Guide · Timing
How long does end of tenancy cleaning take?
A straightforward answer, with real numbers. Here's how long a proper end of tenancy clean actually takes in London, and the factors that push it longer.
Short answer: most end of tenancy cleans take between four and eight hours, depending on the size of the property and its condition. A studio can be done in half a day; a well-lived-in three-bed can take a full day with two cleaners.
Long answer: the clock isn't the point. What matters is whether the property is check-out ready — and that depends less on time and more on scope, condition and team size. Here's how to plan.
Rough timing by property size
Typical durations in London
Based on homes in reasonable condition. Heavy build-up, extras like carpet shampooing, or very restricted access will add time.
| Property | Typical time | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3 – 5 hours | 1 – 2 cleaners |
| 1-bedroom flat | 4 – 6 hours | 2 cleaners |
| 2-bedroom flat or small house | 5 – 7 hours | 2 cleaners |
| 3-bedroom property | 6 – 8+ hours | 2 – 3 cleaners |
| 4+ bedroom property | 8+ hours, sometimes split across teams | 3 cleaners |
What moves the clock
Factors that make a clean take longer
Kitchen condition
A greasy extractor, heavy oven use or limescale-covered taps can add an hour or more on their own. Kitchens are almost always the longest room in the property.
Bathroom limescale
Hard-water London postcodes mean serious limescale. Doing it properly needs dwell time with the right product, not just speed.
Inside-cupboard detail
Wardrobes, kitchen cupboards and drawers all need to be emptied and cleaned inside and out. That takes real time, especially in larger homes.
Carpets and add-ons
Standard vacuuming is included. Full carpet shampooing, curtain cleaning or exterior windows are add-ons that run in parallel but still add hours to the job.
Access and parking
Top-floor flats without lifts, and restricted parking zones, both slow down kit in and out.
How recently it's been cleaned
A home cleaned weekly is faster to bring up to end-of-tenancy standard than one that's been living hard for a year.
Planning move-out day
Book the clean on the day you hand back the keys
The cleanest hand-over is: tenant moves out in the morning, cleaners arrive mid-morning, check-out inspection in the afternoon or next day. If your tenancy allows, that sequence avoids a freshly-cleaned home being used again before the inspection.
- Give the team unrestricted access
- Remove personal items and rubbish first
- Confirm parking and keys in advance
- Share your agent's check-out list if you have one
FAQs
Timing questions
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
Can you do same-day end of tenancy cleans?
Know exactly when it'll be done
Share a few details about the property and we'll come back with an estimated window and a per-property price — so you can plan move-out day properly.