End of Tenancy Cleaning Rules for Renters in Scotland

Moving out of a rented home in Scotland often comes with questions about cleaning responsibilities. Many renters wonder if they must deep clean before leaving. Understanding what the law says and what your landlord can reasonably expect will help you avoid unnecessary stress or deposit disputes.

What Are Your Cleaning Responsibilities When Leaving?

In Scotland, the legal expectations for cleaning at the end of your tenancy are guided primarily by your tenancy agreement and the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1]. There's no law requiring 'deep cleaning', but you must leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Key Points to Remember

• Check your tenancy agreement: It may specify cleaning standards or tasks, such as carpet cleaning.
• Fair wear and tear is allowed: General usage resulting in minor marks or scuffs is not your responsibility to fix.
• Inventory check: Compare the property's inventory or schedule of condition with its current state.
• You are not required to pay for or carry out a professional "deep clean" unless specified in your contract and agreed at the start of the tenancy.

Deposit Deductions and Cleaning Disputes

Landlords can only make deductions from your deposit for cleaning if the property is not left reasonably clean or as agreed in your tenancy contract. Your deposit is protected by an approved scheme, such as SafeDeposits Scotland, my|deposits Scotland, or Letting Protection Service Scotland.^[2]

If you disagree with a deduction, you can raise a dispute with the relevant scheme. They will ask for evidence, such as your check-in inventory, photographs, or cleaning invoices.

Relevant Official Forms and When to Use Them

• SafeDeposits Scotland Repayment Claim Form – Submit this form to claim your deposit back or to dispute deductions.
  Access Repayment Claim Form.
  Example: If you feel your landlord is unfairly withholding part of the deposit for cleaning, use this form to initiate the repayment or dispute process.

The process is similar for other official schemes. Always contact the scheme where your deposit is protected for their specific forms and process.

What If the Landlord Claims You Didn't Clean Enough?

If your landlord proposes a deduction:

• Request a full breakdown of the cleaning charges and evidence, such as photos.
• Share your own evidence (e.g., move-out photos, cleaning receipts).
• If you can't agree, submit a deposit dispute to your scheme for a decision.

Who Handles Disputes and Legal Issues?

In Scotland, the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) deals with private tenancy disputes.^[3] Deposit and cleaning disagreements initially go through the deposit scheme, but unresolved issues can be raised with the Tribunal for a binding decision.

Summary: Cleaning, Deposits, and Moving Out

When moving out, focus on returning the property to the state it was at the start of your tenancy, except for fair wear and tear. Professional deep cleaning is not legally required unless your contract makes it clear and you agreed to it from the outset. Use your inventory, keep evidence, and know your rights if a deposit deduction is challenged.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to pay for a professional clean when I leave my tenancy in Scotland?
   Not usually. Unless your tenancy agreement specifically requires professional cleaning and you agreed to it at the start, you are not required by law to pay for professional cleaning. You are only responsible for returning the property in the same clean state as when you moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear.
2. Can my landlord take money from my deposit for cleaning?
   Yes, but only if there is evidence that you did not leave the property as clean as when your tenancy began (excluding fair wear and tear). Any deduction must be justified with evidence and can be disputed through your deposit protection scheme.
3. How do I dispute a cleaning deduction from my deposit?
   Contact your tenancy deposit scheme and raise a dispute online. Submit supporting evidence such as photographs or check-in inventories. The scheme will make an impartial decision based on both sides' evidence.
4. What counts as 'fair wear and tear'?
   Fair wear and tear means the normal deterioration of the property from everyday use, such as minor carpet marks or faded paint. You are not responsible for these under the law.
5. Where can I get official guidance about my end of tenancy cleaning duties?
   The Scottish Government provides a moving out checklist for tenants and clear information on standards and dispute processes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Official Scottish Government moving out checklist
• Shelter Scotland – free advice for renters
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for tenancy disputes
• SafeDeposits Scotland, my|deposits Scotland, and Letting Protection Service Scotland for deposit issues

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – sets out tenant and landlord rights and obligations, including at the end of a tenancy
2. Scottish Government: Tenancy deposit protection schemes
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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