Can this be construed as damage to the carpet?
6 years ago | 15 comments
Who is responsible for oven deep clean?
12:01 AM, 26th June 2025, 10 months ago
13
Hi, I am looking for members of the Property118 forum to back me up on this. My agent has charged me for an oven deep clean, costing £98, at the end of a tenancy.
This tenancy was with tenants who were never very happy during their stay.
However, it was my understanding that this is the tenant’s responsibility and if not done, should be taken from their deposit? Rather than being charged directly to me as the landlord?
Could someone please clarify that I am correct?
Thanks,
Lynda
Editor’s Note: On the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) website, it says landlords can claim money for cleaning from the tenancy deposit under certain circumstances.
It says tenants should leave a property in the same standard of cleanliness at the end of the tenancy as it was at the start of the tenancy.
Cleanliness is not subject to fair wear and tear – while an item can be worn and aged, it should still be clean.
In this case, an oven should be returned in a clean condition. If it’s left dirty, the landlord can usually claim the cost of a professional clean from the tenant’s deposit, as long as it’s reasonable and backed up by evidence like the check-in and check-out inventories. More can be found on the TDS by clicking here
Tags:
end of tenancy cleaning, Landlord rights, oven cleaning charge, TDS cleaning guidelines, tenancy deposit deductions, Tenant Responsibilities
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 137
8:01 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
If you were self managing and they have been good tenants but just “forgot” to clean oven I would let it go however since you are paying for an agent’s services they on the other hand should know better and since presumably they have been dealing with the tenants should have issued a list of what needs to be done prior to check out. I would challenge the agent on this to see what their justification is before deciding whether to pursue or not. Sometimes £100 is a small price to pay to get your property back with only an oven to clean.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 27
9:22 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
If you had check in and check out reports done and the oven was cleaned to a professional standard at the start of the tenancy and was recorded on the check out as cleaning required then it would be down to the tenants to pay. If no reports then nothing you can do
Member Since March 2019 - Comments: 73
9:32 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
what landlord in their right mind does not manage their own properties,it is not rocket science!
If an oven was handed over clean,the tenant must leave it clean.
Member Since February 2023 - Comments: 39
9:32 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
The agent should have a professional inventory at check-in and check-out with a picture of the inside of the oven. If it was supplied dirty then you’d need to pay.
If the agent hasn’t got any records and just let it go they’re not really doing their job.
Member Since June 2021 - Comments: 15
9:41 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by paul kaye at 26/06/2025 – 09:32Plenty do not manage their own properties due to many factors eg geographical distance, confidence, availability of time, personal preference and negative past experiences!
Member Since November 2022 - Comments: 1
9:59 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by N N at 26/06/2025 – 09:32
Thank you all, that’s really helpful.
I’ve contacted the agent and will see where we get to. Agents seem to be too keen to hand back deposits before deducting any necessary costs!
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 195
10:03 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by paul kaye at 26/06/2025 – 09:32
I whole heartedly agree. I’ve managed my own properties for 40-years and therefore never had this sort of agent problem.
Time to dump them!
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1
10:06 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Depends on what is detailed in the tenancy agreement as to whether re-chargeable to the tenant/from their deposit or a cost (tax allowable expense) to the landlord.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 20
10:15 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
As an agent – if the oven was noted as clean on the original inventory with photos, then thats how it should be returned to you. Our practice is to send out pre vacation guidance notes detailing everything thats expected from the tenant in terms of cleaning, putting furniture back etc etc. We even provide them with cleaning contractor details so they can opt to get it all sorted themselves. The key here is to have a water tight inventory – its such a vital document.
Member Since March 2025 - Comments: 4
1:11 PM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
I manage my properties myself. I have found agents useless when I used them.
I have a professional oven clean requirement at tenants cost in the contract for when they leave, together with professional carpet cleaning.