End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost in Ireland: What Tenants & Landlords Pay (2026)

What Does End of Tenancy Cleaning Cost in Ireland in 2026?

End of tenancy cleaning is the thorough clean of a rental property before the tenant hands back the keys. It is one of the most searched cleaning services in Ireland because getting it wrong can cost you part or all of your deposit.

This guide covers the real prices tenants and landlords are paying in 2026, what is included room by room, how add-ons affect the total cost, and how to navigate RTB deposit rules. All prices exclude VAT at 23% unless stated otherwise.

For a detailed room-by-room checklist, see our end of tenancy cleaning checklist. For RTB deposit rules specific to cleaning, read our RTB deposit deductions guide.

End of Tenancy Cleaning Prices by Property Size

All prices exclude VAT at 23%. “Standard clean” covers all rooms to a move-in ready standard. “With oven + carpets” adds a professional oven deep clean and hot water extraction carpet cleaning for all carpeted rooms.

What Is Included Room by Room

Kitchen

• All worktops cleaned and sanitised
• Sink and taps cleaned and polished
• Hob and splashback degreased
• Exterior of all appliances wiped (fridge, dishwasher, washing machine)
• Inside fridge and freezer cleaned (if empty)
• All cupboard and drawer fronts wiped
• Inside cupboards and drawers wiped (if empty)
• Bin area cleaned
• Floor mopped
• Light fittings, switches, and sockets wiped

Oven deep clean (add-on): €40–€70. Includes interior of oven, oven door glass (both sides), grill pan, oven racks, and hob burner caps. A professional oven clean takes 1–2 hours and makes a significant difference to the overall kitchen impression.

Bathroom(s)

• Toilet cleaned inside and out, including base and behind
• Bath and/or shower cleaned, including screen and tiles
• Sink and taps cleaned and polished
• Mirror cleaned
• All tile surfaces wiped
• Grout spot-cleaned (not regrouted)
• Towel rails and radiators wiped
• Floor mopped
• Extractor fan vent wiped

Bedrooms

• All surfaces dusted (windowsills, shelves, radiators)
• Inside wardrobes and drawers wiped (if empty)
• Mirrors cleaned
• Skirting boards wiped
• Light fittings, switches, and sockets wiped
• Carpet vacuumed or hard floor mopped
• Doors cleaned both sides

Living Room / Reception Rooms

• All surfaces dusted
• Fireplace surround cleaned (if applicable)
• Skirting boards wiped
• Internal windows and sills cleaned
• Light fittings, switches, and sockets wiped
• Carpet vacuumed or hard floor mopped

Hallway, Stairs, and Landing

• Stairs vacuumed or swept and mopped
• Banisters and handrails wiped
• Hallway floor cleaned
• Front door interior wiped
• Letterbox and door furniture cleaned
• Shoe storage area cleaned

Add-On Services and Costs

Landlord vs Tenant: Who Pays for What?

This is one of the most disputed aspects of renting in Ireland. Here is the legal position:

Tenant Obligations

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended), tenants must return the property in the condition they received it, allowing for normal wear and tear. This means:

• The property should be clean and tidy
• Appliances should be in working order
• Walls should not have excessive marks or damage beyond normal use
• Gardens should be maintained to a reasonable standard
• All tenant belongings must be removed

There is no legal requirement to hire a professional cleaner. However, if the property was professionally cleaned before you moved in (check your inventory and lease), it is reasonable to return it to a similar standard.

Landlord Rights

Landlords can deduct cleaning costs from the deposit if the property is returned in a condition below the expected standard (accounting for wear and tear). However, landlords cannot deduct for:

• Normal wear and tear (scuff marks on walls, minor carpet wear, faded curtains)
• Pre-existing damage (documented in the move-in inventory)
• Professional cleaning if the property was not professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy
• Upgrades or improvements disguised as cleaning

Protecting Your Deposit

1. Take dated photos of every room when you move in and when you move out
2. Keep your move-in inventory and compare it to the property condition at move-out
3. Get a professional clean and keep the receipt — this is your strongest evidence in a deposit dispute
4. Report any maintenance issues to the landlord during the tenancy in writing (email)
5. Do a pre-checkout inspection with the landlord or agent if possible, so any issues can be addressed before the final inspection

Student End of Year: Special Considerations

Student move-outs in May and June create a surge in demand for end of tenancy cleaning. If you are a student leaving rented accommodation:

• Book early: Cleaning companies are booked solid in late May and early June. Book at least 3 weeks in advance.
• Split the cost: If you share with housemates, split the cleaning cost equally. A 4-bed house clean (€380–€600) split four ways is €95–€150 each — much cheaper than losing your deposit share.
• Remove all belongings first: The cleaning team cannot clean around furniture and personal items. The property must be empty (or nearly empty) before the cleaners arrive.
• Check your lease: Many student leases specifically require a professional clean at the end of the tenancy. If it is in your lease, it is a contractual obligation.

When to Book End of Tenancy Cleaning

The ideal timeline is:

1. 2–3 weeks before move-out: Book the cleaning company. Provide your move-out date and property details.
2. Day before or morning of move-out: Remove all furniture and belongings. The property should be empty.
3. Cleaning day: Cleaners attend and complete the clean. This is usually the same day as or the day before the final inspection.
4. Final inspection: Walk through with the landlord or agent. The property should be spotless.
5. Key handover: Return all keys.

Do not book the clean for after you have handed back the keys — you will not have access to the property.

Factors That Affect the Price

Property Condition

A well-maintained property that has been regularly cleaned during the tenancy will cost less than one that has been neglected. Heavy grease buildup in the kitchen, limescale in the bathroom, and stained carpets all increase the cleaning time and cost. If the property is in very poor condition, a standard end of tenancy clean may not be sufficient — you may need a deep clean at a higher price.

Number of Bathrooms

Bathrooms are the most time-intensive rooms to clean. A 3-bed house with 1 bathroom is cheaper to clean than a 3-bed house with 2 bathrooms and a downstairs toilet. Each additional bathroom adds approximately €30–€60 to the price.

Furnished vs Unfurnished

Furnished properties are faster to clean once the tenant’s personal belongings are removed, because the cleaning team works around fixed furniture. Unfurnished (empty) properties require cleaning of all floor space, inside all cupboards, and all surfaces that were previously hidden behind furniture. An empty property may paradoxically take longer because there is nowhere for dust to hide.

Location

Dublin prices are 15–20% higher than the national average. Cork, Galway, and Limerick are 5–10% above average. Rural areas may attract a travel surcharge if the cleaning company is based in a nearby town.