In London and the UK’s other major business hubs, tenants expect more than just a clean office. Managed buildings represent brand, professionalism and experience.

Cleanliness plays a vital part in shaping how tenants feel about a space and whether they choose to renew their lease.

Why cleanliness drives retention

A spotless environment supports productivity, wellbeing and reputation. It communicates care and consistency. According to The British Cleaning Council, high-quality cleaning services directly influence client satisfaction and long-term tenancy within commercial buildings.

When tenants perceive their workspace as well maintained, they are more likely to associate it with effective management. In competitive property markets such as London, this can make the difference between retaining a client and losing them to another building.

The relationship between presentation and perception

Office environments act as an extension of a company’s brand. For corporate tenants, the cleanliness of a building’s shared spaces – including entrances, lifts, washrooms and meeting areas – reflects on their professionalism.

According to Savills’ UK Offices Spotlight, occupiers are placing increased emphasis on building presentation and sustainability when selecting or renewing office space. Managed buildings that maintain visible, consistent standards earn higher trust and satisfaction scores from tenants.

We see this every day across the corporate portfolios we manage in London. When cleaning is well coordinated and discreetly delivered, tenants feel cared for and valued.

Common issues that affect tenant confidence

Even small inconsistencies in cleaning can impact how tenants perceive building management.

• Missed touchpoints: Smudged glass, fingerprints on doors or neglected corners reduce perceived quality.

• Odours or stale air: Poor washroom or kitchen hygiene affects comfort and atmosphere.

• Reactive instead of proactive cleaning: Waiting for complaints rather than preventing them undermines trust.

• Visible clutter: Overflowing bins or unclean lobbies create a poor first impression for visiting clients.

These details matter because they influence everyday experience. Tenants who consistently see well-maintained surroundings are more likely to appreciate the value of their service charge.

 

The London benchmark for quality

London’s managed office market is one of the most competitive in Europe. Buildings across the City, Canary Wharf and the West End are expected to deliver premium standards that match world-class expectations.

Professional image and global clients

Many London offices host international firms and visiting partners. A spotless lobby, polished glass and well-kept facilities send a clear message of quality. The City of London Corporation highlights that workplace presentation is now a key differentiator in attracting and retaining tenants in Grade A buildings.

ESG and operational excellence

Tenants increasingly connect cleanliness with sustainability and wellbeing. Our Beyond Cleaning strategy ensures that every task contributes to environmental and social responsibility. Managed buildings that prioritise sustainable products and ethical sourcing attract ESG-conscious tenants who value shared goals.

The impact on tenant experience

Clean offices affect more than appearance. They influence how people feel in a space and how they interact with it.

Health and wellbeing

Good cleaning prevents the spread of germs, dust and allergens. During colder months, when buildings are sealed and heating systems are active, air quality becomes a critical factor in comfort.

According to The British Safety Council, poor indoor air quality can reduce productivity by up to 10% and increase absenteeism. Regular cleaning, supported by proper ventilation, keeps workplaces healthier and more pleasant.

Comfort and confidence

Tenants are more confident when they see cleaning teams working visibly yet discreetly. Knowing that shared areas are regularly sanitised and monitored reassures both staff and visitors.

For further insight into how hygiene affects workplace culture, read our blog: How a Clean Workplace Contributes to a Positive Company Culture.

Communication and transparency

Cleaning standards are most effective when they are visible and measurable.

Real-time reporting

Digital platforms such as Facility Apps allow cleaning teams to record completed tasks and share reports instantly with property managers. This level of transparency builds trust between management, tenants and service providers.

Find out more about how we use Facility Apps and the main benefits for office environments in our blog: How Facility Apps Supports Smarter Office Cleaning – DOC Cleaning.

Feedback loops

Tenants value having input. Encouraging them to report minor issues quickly helps managers maintain consistency before they escalate. Our experience shows that clear communication between facilities teams and occupiers leads to stronger relationships and fewer complaints.

The financial case for consistent standards

Investing in cleaning excellence is more than a maintenance cost; it is a long-term retention strategy.

Factor	Low Cleaning Standards	High Cleaning Standards
Tenant satisfaction	Decreases over time	Remains consistently high
Lease renewal likelihood	Reduced	Stronger due to trust and reliability
Maintenance costs	Higher due to asset deterioration	Lower through proactive care
Reputation	Risk of negative feedback	Enhanced property brand

According to Knight Frank’s 2024 London Report, landlords who invest in operational quality see improved occupancy rates even during market slowdowns. Cleaning plays a quiet but powerful role in that equation.

 

Sustainability and modern expectations

ESG commitments are now part of every major property conversation. Tenants increasingly expect cleaning services to reflect environmental responsibility.

Sustainable cleaning involves:

• Eco-certified products: Reducing harmful chemicals and improving indoor air quality.

• Efficient water use: Especially important in high-density urban buildings.

• Responsible supply chains: Ensuring uniforms, consumables and waste management meet ethical standards.

As shown in our article on our award of SMI’s Recognition for Sustainability Award, sustainable cleaning not only protects the environment but strengthens reputation with corporate occupiers.

According to CBRE’s European Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, more than 70% of tenants view sustainable building operations as a deciding factor in lease renewals.

Collaboration between landlords and cleaning partners

Retention depends on partnership. When property managers and cleaning providers collaborate closely, they can deliver tailored, flexible solutions that evolve with tenant needs.

Shared goals and reviews

Regular performance reviews ensure that cleaning aligns with changing occupancy patterns. Buildings with hybrid work schedules, for instance, benefit from adaptive cleaning frequencies that match peak days.

Specialist services

In corporate environments, additional services such as window cleaning, waste tracking and digital reporting add value and visibility. These details demonstrate commitment and professionalism to tenants who expect a premium standard.

Our teams manage landmark buildings across London and major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, where shared insight and trust are essential to maintaining high-quality environments.

Setting measurable standards

Cleaning quality can be measured objectively. Using defined benchmarks and digital tracking ensures standards are consistent across all managed properties.

Combining these measures allows facilities managers to demonstrate ROI and justify budgets based on evidence rather than assumption.

Get in touch

We work in partnership with managing agents and corporate landlords to deliver reliable, sustainable and high-quality cleaning across London and major UK cities.

Our experience spans some of the country’s most prestigious office environments, where tenant satisfaction and presentation standards go hand in hand.

Speak with our team today to discuss how we can help enhance your building’s reputation, tenant retention and long-term asset performance.