End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist for Renters in Scotland

Moving out of a rented home in Scotland? An end of tenancy clean is crucial—not only for leaving your property in good shape, but also to ensure the safe return of your deposit. This article explains what renters are expected to do, how the law protects you, and practical steps for a smooth move-out in Scotland.

What Is End of Tenancy Cleaning in Scotland?

End of tenancy cleaning means restoring your rental property to the standard it was in when you first moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear. It’s not about making the place spotless, but meeting the expectations in your tenancy agreement and Scottish law.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, you must take care of the property and leave it in a reasonable condition. Normal wear and tear is acceptable, but you should:

• Clean floors, surfaces, kitchen, and bathrooms
• Remove rubbish and personal belongings
• Ensure fixtures and fittings are not damaged

Your landlord cannot demand professional cleaning unless detailed in your agreement and needed to return the property to its original condition.

Step-by-Step End of Tenancy Cleaning for Renters

A successful move-out clean improves your chances of getting your deposit back in full, and helps prevent disputes.

• Check your inventory: Compare the property’s current state to the original inventory/schedule of condition you received at move-in.
• Clean from top to bottom: Dust and wipe walls, ceilings, and skirting boards before cleaning surfaces and floors.
• Kitchen: Pay extra attention to ovens, hobs, microwaves, and fridge. Defrost and clean inside appliances.
• Bathroom: Remove limescale, clean tiles, taps, and deep-clean toilets, showers, and bathtubs.
• Carpets and floors: Vacuum and, if necessary, steam clean carpets. Mop hard floors.
• Windows: Clean inside glass and ledges. Exterior may not be required unless stated in your agreement.
• Rubbish: Remove all waste and recycling from the property and garden (if applicable).
• Gardens and outside areas: Tidy any outdoor spaces as agreed in your contract.

Deposit Deductions and Disputes

In Scotland, your deposit must be safely held in a government-approved scheme, such as:

• SafeDeposits Scotland
• my|deposits Scotland
• Letting Protection Service Scotland

If your landlord wants to deduct money for cleaning, you have the right to dispute this via the deposit scheme’s adjudication process. You’ll usually need evidence such as photos, correspondence, and the signed inventory.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Schedule of Condition (Inventory)
  What it is: A document recording the state of the property and contents at move-in.
  When to use: Both you and your landlord/letting agent should sign this at the start of the tenancy; it protects both parties.
  Where to find: Although there’s no mandatory national form, you can ask your landlord or letting agent to provide a detailed, signed inventory, and compare it to your own photos.
• Deposit Scheme Dispute Application
  What it is: If you disagree with proposed deposit deductions, lodge a dispute through the relevant deposit scheme.
  When to use: After the tenancy ends and you've received the landlord's proposed deductions.
  Official link: Deposit dispute form via SafeDeposits Scotland

Key advice: Always keep copies of your signed inventory, photos from move-in and move-out, and all communication with your landlord. This will help support you if a dispute arises.

What If There's a Dispute?

If you cannot resolve cleaning or deposit issues with your landlord, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)—the official tribunal for residential tenancy matters.

You may apply for a determination if your landlord has not followed the correct procedure or you disagree with their claims about the property's state.

Summary

A successful end of tenancy clean relies on careful preparation and knowing your rights. Clean to the required standard, use checklists, and understand your deposit protections under Scottish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to hire a professional cleaning service before I move out?
   Not unless your tenancy agreement specifically requires it. You must return the property to its original cleanliness (allowing for fair wear and tear), but professional cleaning is not a legal requirement.
2. What if my landlord claims my cleaning wasn’t good enough?
   If you disagree with their judgment or proposed deposit deductions, you can dispute these through your government-approved deposit protection scheme’s adjudication service.
3. Can my landlord keep part of my deposit for cleaning?
   Yes, but only if the property needs cleaning beyond fair wear and tear and you left it in a worse condition than at move-in. Any deduction must be justified and can be challenged.
4. How do I submit a cleaning dispute in Scotland?
   Contact your deposit scheme (such as SafeDeposits Scotland) and complete their online dispute form with supporting evidence such as photos and signed inventories.
5. Which official tribunal handles tenancy disputes in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is responsible for handling private rental disputes, including issues about property condition.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government: Private Renting Guidance
• Scottish Association of Landlords – Tenant Information
• Shelter Scotland – free advice and support
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Renting Privately
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. [2] Scottish Government: Private Residential Tenancies Tenant's Guide
3. [3] SafeDeposits Scotland: Raising a Dispute
4. [4] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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