new condition. For example:
- You don’t need to regrout the bathroom if the grout is just discoloured from age.
- You don’t need to replace light bulbs unless they’re broken when you moved in.
- You don’t need to clean inside the microwave if it’s not visibly dirty - but if there’s food splatter, clean it.
- You don’t need to wash curtains unless they’re stained or smell bad.
Don’t waste time or money on perfection. Focus on damage you caused, not things that naturally aged.
The move-out cleaning checklist (UK 2026 version)
Here’s a practical, no-fluff checklist based on real landlord inspections in Brighton and across England:
- Empty all cupboards and wipe down the insides with a damp cloth.
- Remove all items from the fridge and freezer. Clean shelves, drawers, and seals with warm soapy water.
- Deep clean the oven: remove racks, scrub interior with oven cleaner, wipe down door and control panel.
- Scrub the hob and extractor fan. Remove grease filters and wash them in hot, soapy water.
- Wash all windows inside and out. Clean tracks and sills.
- Steam clean or professionally clean carpets if stained or dusty. Vacuum thoroughly if they’re in decent shape.
- Mop all hard floors with a pH-neutral cleaner. Pay attention to corners and under appliances.
- Wipe down all doors, handles, light switches, and sockets.
- Check for mould in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Treat with anti-mould spray.
- Remove all rubbish. Take out bins and leave them clean.
- Leave keys in a clean, dry place with a note saying where they are.
Take photos before you leave. Not just the big stuff - the back of the fridge, the inside of the cupboard under the sink, the shower corner. These are your proof if the landlord tries to charge you unfairly.
What happens if you don’t clean properly?
If your property isn’t cleaned to standard, your landlord can deduct money from your deposit. In 2025, the average deduction for poor end-of-tenancy cleaning in England was £287. Some tenants lost over £600 for things like:
- Unremoved mould (costs £150-£300 to remediate)
- Grease-caked ovens (professional cleaning: £80-£120)
- Carpet stains (steam cleaning: £100-£200)
- Broken or missing light fittings (replacement: £30-£80 each)
Landlords can’t charge for things they didn’t document at the start. That’s why the inventory report matters. If the inventory said the carpet was already worn, they can’t charge you for wear. But if it said the carpet was clean and stain-free, and you left it stained? You pay.
How to avoid deposit disputes
The best way to avoid a fight? Do your cleaning early and document everything.
- Book your cleaning at least 7 days before you leave. Last-minute cleaners are expensive and rushed.
- Use a professional cleaner if you’re unsure. It costs £150-£250 for a 3-bed house, but it’s cheaper than losing £500.
- Compare your move-in inventory with your move-out condition. If something was broken before you moved in, keep the original report.
- Don’t leave anything behind. Even a forgotten mug can be used as evidence you didn’t fully vacate.
- Send your keys and cleaning photos via email or text. Keep a record.
Most deposit disputes happen because tenants assume ‘clean enough’ is good enough. It’s not. The law says you must return the property in the same condition - not ‘close enough’.
What if your landlord refuses your deposit?
If your landlord withholds your deposit without a valid reason, you can dispute it through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) or MyDeposits. You’ll need:
- Your signed inventory report
- Photos of the property when you moved in and out
- Receipts for professional cleaning
- Any communication with your landlord about cleaning expectations
Most cases are resolved within 10 days if you have good evidence. If you don’t, you’re likely to lose. Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your proof.
Final tip: Clean like you’re selling the house
Think of it this way: if you were selling your home, you wouldn’t leave a greasy oven or mouldy shower. You’d clean it because you want to make a good impression. Moving out is the same. You’re not just leaving a property - you’re leaving a reputation. And your deposit is the proof.
Do the work. Document it. Leave it spotless. Then walk away with your money in your pocket and no regrets.
Do I need to clean the oven if I barely used it?
Yes. Even if you didn’t use the oven much, landlords expect it to be free of grease, dust, and food residue. A quick wipe isn’t enough. Remove the racks, scrub the interior with oven cleaner, and wipe down the door and control panel. If you didn’t use it, that’s even easier - just make sure it looks like it’s been maintained.
Can my landlord charge me for cleaning if I paid for professional cleaning?
No, if you paid for professional cleaning and have a receipt, your landlord can’t charge you again. But only if the cleaning was done properly and matches the condition of the property when you moved in. Always keep the receipt and send it to your landlord with your cleaning photos.
Is steam cleaning carpets mandatory?
Not always, but if the carpet is visibly stained, smelly, or dusty, you’ll need to clean it. Most landlords expect carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of a tenancy, especially if they were clean when you moved in. A vacuum won’t cut it. Steam cleaning removes deep dirt and allergens. If you’re unsure, hire a pro - it’s cheaper than losing your deposit.
What if the property was dirty when I moved in?
Check your inventory report. If it says the property was dirty or damaged, you’re not responsible. If there’s no report, take photos on your first day. Without proof, your landlord can still claim you caused the damage. Always get a signed inventory at the start - it’s your legal protection.
Can I leave the property slightly dirty if I’m moving out quickly?
Technically, yes - but you risk losing your deposit. Landlords don’t care why you’re in a rush. They care about the condition. If you leave grease on the hob or mould in the bathroom, you’ll pay. It’s better to spend 4 hours cleaning than 4 weeks fighting for your money.
Do I need to clean the garden or balcony?
Only if it was part of your tenancy agreement. If you had access to a garden or balcony, you’re expected to remove rubbish, clear leaves from drains, and wipe down surfaces. You don’t need to reseed the lawn or repaint the railing - unless you damaged it. Keep it tidy, not perfect.
Next steps if you’re moving out soon
Start now. Even if you’ve got 3 weeks left, begin with one room. Don’t wait until the last weekend. Clean the kitchen first - it’s the most likely place to cost you money. Then move to the bathroom. Take photos every step of the way. If you’re unsure about something, Google ‘UK end of tenancy cleaning standards’ and read the government’s guidance. You don’t need to be a cleaning expert - just thorough.
And remember: your deposit isn’t a gift. It’s your money. Treat it like you’re getting paid to leave the place better than you found it - because in a way, you are.
