What does an end-of-tenancy clean actually need to cover?
A proper tenant move-out cleaning list covers every room, every surface, and the things landlords inspect most closely: oven interiors, limescale, skirting boards, window tracks, and behind appliances. To get your full deposit back, the property needs to be returned in the same condition it was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear. The moving cleaning checklist below walks through the home room by room so nothing gets missed.
End-of-tenancy disputes are most often about cleaning, so a thorough tenant cleaning list is the single best way to protect your deposit. Work top to bottom in each room (dust falls downward), do the whole property in one pass per task type where you can, and save the floors for last.
Before you start: the basics
- Take dated photos of every room once it is clean and empty.
- Compare against your original inventory/check-in report.
- Gather supplies: multipurpose spray, degreaser, limescale remover, glass cleaner, bleach or mould spray, microfibre cloths, a scrubbing sponge, bin bags, a vacuum, and a mop.
- Remove all your belongings and rubbish first. A clean but cluttered property still fails inspection.
Kitchen (the room landlords scrutinise most)
The kitchen and the oven are where most deposits are lost.
- Clean inside, outside, and behind the oven; degrease racks, trays, and the glass door
- Clean the hob, extractor hood, and filter
- Defrost and wipe the fridge and freezer (inside, outside, seals, and behind)
- Descale and wipe the kettle, microwave (inside and out), and toaster
- Wipe down all cupboards and drawers inside and out, including handles
- Clean and descale the sink, taps, and plughole
- Degrease tiles, splashbacks, and worktops
- Empty and wipe the bin; clean the dishwasher and washing machine including filters and seals
- Sweep and mop the floor, including under appliances
Bathroom and toilet
- Descale and disinfect the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind
- Remove limescale from taps, showerhead, and glass screens
- Scrub the bath, basin, and shower tray
- Clean tiles and grout; treat any mould on sealant
- Polish mirrors and chrome fittings
- Wipe extractor fan cover, light fittings, and towel rails
- Empty and clean the bin; mop the floor
Living room and bedrooms
- Dust and wipe all surfaces, shelves, and skirting boards
- Clean light switches, sockets, and door handles
- Wipe down doors, door frames, and tops of doors
- Clean inside and outside of windows; wipe sills and tracks
- Dust blinds and wipe radiators (including behind)
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly (consider a professional carpet clean if it was let that way)
- Clean mirrors and any glass furniture
- Vacuum and mop hard floors
Hallway, stairs, and communal areas
- Wipe banisters, handrails, and skirting
- Clean light fittings and remove cobwebs
- Vacuum stairs and runners
- Wipe the front door inside and out and clean the letterbox
- Mop hard floors
Whole-property finishing touches
- Clean all windows inside (and outside where accessible)
- Wipe every skirting board and architrave
- Dust light fixtures, lampshades, and ceiling corners
- Check and replace any blown bulbs
- Empty all bins and remove every bag of rubbish
- Air the property and check for any lingering odours
- Lock up, photograph, and return the keys
Should you hire a professional or do it yourself?
A DIY clean saves money but takes most people a full day or more for a typical flat, and it risks failing inspection if the oven or carpets are not up to standard. A professional end-of-tenancy clean is faster, usually comes with an inspection-ready finish, and many cleaners offer a re-clean guarantee. If your tenancy agreement requires a "professional clean," keep the receipt as evidence.
If you do want a pro, CQD New Gen connects you with verified, ID-checked cleaners across 19 countries with zero commission, so the price you agree is the price the cleaner keeps. AI matching pairs you with someone experienced in end-of-tenancy work near you.
FAQ
What is included in an end-of-tenancy clean?
A full property clean covering the kitchen (especially the oven and appliances), bathrooms, all rooms, windows, skirting boards, and floors. The goal is to return the property to its check-in condition, minus fair wear and tear.
Do I have to pay for a professional clean when I move out?
Since the 2019 Tenant Fees Act in England, a landlord cannot force you to use a specific cleaning company. You must return the property as clean as it was at check-in, but you are free to clean it yourself or hire a cleaner of your choice.
How long does an end-of-tenancy clean take?
A one-bedroom flat typically takes 3 to 5 hours, while a three-bedroom house can take a full day. Professional teams are faster because they split the work and use commercial equipment.
Will I get my full deposit back if I clean it myself?
Yes, if the property matches your check-in inventory and photos. The most common reasons for deductions are dirty ovens, limescale, and uncleaned carpets, so prioritise those.
How much does end-of-tenancy cleaning cost?
It varies by property size, location, and condition. Because CQD New Gen charges zero commission, you negotiate directly with the cleaner and there are no platform fees inflating the price.
Ready to hand it to a pro? Hire a cleaner or post a job free and get matched with verified end-of-tenancy specialists near you.