What Is Included in End of Tenancy Cleaning in East Lothian?

End of tenancy cleaning is the deep, inventory-standard clean carried out between tenants, covering every surface, appliance and fixture a letting agent or landlord will check off before returning a deposit. In East Lothian's busy rental market, from commuter flats in Tranent to holiday lets in North Berwick, MacMac Cleaning Services provides residential cleaning across East Lothian built specifically around these check-out and check-in deadlines. Below, Gillian Docherty answers the questions landlords, tenants and letting agents actually ask before booking.

How does end of tenancy cleaning differ from a regular deep clean?

End of tenancy cleaning is measured against a fixed inventory or check-out report, not general tidiness, so it covers things a normal deep clean often skips: inside ovens, extractor filters, limescale on taps and showerheads, skirting boards, inside cupboards and windowsills. A regular deep clean is about how a home feels day to day; an end of tenancy clean is about passing a formal inspection.

For a landlord briefing cleaners between tenants in Gullane, the useful distinction is this: a deep clean is judged by the person living there, an end of tenancy clean is judged by whoever holds the deposit. That means every appliance gets opened and checked, every glass surface gets streak-free treatment, and areas that rarely get attention in a weekly clean, like behind the fridge or inside the washing machine drum, are included as standard. If you're briefing a cleaning team yourself, ask specifically for an inventory-standard or check-out clean rather than just "a deep clean", so there's no ambiguity about scope.

Do I need to clean the oven and carpets myself, or is that included in end of tenancy cleaning?

A proper end of tenancy service includes the oven as standard, since it's one of the items most commonly flagged on check-out inventories. Carpets are usually a separate add-on rather than automatically bundled in, so it's worth confirming with whoever you book whether carpet cleaning is included or priced on top.

If you're moving out of a rented house in Tranent, don't assume every quote covers both. Oven cleaning, inside and out including racks and the glass door, is standard practice for MacMac because it's such a common deposit dispute point. Carpets depend on condition and size, so we'll usually discuss whether steam cleaning is needed once we know the property, rather than guessing a price blind. If your tenancy agreement specifically requires professional carpet cleaning, say so when you book so it's quoted correctly from the start.

Who can do an end of tenancy clean quickly before new tenants view my North Berwick flat?

If tenants are moving out and viewings are imminent, book a local cleaning team as soon as the move-out date is confirmed, ideally the same day it's set, rather than waiting until the property is empty. MacMac covers North Berwick and the surrounding coast and can often turn a clean around within a short window when there's a viewing deadline.

North Berwick's rental turnover moves fast, partly because of demand from both long-term tenants and holiday letting, so gaps between one booking and the next are often tight. Getting in touch as soon as a move-out date is set, rather than after the property is already empty, gives us the best chance of fitting the clean in before the first viewing. Call 07535 793558 directly if the timeline is genuinely urgent; a phone call gets a faster answer than a form on a busy week.

What's typically included in a standard end of tenancy clean for a two-bed flat?

A standard two-bed end of tenancy clean covers the kitchen (oven, hob, extractor, cupboards inside and out, worktops, sink), both bathrooms or the bathroom and en-suite, all bedrooms and living areas (skirting boards, windowsills, doors, light fittings), and internal windows. Carpets, upholstery and external windows are typically quoted separately depending on the property.

If you're comparing quotes across East Lothian to protect your deposit, ask each company to confirm exactly which of those items are included versus optional, because "end of tenancy clean" isn't a strictly regulated term and packages vary between providers. A fair comparison means checking whether the oven, inside of cupboards, and limescale removal in the bathroom are genuinely covered, not just wiped surfaces. We're happy to talk through what a two-bed flat in Prestonpans or Tranent typically needs before you commit to a price.

Can I get an end of tenancy clean done within three days for my letting agency in Prestonpans?

Three-day turnarounds are achievable but depend on the property's condition and our current bookings, so the earlier you call the better. For letting agents in Prestonpans working to a tight deposit-return deadline, phoning 07535 793558 directly, rather than emailing, is the fastest way to confirm availability.

Letting agents often work to strict timescales set by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, and a clean booked at the last minute is harder to guarantee than one booked with even a few days' notice. When time is short, tell us upfront what's driving the deadline (a deposit return date, a new tenant move-in, a viewing) so we can prioritise accordingly. Being upfront about condition, whether the property was left tidy or needs significant work, also helps us quote and schedule accurately rather than underestimating on the day.

How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in East Lothian?

End of tenancy cleaning cost depends mainly on property size, current condition, and which extras (carpets, external windows, garden or bin areas) are needed, so we quote after a short conversation about the specific property rather than a flat rate. A one-bed flat with light wear costs less than a four-bed house left in poor condition.

Rather than invent a figure that doesn't reflect real variation, the honest answer is that the biggest cost drivers are square footage, number of bathrooms, whether the oven is heavily used, and whether carpets need steam cleaning. A flat that's been kept reasonably tidy through the tenancy will cost less to bring up to inventory standard than one with built-up grease, mould in the bathroom, or heavy limescale from East Lothian's notably hard water. Get in touch through the contact page with the property size and a rough idea of condition, and we'll give a clear quote before any work starts.

What's the difference between end of tenancy cleaning and a standard letting agent checklist?

A letting agent checklist is the inspection document used to judge the property at check-out; end of tenancy cleaning is the work carried out to meet that checklist. The two aren't the same thing, but a good cleaning company should work directly from the checklist if the agent provides one, so nothing gets missed.

If your letting agency has its own inventory template, share it with whoever you book, because it removes ambiguity about what "clean" means for that specific property. Some agents are stricter than others about details like light switch marks, inside of wardrobes, or the condition of extractor fans, and working from their actual document rather than a generic checklist reduces the risk of a dispute later.

Will end of tenancy cleaning guarantee I get my deposit back?

No cleaning company can guarantee a deposit return, because that decision sits with the landlord or agent and depends on more than cleanliness, such as damage, missing items or unpaid rent. What a professional end of tenancy clean does is remove cleanliness as a possible deduction, which is one of the most common reasons deposits get partially withheld.

Being honest about this matters more than a bold promise. If a property has pre-existing damage, worn carpets beyond normal cleaning, or damp staining from a leak, no clean will resolve that, and it's worth flagging those issues to the landlord or agent separately before check-out day. What we can promise is that the cleanliness side of the inventory is covered thoroughly.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include carpet cleaning?

Carpet cleaning is usually quoted as an add-on rather than automatically bundled into a standard end of tenancy clean, because carpet condition varies enormously between properties. If carpets need steam cleaning to meet the tenancy agreement's standard, ask for it specifically when booking so it's priced and scheduled correctly.

Some tenancy agreements state carpets must be professionally cleaned regardless of visible condition, which is common practice among East Lothian letting agents. If that clause applies to your tenancy, mention it upfront; it's a quick addition to the booking rather than something that needs a separate appointment.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include the oven?

Yes, a full oven clean, inside, racks, glass door and hob, is a standard part of an end of tenancy service, not an optional extra. It's one of the most commonly checked items on inventory reports, so it's treated as core work rather than something priced on top.

Ovens left uncleaned through a tenancy can take genuine time and the right products to bring back to an acceptable standard, particularly with baked-on grease. It's worth mentioning at booking if the oven hasn't been cleaned in a long time, since that affects how much time the job realistically needs.

Does end of tenancy cleaning include windows?

Internal windows and window sills are included as standard in an end of tenancy clean; external windows, particularly upper floors or windows requiring ladder access, are usually quoted separately for safety and access reasons. Ground-floor external glass is often straightforward to include if asked.

Coastal properties in North Berwick, Gullane and Dirleton often pick up salt residue on external glass faster than inland properties, which can make windows look grubby again within weeks of a clean. If that's a recurring issue for a rental you manage, it's worth asking about a standalone exterior clean between tenancies rather than expecting the end of tenancy service alone to solve it long-term.

What happens if the property fails the inventory check after cleaning?

If specific items are flagged on the check-out report after a MacMac clean, get in touch and we'll discuss what was raised and whether a return visit is appropriate. Genuine oversights get put right; issues that relate to pre-existing damage or wear rather than cleanliness are outside what any clean can fix.

Clear communication before the job, particularly sharing the letting agent's actual checklist, significantly reduces the chance of anything being missed in the first place. If a dispute does arise, having a specific, itemised checklist to refer back to (rather than a vague "clean the flat" instruction) makes it much easier to resolve fairly.

How long does an end of tenancy clean take?

A typical one or two-bed flat takes roughly three to five hours; larger houses with more bathrooms, heavier grime, or carpet cleaning added on take longer. We'll give a realistic time estimate once we know the property size and condition, rather than a generic figure that doesn't reflect the actual job.

Properties left in good day-to-day condition through the tenancy generally take less time than those with built-up grease, limescale or neglected areas like behind appliances. If a job is booked against a tight deadline, being upfront about the property's actual condition when you call helps us allocate enough time and staff, rather than running short on the day.

Do I need to be in the property while the clean is happening?

No, most end of tenancy cleans happen with the property empty, using keys collected from the landlord, letting agent or a lockbox, whichever is most convenient. This is often preferable anyway, since it lets the team work through the full checklist without disruption.

For landlords managing properties in Dunbar or Gullane from a distance, key collection arrangements are straightforward to set up in advance. Just confirm access details clearly when booking, including any parking restrictions or entry codes, particularly for flats with communal stairs or shared entrances.

Should tenants or landlords pay for end of tenancy cleaning?

This depends entirely on the tenancy agreement and isn't something a cleaning company decides; some agreements require the outgoing tenant to arrange and pay for professional cleaning, others leave it with the landlord between tenancies. Check the specific wording of the tenancy agreement before assuming either way.

Where a tenancy agreement requires tenants to provide proof of professional cleaning, we can provide an invoice as evidence the work was carried out, which is often exactly what's needed to satisfy that clause. If you're unsure what your agreement actually requires, it's worth a quick read-through or a call to the letting agent before booking, so the right party is arranging and paying for the work.

What's the difference between end of tenancy cleaning and a move-in clean?

An end of tenancy clean is carried out as tenants leave, judged against an inventory; a move-in clean is carried out before new tenants arrive, focused on making the property feel fresh rather than passing a formal check. In practice they often happen back to back on the same property.

Some landlords book both around the same turnaround window, particularly when there's a gap of only a few days between tenants. If you're managing a rental in Prestonpans or Tranent with back-to-back tenancies, it's worth discussing both jobs together so scheduling and access can be planned in one conversation rather than two separate bookings.

Do you clean HMOs and shared flats at the end of tenancy?

Yes, MacMac cleans HMOs and shared flats, though these often need more time than a standard single-let due to multiple bedrooms, shared kitchens and bathrooms seeing heavier use, and communal areas needing separate attention. We'll scope the job based on the actual number of rooms and shared facilities rather than treating it as a standard flat.

Shared student and young professional lets are common across East Lothian's commuter towns, and kitchens in particular tend to need more thorough degreasing given the number of people using them. Flagging that a property is an HMO when you book helps us quote and schedule realistically.

What should I do to prepare the property before the cleaners arrive?

Ideally, remove all personal belongings and rubbish before the clean starts, since an end of tenancy clean covers surfaces and fixtures, not clearing possessions left behind. A fully empty property also lets the team work through cupboards, skirting boards and floors properly without moving items around.

If bulky items or rubbish are still on site, let us know in advance, as this can affect both the time needed and the final result. For landlords managing the process remotely, confirming with the outgoing tenant that everything has been cleared before the booked slot avoids delays or an incomplete job on the day.

Do you supply your own cleaning products and equipment?

Yes, the team brings all cleaning products and equipment needed for the job, so there's nothing landlords, tenants or agents need to provide or leave behind. This includes appropriate products for ovens, limescale and general surfaces.

If a property has specific surfaces needing particular care, natural stone, older or delicate fittings common in East Lothian's traditional housing stock, mentioning this at booking means the right products are brought for the job rather than a generic approach.

What if the property has mould or limescale from hard water?

Limescale from East Lothian's hard water is common on taps, showerheads and glass shower screens, and a thorough end of tenancy clean should address it as standard rather than leaving it as a "known issue". Mould, particularly in poorly ventilated bathrooms, can usually be cleaned from surfaces, but where it's caused by an underlying damp or ventilation problem, it's likely to return unless that root cause is fixed separately.

Being honest about this matters: cleaning removes visible mould and limescale build-up, but if a property has a genuine damp issue, a bathroom extractor fan that isn't working, or persistent condensation, no clean is a permanent fix. Flagging that to the landlord as a maintenance issue, separate from the cleaning job, is the right next step.

Do you clean outside areas like bins, decking or driveways as part of end of tenancy?

Bins, bin stores and immediate entrance areas can usually be included in an end of tenancy booking on request; larger exterior work like decking, driveways or patios is typically handled as a separate pressure washing job. Both can be arranged through MacMac if a property needs the full package.

Coastal properties around North Berwick, Gullane and Dirleton often need more exterior attention than inland ones, with salt residue, sand and algae building up faster on paths and decking. If a rental property's exterior has been neglected between tenants, our professional pressure washing service covers driveways, patios and decking separately, and we've written more on this in our guide to exterior cleaning across Prestonpans and East Lothian.

How far in advance should I book an end of tenancy clean?

Book as soon as the move-out date is confirmed, ideally a week or more ahead, though shorter notice can often still be accommodated depending on the property and current schedule. The earlier we know, the more flexibility there is around timing to fit viewings or new tenant move-in dates.

Peak moving periods, particularly around the start and end of the academic year and common tenancy renewal dates, get booked up faster across East Lothian. If you know roughly when a tenancy is ending, an early call secures the slot rather than leaving it to the last few days.

Do you offer end of tenancy cleaning for holiday lets and short-term rentals in North Berwick and Gullane?

Yes, though holiday let turnovers between guests are a slightly different service to a full end of tenancy clean, focused on a fast reset rather than an inventory check. We can discuss which applies depending on whether you're between long-term tenants or between short-term guests.

North Berwick and Gullane both have a significant holiday letting market, and owners managing these properties often need quick, reliable turnarounds between bookings through the busier tourist months. If that's your situation, mention it when you call, since the scope and timing differ from a standard end of tenancy clean between long-term tenants.

What areas of East Lothian do you cover for end of tenancy cleaning?

MacMac covers Prestonpans, Tranent, North Berwick, Gullane, Dirleton and Dunbar, along with the towns and villages between them. This includes traditional terraced and flatted properties in the old mining towns as well as coastal cottages and holiday lets further along the coast.

Landlords and agents managing portfolios across more than one of these towns can book multiple properties through the same team, which is often simpler than coordinating separate local cleaners for each address.

Is end of tenancy cleaning different for a flat compared to a house?

Flats and houses are cleaned to the same inventory-standard approach, but flats often add communal stair or entrance considerations, while houses typically bring more square footage, more windows and sometimes a garden or outbuilding to factor in. Both are quoted based on actual size and condition rather than a flat-rate assumption.

Flats with shared stairwells, common in Prestonpans and Tranent's older housing stock, sometimes need access arranged with a factor or other residents, so it's worth checking that in advance if the property isn't a standalone entrance.

What if the landlord or agent isn't happy with the clean?

If any part of the job doesn't meet the agreed standard, contact us directly and we'll discuss what's been raised. Genuine issues within the scope of the original booking get addressed; MacMac's approach is built on the kind of reputation that comes from being responsive when something needs fixing, not defensive.

Our 4.9-star rating from 45 reviews reflects a track record of getting jobs right, but we'd rather deal openly with an issue than pretend it doesn't happen. Clear communication before the job, particularly around the specific checklist being used, is the best way to avoid problems arising at all.

Are your cleaners insured and vetted?

Yes. MacMac holds CHAS Elite accreditation, a recognised health and safety and supplier standard, and was named Family Business of the Year 2025 by Midlothian Chamber of Commerce. Both reflect the operational standards behind the cleaning work, not just marketing claims.

For landlords and letting agents, working with an accredited, locally established company reduces risk compared to an unverified individual, particularly for properties where access, keys and empty homes are involved.

Why choose MacMac Cleaning Services for end of tenancy cleaning?

MacMac is a family-run cleaning business based in Prestonpans, covering the whole of East Lothian, with CHAS Elite accreditation and a 4.9-star rating from 45 reviews. Gillian Docherty and the team work directly from letting agent checklists where provided, so nothing gets missed against the actual standard being judged.

Being locally based across Prestonpans, Tranent, North Berwick, Gullane, Dirleton and Dunbar means genuine familiarity with the area's housing stock, from ex-mining town terraces to coastal cottages, and with the realities of hard water limescale, salt exposure and fast rental turnover that shape what these cleans actually need. Alongside end of tenancy work, MacMac also provides residential cleaning across East Lothian, commercial cleaning for landlords managing multiple units or business premises, and professional pressure washing for exteriors that need attention between tenants.

What happens during a MacMac end of tenancy clean?

The process is straightforward and built to fit around move-out and move-in deadlines:

1. Enquiry and quote. Contact us with the property size, location and rough condition; we give a clear quote based on the actual job, not a generic rate.

2. Booking and access arranged. We confirm a date, ideally as soon as the move-out is set, and agree how keys or access will work.

3. The clean itself. The team works through the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas against a standard inventory checklist, or the letting agent's own document if one is supplied.

4. Extras completed. Carpet cleaning, external windows or exterior areas, if agreed in advance, are carried out as part of the same visit or a coordinated follow-up.

5. Handover. Keys are returned as arranged, and an invoice is provided, useful where a tenancy agreement requires proof of professional cleaning.

FAQs

How much notice do you need for an end of tenancy clean?

A week or more gives the most flexibility, but shorter notice, including a few days, can often still be accommodated depending on current bookings and the size of the property. Call rather than email if the timeline is tight.

Do you clean carpets as part of end of tenancy cleaning?

Carpet cleaning is usually quoted as an add-on rather than automatically included, since carpet condition and size vary between properties. Ask for it specifically when booking if your tenancy agreement requires professional carpet cleaning.

Can you clean a property the same day tenants move out?

Same-day cleans are sometimes possible depending on scheduling, but booking in advance once a move-out date is known gives a far better chance of the exact slot you need.

Do you provide an invoice for letting agents or tenancy deposit disputes?

Yes, an invoice is provided for every job, which can serve as evidence a professional clean was carried out if required by a tenancy agreement or in a deposit dispute.

Is end of tenancy cleaning more expensive than a regular clean?

It's typically priced higher than a routine domestic clean because it covers more ground, including ovens, limescale removal and areas not touched in weekly cleaning, and takes longer as a result.

Do you clean student flats and HMOs at the end of tenancy?

Yes, though these are scoped individually since shared kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas usually need more time than a standard single-let flat.

What if I only need part of the property cleaned, not the whole thing?

We can quote for partial jobs, such as just the kitchen and bathroom, though most end of tenancy bookings cover the full property to meet a complete inventory check.

Do you offer end of tenancy cleaning outside your normal service towns?

Our core coverage is Prestonpans, Tranent, North Berwick, Gullane, Dirleton and Dunbar; get in touch if your property is nearby and we'll confirm whether we can help.

Can landlords book recurring end of tenancy cleans for multiple properties?

Yes, landlords and letting agents managing several properties across East Lothian can book through the same team, which simplifies coordination compared to arranging separate cleaners per address.

What happens if the property is much dirtier than expected on the day?

Let us know as soon as possible; significantly worse condition than described may affect timing or price, so it's best flagged before the visit if you're aware of it.

Do you clean ovens as standard or only if requested?

Oven cleaning, inside, racks and glass door, is included as standard in an end of tenancy clean, not an optional extra, given how often it's checked on inventories.

Will a professional clean definitely get my full deposit back?

No cleaning company can guarantee that, since deposit decisions also depend on damage, missing items and other terms of the tenancy agreement, not cleanliness alone. A thorough clean removes cleanliness as a likely deduction.

If you're arranging an end of tenancy clean anywhere across Prestonpans, Tranent, North Berwick, Gullane, Dirleton or Dunbar, get in touch through our contact page or call Gillian and the team directly on 07535 793558. Tell us the property size, rough condition and your deadline, and we'll give you a clear quote and a realistic timeline, no pressure, just a straight answer.