TLDR: The Quick Answer
A commercial end of tenancy clean in Edinburgh should cover the accessible areas agreed for handover, usually including floors, surfaces, kitchens, washrooms, internal glass and high-touch points. The exact scope depends on the premises’ condition, the lease handover requirements, access and the time available.
A clear written scope matters. A clean can improve the presentation of a vacated workplace, but it does not include repairs or automatically meet every lease obligation.
What should a commercial end of tenancy clean include?
Agree the work area by area before booking. A typical scope may include:
- Offices and shared spaces: dusting and wiping accessible surfaces, ledges, skirtings, doors, frames, handles and other agreed touchpoints.
- Floors and carpets: vacuuming carpets and cleaning hard floors using a method suitable for the surface and its condition.
- Kitchens and break areas: cleaning worktops, sinks, taps, splashbacks and cupboard fronts. Appliance interiors and cupboard interiors should be listed separately if required.
- Washrooms: cleaning sanitary fittings, basins, taps, mirrors, cubicles, dispensers and floors.
- Internal glass: cleaning agreed internal windows, doors and partitions that are safely accessible.
- Ordinary cleaning residue: removing accessible dust, detergent film and everyday marks where the surface and suitable cleaning method allow.
These are starting points, not an automatic package. For example, “carpet cleaning” could mean routine vacuuming or a separate deep-cleaning treatment. The quote should state which is included.
What is usually excluded?
Work that goes beyond the agreed clean should be identified before the booking. Common exclusions include:
- Removing or disposing of furniture, abandoned belongings, equipment or large amounts of waste.
- Repairs, painting, decorating, replacing sealant or restoring damaged finishes.
- External windows, façades, roofs and high-level areas unless specifically arranged.
- Moving heavy furniture or appliances to clean behind them.
- Removing paint, plaster, adhesive, cement or other heavy residue left by building work.
- Mould remediation, hazardous contamination or other specialist work unless separately assessed and quoted.
Cleaning is not the same as restoration. Permanent staining, burns, damaged grout and worn flooring may remain after a clean. If you have a specific condition to address, describe it and provide photographs when requesting a quote.
What can affect the scope and quote?
The time and work involved depend on the premises and the handover plan. Key factors include:
- Condition: the amount of dirt, residue and build-up left by the outgoing tenant.
- Size and layout: floor area, number of rooms, floors, kitchens and washrooms.
- Flooring: the type and condition of carpets or hard floors, and whether a separate treatment is needed.
- Access: whether areas are cleared, safe to enter and available for the full booking.
- Handover timing: how much time is available for cleaning before inspection or key return.
If other contractors are finishing work, agree when the cleaners can enter and whether a further visit may be needed. Heavy dust or construction residue may require a different scope from a standard end of tenancy clean.
What access should you arrange in Edinburgh?
Confirm the practical arrangements with the building manager, landlord or agent before the cleaning date. Depending on the premises, the cleaning team may need:
- Keys, fobs, entry codes and instructions for alarms.
- Lift access and any loading or equipment restrictions.
- A named site contact and building manager coordination.
- An agreed working slot, including any out-of-hours access arrangements.
- Clear access to the rooms and surfaces included in the quote.
- Working water, electricity and lighting where needed.
If the premises are in a shared building or have controlled entry, clarify which areas are part of your handover and which are managed separately. Do not assume shared corridors, lifts, stairs or external areas are included.
How is an end of tenancy clean quoted and arranged?
A useful quote starts with enough information to understand the site, the required finish and the time available. Share:
- Location in Edinburgh and the premises type.
- Handover date and any inspection or key-return deadline.
- Approximate size, number of floors and main areas to be cleaned.
- Required scope, including any carpet, floor, kitchen or washroom treatments.
- Photographs of the premises and any areas needing particular attention.
A site visit may be useful where the condition, access, flooring or specialist work could affect the scope. Before confirming, check that the proposal makes clear what is included, what is optional, what is excluded and how access will be provided. Raise any changes before work starts so the agreed scope remains clear.
End of tenancy cleaning checklist
Use this short checklist before requesting a quote:
- Confirm the handover date and any landlord or agent inspection requirements.
- List the rooms, kitchens, washrooms and other areas to be cleaned.
- Identify floor types and any specialist cleaning needs.
- Arrange removal of furniture, belongings and waste, or ask whether this can be quoted separately.
- Confirm keys, fobs, lift access, building contact and permitted working hours.
- Send photographs and explain any heavy residue, damage or areas that may be inaccessible.
- Check the written quote for inclusions, exclusions and the agreed completion arrangements.
How can BD365 help with a commercial move-out in Edinburgh?
BD365 Clean and Clever Solutions Limited provides commercial office cleaning, contract cleaning, washroom hygiene and specialist cleaning, including deep cleaning, across Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Central Belt and the wider UK.
Commercial end of tenancy cleaning is a specialist or deep-cleaning scope, so it is quoted individually according to the premises and requirements. BD365 Clean and Clever Solutions’ teams are trained in professional cleaning procedures, health and safety practices and COSHH compliance. The work and access arrangements are discussed as part of planning the service.
Find out more about our specialist cleaning services or commercial office cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Should the premises be empty before cleaning?
Ideally, the areas in scope should be cleared so the team can reach the surfaces and floors. If furniture or belongings will remain, tell the provider in advance. Access and the agreed scope may need to be adjusted.
Does an end of tenancy clean include cleaning inside cupboards and appliances?
Not automatically. Cupboard interiors, drawers and appliance interiors should be specified in the written scope, along with any access or preparation needed.
Should cleaning happen before or after the handover inspection?
Plan the clean around the handover date and any inspection requirements set by the landlord or agent. Allow enough time for the agreed work and, where relevant, floor drying before the premises are checked.
Can photographs provide enough information for a quote?
Photographs help show the layout and condition, but may not answer every question about access, floor finishes or the work required. BD365 can review the details and advise whether a site visit is needed.
Request a quote for your Edinburgh move-out
To discuss a commercial end of tenancy clean, send the location, handover date, approximate size, required scope and photographs through our quote request form, or call 0800 1931 365.