End-of-tenancy cleaning is one of the most common reasons tenants lose their deposit. Landlords and letting agents have a specific standard in mind — and "clean enough" is rarely clean enough. This checklist covers every room and surface that will be inspected.
Kitchen
- Oven interior: degrease racks, door glass, and cavity — this is the most commonly failed item
- Hob: remove burner caps, clean underneath, degrease rings
- Extractor fan: remove and wash filter, wipe housing
- Fridge/freezer: defrost, clean all shelves and drawers, wipe door seals
- Cupboards: wipe inside and out, remove all food residue
- Sink and taps: descale, polish, clean waste trap
- Tiles and grout: degrease tiles, scrub grout lines
- Floor: mop including under appliances if accessible
Bathrooms
- Toilet: clean bowl, seat, lid, cistern, and base — including behind
- Bath/shower: remove limescale from taps, showerhead, and screen
- Tiles: clean grout, remove mould from silicone sealant
- Sink: descale taps, clean waste trap
- Mirror: streak-free clean
- Extractor fan: remove cover and clean blades
- Floor: mop including behind toilet and under sink
Bedrooms and living areas
- Carpets: vacuum thoroughly, treat any stains — professional steam clean may be required
- Hard floors: sweep and mop, including under furniture
- Skirting boards: wipe down — dust and marks are always checked
- Window sills and frames: wipe inside, clean glass inside and out where accessible
- Light fittings and switches: wipe clean
- Wardrobes and drawers: wipe inside and out
- Walls: spot-clean marks — full repaint not usually required unless damage is present
Throughout the property
- All doors: wipe handles, clean both sides of door, clean hinges
- Radiators: dust and wipe between fins
- Smoke alarms: dust (do not remove batteries)
- Loft hatch: dust and wipe if accessible
- Garage: sweep floor, wipe surfaces
- Garden: mow lawn, clear rubbish, sweep patio
Take dated photographs of every room before and after the clean. This protects both the cleaner and the tenant if a deposit dispute arises.
What letting agents check first
Letting agents conducting check-out inspections typically start with the oven, then the bathroom grout and silicone, then the carpets. These three areas account for the majority of deposit deductions. Prioritise them.
In the UK, if a tenant requests a professional clean, the landlord cannot demand a specific company — only a specific standard. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits requiring tenants to use a named cleaning service.
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