When a property is 'vacant' versus 'abandoned'
Legally, the two are different. A vacant property is one where the tenant has lawfully ended their tenancy (whether by giving notice or by mutual agreement) and the landlord has lawful possession. An abandoned property is one where the tenant has left without ending the tenancy and the landlord must follow an abandonment procedure to establish lawful possession. We handle both, but the documentation we produce reflects which category applies.
Between tenancies — the standard turn-around
Between-tenancy clearance is the most common type of vacant property work. The tenant has given notice, the check-out inspection has been completed, the deposit has been adjudicated, and the property is empty except for items the tenant has knowingly left behind (often furniture or appliances that the tenant has decided not to take). We clear these items, deep clean the property, and hand back ready for re-letting. Typical turn-around: 3-5 working days.
Photographic survey for the landlord file
Every vacant property clearance includes a photographic survey of the property on arrival, suitable for the landlord's file and (where useful) for comparison against the original check-in inventory. Where the property condition supports a damages claim against the former tenant, this is the documentation that supports it.
Deep cleaning to lettable standard
After clearance, we deep-clean the property to lettable standard. The clean covers: kitchen (degreasing, oven, extractor, fridge-freezer where present), bathroom (descaling, sanitisation, tile cleaning), all floors (vacuum, steam-clean carpets, mop hard floors), all walls (cobweb removal, scuff marks), all windows interior. Where the property requires additional remedial work — paint touch-ups, carpet replacement, minor repairs — we can quote separately or coordinate with your maintenance contractor.
Re-letting-ready handover
At handover the property is empty, clean, dry, smell-neutral and ready for the new tenant's check-in inspection. We supply a written condition report, photographs of every room, and Waste Transfer Notes for any disposed items. Most landlords and lettings agents tell us they can move directly from our handover to a new tenant's move-in date without additional intermediate work.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is between-tenancy clearance?
Most one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats are cleared and cleaned within 2-3 working days. Three-bedroom houses typically 3-5 days. Same-day attendance available.
Will you remove furniture the tenant has left behind?
Yes — usually treated as abandoned where the tenant has given notice and not collected. Where the tenant has indicated they want to collect items later, we hold them in secure storage for the agreed period.
Do you handle the deposit-protection paperwork?
Where useful, we supply photographs and condition reports compatible with the major deposit-protection schemes' formats. The deposit adjudication itself is between you and the scheme.
Can you coordinate with a maintenance contractor?
Yes. Where the property needs minor repairs (paint, carpet, plumbing) we can coordinate timing with your maintenance contractor so the property is fully ready in a single co-ordinated window.
How is this priced?
Typical one-bedroom void: £250-£450 including deep clean. Two-bedroom: £400-£700. Three-bedroom: £600-£1,000. Properties needing significant remedial work are quoted individually.