📋 A comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning checklist is your best tool for ensuring you get your full deposit back. This room-by-room guide covers everything landlords and letting agents check during the final inspection, helping you avoid costly deductions.
Why Use a Checklist?
Nothing Missed
Systematic approach ensures every area is covered, preventing surprise deductions
Deposit Protection
Meeting professional standards protects your deposit from unfair deductions
Time Efficient
Organised checklist saves time and ensures thorough cleaning in logical order
Before You Start: Essential Preparation
⚠️ Important: Complete these steps before cleaning
- 1.Review your check-in inventory: Compare property condition to what was documented when you moved in
- 2.Take "before" photos: Document current condition to protect against false damage claims
- 3.Check your tenancy agreement: Some require professional cleaning—check if this applies to you
- 4.Gather cleaning supplies: Ensure you have all necessary products and equipment
- 5.Plan your time: End of tenancy cleaning typically takes 4-8 hours depending on property size
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is often the most time-intensive room. Landlords check appliances, cupboards, and surfaces thoroughly.
Kitchen
✓Appliances
- •Oven: Clean inside and out, including racks, glass door, and hob
- •Fridge/Freezer: Defrost, remove all food, clean interior and exterior
- •Microwave: Clean inside and out, remove food splatters
- •Dishwasher: Clean filter, wipe exterior, run empty cycle
- •Extractor fan: Clean filters and exterior
- •Kettle: Descale and clean exterior
✓Surfaces & Storage
- •Worktops: Degrease and sanitise all surfaces
- •Cupboards: Clean fronts, inside, and all shelves
- •Drawers: Empty, clean inside and exterior
- •Sink: Clean, descale taps, remove limescale
- •Tiles & Splashbacks: Clean and polish
- •Windowsills & Frames: Dust and clean
- •Skirting Boards: Clean and wipe down
- •Floors: Sweep, mop, and vacuum corners
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms require thorough sanitisation. Pay special attention to limescale, mould, and grout.
Bathroom
✓Toilet & Fixtures
- •Toilet: Deep clean bowl, seat, lid, exterior, and behind base
- •Taps: Descale, polish, remove limescale
- •Showerhead: Descale and clean
- •Mirrors: Clean and polish, remove water marks
✓Shower, Bath & Surfaces
- •Bath/Shower: Remove soap scum, limescale, and mould
- •Tiles & Grout: Scrub thoroughly, remove mould
- •Shower Screen/Curtain: Clean or replace if mouldy
- •Cabinets: Clean inside and out, remove all items
- •Extractor Fan: Clean cover and grille
- •Skirting Boards: Clean and wipe
- •Floors: Mop thoroughly, clean corners
Bedrooms & Living Areas Checklist
Focus on dust removal, vacuuming, and ensuring all storage areas are clean and empty.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
✓Surfaces & Storage
- •Wardrobes: Empty, clean inside, tops, and fronts
- •Drawers: Empty and clean inside
- •All Surfaces: Dust tops of furniture, shelves, picture frames
- •Light Switches & Handles: Wipe down
- •Radiators: Clean and dust
✓Windows & Floors
- •Windows: Clean glass, frames, and sills
- •Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly, including under furniture
- •Hard Floors: Sweep and mop
- •Skirting Boards: Clean and wipe
- •Walls: Remove marks where possible (test cleaning solution first)
- •Light Fixtures: Dust and clean
General Areas Checklist
Hallways, Stairs & General Areas
- •Doors & Door Frames: Clean all doors, handles, and frames
- •Light Switches & Sockets: Wipe down
- •Stairs: Vacuum or clean thoroughly
- •Handrails & Banisters: Clean and polish
- •Cobwebs: Remove from ceilings and corners
- •Light Fixtures: Dust and clean
- •Skirting Boards: Clean throughout
- •Floors: Vacuum and mop all areas
Quick Reference: Printable Checklist
📄 Use this checklist as you clean—tick off each item to ensure nothing is missed:
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedrooms
General
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ These mistakes often lead to deposit deductions:
Professional Cleaning vs DIY: Which Should You Choose?
🧹DIY Cleaning
✨Professional Cleaning
After Cleaning: Final Steps
✅ Complete these steps after cleaning to protect your deposit:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does end of tenancy cleaning take?
Typically 4-8 hours depending on property size. Studio/1-bed: 4-5 hours, 2-bed: 5-6 hours, 3-bed: 6-7 hours, 4+ bed: 7-8+ hours.
Do I need to clean inside cupboards and drawers?
Yes, all storage areas must be empty and clean. Landlords check inside cupboards and drawers during inspection.
What if something is damaged or broken?
Report any damage to your landlord immediately. Take photos. Fair wear and tear is acceptable, but damage beyond normal use may result in deductions.
Can I use this checklist for professional cleaners?
Absolutely! Share this checklist with your cleaning service to ensure they cover everything. Professional cleaners should follow this standard.
Need Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning?
HostMate provides comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning that covers every item on this checklist. Our professional cleaners follow industry standards and provide photo proof and receipts—giving you complete protection for your deposit.
All cleans include receipt, photo proof, and satisfaction guarantee. Prices from £110.
Ready to streamline your cleaning?
HostMate provides professional cleaning services with photo proof after every clean. Same-day available from £50.
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