Ask TDS: “Can my landlord charge me for cleaning the oven?”

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) is a government approved scheme for the protection of tenancy deposits; we offer both insured and custodial protection. We also provide fair adjudication for disputes that arise over the tenancy deposits that we protect. This article has been written in response to a tenant’s query: “Can my landlord charge me for cleaning the oven?

Cleaning costs are the most common reason for deductions from a tenancy deposit, and while cleaning standards can be subjective, it is also the most common disputed claim. It is important to bear in mind that you should return the property in the same state as it was provided to you, less wear and tear. You should also be aware that ‘fair wear and tear’ does not apply to cleaning, so you must make sure that the standard of cleanliness is the same.

“I didn’t know I had to clean the oven, I’ve already left!”

If you have already left the property, you can ask for permission to return and clean the oven and any other areas yourself. It is the landlord’s choice as to whether they allow you to do this, but they are under no obligation to do so.

If you know that you did not clean the oven prior to leaving, then you should speak to the landlord if you want to discuss the cleaning fee, however if the oven was less clean than it was when you moved into the property, you are liable for this cost.

“I did clean it, why is my landlord saying I didn’t?”

If you cleaned the oven prior to leaving, was this noted on the check-out report? It is worth ensuring that the cleanliness and condition of all items are noted accurately to ensure that both parties can clearly see the state of the property at the start and end of the tenancy.

You may have cleaned the oven, but did you clean it to a professional standard? If the oven was brand new, or had been professionally cleaned prior to your tenancy beginning, they can expect it to be cleaned to the same standard. You may find our recent blog a useful reference.

Unfortunately, this blog doesn’t have a happy ending; if the oven is not cleaned then the landlord can charge you. If, however you feel the cost being charged is too much, you can approach your landlord and attempt to reach a solution where you are both happy.