One in four renters have been unable to recover their full deposit due to disputes over cleanliness at the end of their tenancy, according to a new survey of 1,000 tenants. The study, commissioned by cleaning equipment manufacturer Kärcher, found that 24% of tenants clashed with their landlord over cleanliness standards before moving out.
Common reasons for deposit deductions
Damaged walls, floors, or fittings were cited by 17% of tenants as a reason for losing part of their deposit, while stained carpets or furnishings affected 14%, and broken belongings accounted for 13%. On average, those who lost money forfeited £367.89.
Despite these findings, eight in ten tenants argued they had done a good enough job cleaning. However, 35% of those who lived with others blamed their flatmates for the shortfall.
Disputes among flatmates
One in five tenants admitted that the period leading up to the final inspection triggered serious disputes with their flatmates, with 29% giving each other the silent treatment for several hours as a result. The cleaning tasks that sparked the greatest arguments included scrubbing the oven (24%), tackling limescale in the bathroom (17%), and ensuring windows were gleaming (14%).
Simon Bond, a spokesperson for Kärcher, said: "Cleaning is often one of the biggest sources of tension in a shared household, particularly when it comes to moving out and ensuring a property is left in the best possible condition. End-of-tenancy cleaning can quickly become a flashpoint for renters, turning what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful and sometimes costly experience."
Expectations and preparation
When choosing who to live with, 46% of tenants considered cleanliness an important factor. Once living together, 28% always shared the cost of cleaning products. More than a fifth (23%) ensured good quality cleaning products and equipment were purchased before the final inspection, yet 56% found the entire preparation stressful.
The survey also revealed that 42% were surprised by how high the expected standard of cleanliness was at the end of a tenancy, with 30% describing it as 'unrealistic'. However, 53% said they would be willing to pay for a professional clean to help protect their future deposits.
Bond added: "Household chores can quickly become a source of tension, especially when it comes to the finishing touches that are hardest to get right, like ovens, bathrooms and windows. Our research shows that many renters feel uncertain about what is expected of them, creating unnecessary stress at a time that's already busy and demanding. With differing views on what 'clean enough' looks like, it's easy to see how disputes can arise. The findings suggest that clearer expectations and better preparation could help reduce friction between tenants, landlords and housemates alike, giving people greater confidence as they move on to their next home."
