Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS & TDS) Cleaning Guide

Why cleaning is the #1 reason for deposit deductions

According to data published by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), cleaning disputes account for over half of all proposed deductions from tenant deposits in England.

Many tenants believe leaving a property "tidy" is sufficient. However, tenancy agreements specify that properties must be returned in the exact cleanliness state documented in the move-in check-in inventory report, allowing only for fair wear and tear.

The golden standard: Check-in vs Check-out report

An independent inventory clerk conducts an objective, room-by-room inspection at checkout. They compare their findings directly with the check-in inventory schedule taken on your first day.

If the check-in inventory states "professionally cleaned to high standard", the landlord or letting agent is legally entitled to expect the property returned in that exact condition.

The top 5 areas inventory clerks fail tenants on

• The Oven & Cooker Hood: Carbonised grease on oven glass, burnt residues on baking trays, and saturated extractor hood mesh filters.
• Limescale & Bathroom Grout: Calcified crusts around tap bases, showerheads, and cloudy mineral deposits on glass screens.
• Inside Kitchen Appliances: Washing machine detergent drawers with black mould, fridge drainage holes, and tumble dryer lint traps.
• Skirting Boards & Door Frames: Accumulated dust and scuff marks along skirting tops, architraves, and radiator backs.
• Carpets & Flooring: High-traffic pathways, muddy entrance marks, and pet hair embedded around room edges.

Tenant Fees Act 2019: What landlords can and cannot demand

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot legally force you to hire a specific cleaning firm or produce a receipt from an approved company. However, they CAN insist on the standard of cleanliness being returned to the original benchmark.

If DIY cleaning does not reach that professional benchmark, the landlord can deduct the cost of professional remediation directly from your deposit.

How to win a dispute with DPS, TDS or mydeposits

• Retain an itemised professional invoice: Having documentation that proves a comprehensive move-out clean was completed is powerful evidence.
• Take dated checkout photographs: Photograph all interior cupboards, appliance interiors, tiles, and window sills immediately after cleaning.
• Attend the checkout inspection: Whenever possible, accompany the inventory clerk to address any minor spot checks immediately on the day.

Protect against cleaning deductions in Kingston & SW London

Prime Crown Cleaning provides an uncompromising End of Tenancy cleaning service backed by our 72-hour re-clean guarantee across Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Surbiton, Putney, and Wimbledon. While deposit return is managed by your estate agent or landlord and may involve non-cleaning factors (such as property maintenance or rent), we 100% guarantee the cleaning standard: if your inventory clerk notes any cleaning omission on the checkout report, we return to reclean it free of charge.