It’s the end of the tenancy. The carpets are vacuumed, the windows are streak-free, and the kitchen shines like new. Your cleaning lady did more than the checklist asked for-she scrubbed the grout, re-hung the shower curtain, and even left a note saying “Hope it’s good enough for the new tenants.” Now you’re wondering: should I give my cleaning lady a raise?

What’s Fair Pay for End of Tenancy Cleaning in the UK?

In 2025, the average hourly rate for end of tenancy cleaning in the UK is £12-£18 per hour, depending on location. In Bath, where property turnover is high and demand for deep cleans is steady, most cleaners charge £15-£17/hour. A typical three-bedroom flat takes 5-7 hours to clean properly, so you’re likely paying £75-£120 per job.

But here’s the thing: if your cleaner consistently goes above and beyond-fixing broken seals, removing stubborn limescale from taps, or cleaning inside oven vents that most companies skip-you’re not just paying for labor. You’re paying for reliability, attention to detail, and trust. That’s worth more than minimum wage.

Why a Raise Isn’t Just a Gift-It’s Smart Business

Let’s say you’ve had the same cleaner for 18 months. She’s never missed a date. She shows up early. She brings her own supplies. When the new tenant left a broken light switch, she fixed it with a screwdriver from her van. You didn’t ask her to do that. She just did it.

Now think about replacing her. You’ll spend hours interviewing, checking references, and testing someone new. You’ll risk a subpar clean that could cost you your deposit refund. You might end up paying £200 to a company because your DIY cleaner didn’t work out. And you’ll lose the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly who’s handling your property.

A £2-£3/hour raise-maybe £18/hour instead of £15-costs you £10-£15 per clean. That’s less than the price of a takeaway coffee. But it turns a worker into a partner. And in the rental game, partners are rare.

How to Know When It’s Time to Raise Her Pay

Look for these signs:

• She consistently exceeds the cleaning checklist (e.g., cleans behind appliances, polishes door handles, sanitises light switches).
• She communicates proactively-texts when she’s running late, asks if you want extra tasks done, or flags potential damage.
• Landlords or letting agents have praised her work.
• You’ve had repeat tenants who mention how clean the place was.
• She’s been with you for over a year.

If you’ve checked two or more of these, you’re not being generous-you’re being smart.

How to Ask for a Raise-Without Making It Awkward

You don’t need to turn this into a formal meeting. Try this:

1. After a clean, hand her a cup of tea or coffee and say: “I just wanted to say how much I appreciate how thorough you are. You always make sure nothing’s missed.”
2. A week later, say: “I’ve been thinking-would you be open to a small increase in your rate? I’d like to pay you £18/hour going forward. I know you’re worth it.”
3. If she hesitates, add: “It’s not about the money alone. It’s about knowing I can count on you. That’s priceless.”

Most cleaners will say yes. They’re not asking for a bonus-they’re asking to be treated like a professional.

What If She Says No?

It’s rare, but it happens. Maybe she’s happy with her current rate. Maybe she’s already working for someone else on the side. That’s fine.

If she declines the raise, don’t push it. Instead, say: “I totally understand. I’ll keep paying you what I’ve been paying, and I’ll still give you every job I’ve got.” Then do it.

People remember when you keep your word. And in a field where trust is scarce, that’s the best kind of reward.

What About Paying More Than £18/Hour?

Yes, it’s possible-and sometimes necessary. In Bath, experienced cleaners who specialise in end-of-tenancy work for high-end properties often charge £20-£25/hour. If your property is large, has unique features (like a sunroom, stained glass, or a conservatory), or you need weekend or last-minute service, paying more isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.

Some landlords pay a flat fee instead: £180-£250 for a four-bedroom house. That’s fair if the job takes 10+ hours and includes tasks like steam-cleaning carpets or removing graffiti from walls.

Don’t compare your cleaner to big companies. They charge £200+ because they have admin, insurance, and van costs. Your cleaner works alone, pays her own fuel, and doesn’t have a sales team. You’re getting a better deal. Make sure she knows it.

What Happens If You Don’t Raise Her Pay?

She’ll stay-for now. But she’ll start saying no to extra jobs. She’ll take on more clients, so she can’t always be on time. She might start cutting corners just to keep up. Or worse-she’ll leave quietly, and you won’t know why.

One landlord in Frome told me his cleaner quit after three years because he never raised her rate. He thought she was “just a cleaner.” She was actually the reason his properties rented out within 48 hours. He lost three tenants in a row because the next cleaner didn’t clean the bathroom tiles properly. He ended up paying £1,200 in lost rent and deposit deductions.

It’s not about guilt. It’s about value.

Final Thought: You’re Not Just a Landlord-You’re a Leader

Every job you give her matters. Every thank you matters. Every raise matters.

She’s not working for you. She’s working with you. And when you treat her like a valued part of your property’s success, she’ll go the extra mile-every single time.

So yes. Give her the raise. Not because it’s expected. But because it’s right.