End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: How to Get Your Deposit Back
A room-by-room checklist of everything letting agents inspect when you move out, so nothing costs you part of your deposit.
TidyGo team2 min read
Cleaning is one of the most common reasons tenants lose part of their deposit. The good news: almost every deduction is avoidable if you know what the inspector will look at. Use this checklist the week before you hand back your keys.
Before you start
- Find your check-in inventory. Your home should be returned in the same condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
- Clear everything out first. It's much faster to clean empty rooms.
- Gather supplies: degreaser, limescale remover, microfibre cloths, a scrub brush and rubber gloves.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most deductions happen.
- Clean the oven inside and out, including racks, trays and the glass door
- Degrease the hob and extractor hood, and wash or replace the filter
- Empty, defrost and wipe out the fridge and freezer, then leave the doors ajar
- Wipe inside every cupboard and drawer
- Descale the sink, taps and kettle area
Bathroom
- Remove limescale from taps, shower heads, screens and tiles
- Treat any mould on sealant and grout
- Clean the toilet thoroughly, including behind the base and under the rim
- Polish mirrors and wipe down cabinets
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust skirting boards, door frames, light switches and sockets
- Clean inside wardrobes and drawers
- Spot-clean marks on walls (test a hidden area first)
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges and under furniture
Windows and floors
- Clean windows on the inside, plus sills, frames and tracks
- Mop all hard floors last, working towards the door
Final walk-through
Walk through every room with your check-in inventory and take dated photos. If there's a dispute later, photos are your best evidence.
Short on time? An end of tenancy clean from a professional covers everything on this list, usually in a single day.