Do carpets need professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy?

Tenancy Services says tenants do not always have to get carpets professionally cleaned. A standard clause demanding professional carpet cleaning in every tenancy may be unenforceable. The property still needs to be left reasonably clean and tidy, so the actual condition of the carpet matters.

Pet rules changed on 1 December 2025. If a landlord gives consent for a pet to be kept indoors, a reasonable condition can require the carpets to be cleaned to a professional standard at the end of the tenancy. Check the written pet consent and the current version of the tenancy agreement.

• Confirm that the condition applies to the pet and premises
• Keep the written consent
• Ask what evidence of professional cleaning is expected
• Retain the invoice after the work

Vacuumable debris and ordinary soil are cleaning issues. Gradual wear from normal use can be fair wear and tear. Burns, pet staining or other damage may need a separate assessment. Extraction cleaning cannot repair worn fibres, colour loss or physical damage.

Share the number of carpeted rooms, stairs, access, stains, pet history and the date the property will be empty. Move small belongings and confirm whether furniture will remain. MoveOut.nz handles the whole-property clean; carpet extraction is assessed separately through carpetcleaner.nz.