Lucy Brimble

A survey of 1,000 tenants found that a quarter had lost part of their rental deposits due to cleanliness disputes, with issues such as damaged walls, stained carpets and broken items among the leading causes. Many tenants believed their cleaning was sufficient, yet differing expectations between landlords, housemates and renters often led to conflict. Disagreements over tasks like oven cleaning and bathroom limescale were common, and nearly half of respondents prioritised cleanliness when choosing housemates. Over half found preparing for end‑of‑tenancy inspections stressful, with some considering professional cleaning to protect deposits. A spokesperson for Kärcher highlighted the need for clearer cleanliness standards to reduce tensions and avoid costly disputes.