By Key takeaways
- Bark's 2026 Irish averages put a three-bed end of tenancy clean at €270 and a three-bed deep clean at €220, both excluding VAT.
- Bark says an end of tenancy clean 'usually costs somewhat more than a deep clean in the same property' because it must meet a landlord's standard.
- The RTB asks tenants to leave a rental 'in a similar condition to when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear'.
- Dublin Cleaners charges from €165 for a one-bed end of tenancy clean and from €150 for a one-bed deep clean, VAT included.
- Bark estimates a three-bed deep clean takes one cleaner about 8 hours.
€270
Average 3-bed end of tenancy clean, ex VAT
Bark, 2026
€220
Average 3-bed deep clean, ex VAT
Bark, 2026
8 hours
Typical deep clean time, three-bed, one cleaner
Bark, 2026
An end of tenancy clean vs deep clean comes down to one question: is the home empty or lived in? Both are top-to-bottom cleans of every room. The end of tenancy version adds the insides of everything and is checked against an inventory by someone holding your deposit.
What is the difference between an end of tenancy clean and a deep clean?
An end of tenancy clean resets an empty property for inspection, while a deep clean restores a home people are still living in. Bark describes the deep clean as reaching “areas a regular visit may skip, such as inside appliances or behind furniture”. It describes end of tenancy as a “full property reset for landlord or agent inspection”.
The practical gap is access. With no furniture or belongings, a team can clean inside every cupboard, wardrobe, drawer and appliance. In a lived-in home, those areas are cleaned only where they are empty or you ask.
The standard is also different. A deep clean is judged by you. Our end of tenancy cleaning is judged by a landlord or agent comparing the home with the check-in inventory and photos.
How does an end of tenancy clean vs deep clean compare task by task?
Most tasks overlap, but the end of tenancy list goes further inside fittings. This table shows where the two usually differ.
| Task | End of tenancy clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| Home empty | Yes | No, cleaned around belongings |
| Inside kitchen cupboards and drawers | All, as standard | Only empty ones, or on request |
| Inside oven, racks and door glass | Yes | Often an add-on |
| Inside fridge freezer | Yes, emptied and defrosted | Only if emptied |
| Inside wardrobes | Yes | Rarely |
| Bathroom descaling, tiles and grout | Yes | Yes |
| Skirting boards, doors, switches | Yes | Yes |
| Judged against | Check-in inventory and photos | The occupant’s expectations |
Ovens are the clearest example. Many deep clean price lists treat the oven as an extra, while an end of tenancy clean includes it because agents check it first.
End of tenancy clean vs deep clean: which costs more in Dublin?
An end of tenancy clean costs more than a deep clean of the same home, usually by €12 to €65 depending on size in Bark’s figures. Bark says the extra reflects the need to meet “a more specific standard for a landlord or letting agent”.
| Home size | Bark: end of tenancy (ex VAT) | Bark: deep clean (ex VAT) | Dublin Cleaners: end of tenancy from | Dublin Cleaners: deep clean from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | €150 | €138 | €165 | €150 |
| 2 bedrooms | €205 | €165 | €210 | €190 |
| 3 bedrooms | €270 | €220 | €275 | €240 |
| 4 bedrooms | €340 | €275 | €340 | €300 |
Bark’s averages exclude VAT, which is 13.5% on cleaning when charged. Our prices are final, with nothing added on top. The full picture of end of tenancy cleaning costs includes add-ons and hourly rates.
When is an end of tenancy clean the right booking?
Book an end of tenancy clean whenever a deposit or an inspection depends on the result. That covers tenants moving out, landlords between tenants, and anyone handing back keys to an agent.
The RTB asks tenants to leave the property clean “so it is in a similar condition to when you moved in”. Its evidence guide lists “cleaning or redecorating invoices” among the documents that help in a deposit retention case. An invoice that names the service as an end of tenancy clean answers the question an adjudicator will ask.
It is also the right choice for a move-in. An empty flat is the only time every cupboard and the oven are fully reachable.
When is a deep clean the better choice?
A deep clean is the better choice when you are staying put. Typical reasons are a spring clean, getting ready for guests, after illness, or bringing a home back up to standard before starting a regular cleaner.
Bark estimates a one-person deep clean at 5 hours for a one-bed and 8 hours for a three-bed. That time goes into the same heavy jobs as at move-out: limescale, grease, skirting boards and behind furniture. A deep cleaning service works around what stays in the room.
If you are deciding between a deep clean and ongoing visits, our guide on deep clean vs regular clean compares the two.
Can one clean do both jobs?
Yes, if the home is empty and the task list matches an end of tenancy clean. Selling a house, moving out of a home you own, or preparing a holiday let between long bookings all fit this.
What matters is the scope, not the label. Ask for the written task list, check the oven, fridge and inside of units are on it, and confirm whether VAT is included. Then the name on the invoice will match what was done.
Want a fixed price instead?
Call 01 230 8646. Give us the bedrooms, bathrooms and area, and we will give you a price on the phone.
Frequently asked questions
Is an end of tenancy clean the same as a deep clean?
Not quite. Both clean every room top to bottom, but an end of tenancy clean is done in an empty home and is judged against the check-in inventory. That adds inside every cupboard, wardrobe, drawer and appliance. A deep clean works around furniture and belongings and is judged by the people living there.
Can I book a deep clean instead of an end of tenancy clean to save money?
You can, but check what it leaves out. A deep clean may skip inside the oven, inside an emptied fridge freezer and inside wardrobes, which are the places agents check first. If the deposit is at stake, compare the task lists line by line rather than the price alone.
Which clean do I need when moving into a rental?
Usually an end of tenancy style clean, sometimes called a move-in clean. The home is empty, so every cupboard and appliance can be cleaned inside. Under RTB guidance the landlord should hand over a property in good condition, but many tenants still book their own clean before unpacking.
Do landlords book deep cleans between tenants?
Many do, and the job is the same as an end of tenancy clean because the home is empty. Letting agents often call it a changeover clean. The priority is the oven, bathrooms, inside of kitchen units and anything the new tenant will photograph at check-in.
Does either clean include carpets or outside windows?
Neither usually does. Most companies price carpet cleaning, exterior windows and upholstery as add-ons. Dublin Cleaners charges from €55 for one carpeted room and from €60 for exterior windows on a two or three-bed house. Check the task list before you book.
Sources
- Bark, How much does house cleaning cost in Ireland? (2026-11-02)
- Residential Tenancies Board, Security deposits (2026-11-14)
- Residential Tenancies Board, Landlord rights and responsibilities (2026-11-14)
- Residential Tenancies Board, Guide to evidence (2026-11-14)
About the author: Lana
Founder of dublincleaners.ie, Lana's company brings expertise in both residential and commercial cleaning services fostering a clean, healthy environment. Outside of work, you'll often find her hitting the gym or immersing herself in invigorating body balance classes.