End of tenancy carpet cleaning in Mid and West Hertfordshire

Who books end of tenancy carpet cleaning?

Tenants book it before handing back the keys. Landlords and letting agents book it between tenants, ahead of a new inventory or after a long let. It can cover fitted carpets, stairs, any rugs that came with the property and upholstered furniture in a furnished let.

Will a professional clean get my deposit back?

We cannot promise that, and no cleaner should either. Whether anything is kept back from a deposit depends on the state of the property when you leave compared with when you moved in, and on what you and your landlord agree. A clean can help carpets look their best, but it will not undo burns, tears, worn patches or long-standing stains.

What does my tenancy agreement say?

Your tenancy agreement and the check-in inventory record what was there at the start and what is expected when you leave. Read both before booking, and look at the photos or notes made for each room at check-in. If the carpets were recorded as freshly cleaned, or as already marked, that matters.

If a clause about cleaning is unclear, ask your landlord or agent to explain it. The government publishes guidance for tenants on the fees a landlord can charge in England.

What happens to the deposit at the end?

In England, if you rent your home on an assured periodic tenancy, which replaced assured shorthold tenancies on 1 May 2026, your landlord or agent must protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it. If you and your landlord cannot agree how much should be returned, the scheme offers a free dispute resolution service. You do not have to use it, but if you do, you both have to agree to it, you will each be asked for evidence, and the decision is final. The government explains how tenancy deposit protection works.

What is fair wear and tear?

Carpets wear with ordinary living. Some flattening along walkways, a little fading by the windows and the general signs of age are usually treated as fair wear and tear, which a tenant is not normally expected to put right. Spills, burns, pet damage and heavy soiling go beyond that. In a dispute, the length of the tenancy and the age and quality of the carpet are usually taken into account too.

What if the carpets were already worn when I moved in?

Look at the check-in inventory and any photos taken at the start. If they record stains, wear or a carpet that was already old, those were there before you. After the clean, take your own dated photos of each room's carpets, and keep any invoice from the cleaner with your tenancy paperwork. That gives you something to point to if the check-out report is questioned.

Does furniture in a furnished let need cleaning too?

If the property came with sofas, armchairs or a mattress, the inventory usually lists them and their condition. Check whether your agreement mentions upholstery. Furniture can often be cleaned on the same visit as the carpets, so list each piece and its fabric in your enquiry.

When should the clean happen?

Allow time for the carpets to dry before the inspection. A clean booked for the very last morning can leave damp carpet when the inspector arrives. In an empty property the heating may be off and the windows closed, so ask the cleaner what they would suggest to help it dry.

What should be done before the cleaner arrives?

• Take out your belongings so the floors are clear.
• Vacuum, or ask whether the cleaner includes it.
• Keep the water and electricity on, because most machines need both.
• Check parking and access, especially for flats with entry systems or permit bays.
• Open windows when the clean is finished, if the property is secure.

Can landlords and agents use this?

Yes. Landlords and letting agents with several homes often need cleans arranged between tenancies. Say how many properties there are and whether a tenant will still be living in them at the time. For shared houses and student lets, mention any communal hallways, stairs and lounges.

What details should I include?

• your postcode, and whether it is a house, flat or shared house
• whether you are the tenant, the landlord or the agent
• the number of rooms and staircases, and any rugs or furniture to clean
• known stains or pet marks
• the date the keys go back or the next tenant moves in

What happens next?

If a local carpet cleaner covers your postcode, and you consent, they are the only one who receives your enquiry. You settle the date, what is included and the cost directly with them.