Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen gets the most scrutiny at checkout. Clean inside and outside the oven, including the racks, door glass, and grill pan — oven cleaning alone is the most common deduction from deposits. Wipe down all cupboard doors, handles, and insides. Clean the fridge and freezer, defrosting if needed. Descale the kettle. Clean the extractor fan and filter. Wipe down all worktops, tiles, and splashbacks. Clean the sink, taps, and drainer until they shine. Mop the floor, including under the fridge and behind the cooker. Remove all food, bins, and personal items. If appliances were provided, leave them clean and in working order.
Bathroom Checklist
Bathrooms need to be spotless. Remove all limescale from taps, shower screens, shower heads, and toilet bowls — use a limescale remover and give it time to work. Scrub tile grout with a brush and bleach. Clean the inside and outside of the toilet, including behind and around the base. Wipe mirrors, cabinets, and towel rails. Clean the bath, basin, and shower tray. Check the sealant around the bath and shower — if it's black with mould, you may need to reseal it. Empty the bathroom completely, including any products in the shower caddy, and mop the floor.
Living Room and Bedrooms
Vacuum all floors and carpets, moving furniture to get underneath and behind. If carpets are stained, consider hiring a carpet cleaner — stained carpets are a common deposit deduction. Dust all surfaces including window sills, skirting boards, shelves, and light fittings. Wipe light switches and plug sockets. Clean windows inside and out if accessible. Remove all picture hooks and fill any holes with filler, sanding smooth once dry. Remove all personal belongings, curtains (if yours), and furniture. If the property was furnished, return items to their original positions as shown in the inventory.
Hallways, Stairs, and General Areas
Vacuum the hallway and stairs thoroughly, including edges and corners. Wipe down the front door inside and out, including the letterbox. Clean any hallway mirrors, coat hooks, and cupboards. Dust and wipe the banister and handrail. Check the loft hatch — if you've stored items in the loft, remove them all. Clear out any cupboards under the stairs. Replace any blown light bulbs throughout the property. Check that all keys, fobs, and remote controls are accounted for — your deposit can be docked for missing keys.
Garden and Exterior
If the property has a garden, it should be left in a reasonable condition — at minimum, lawns mowed, hedges trimmed, and paths cleared. Remove any personal items like plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines, or BBQs. Clear the shed if one was provided. If you've added items to the garden (raised beds, decking), check with your landlord whether they want them left or removed. Sweep the patio or decking. Clear any drains or gutters you can safely reach. Take bins to the correct collection point and empty them.
When You Need Professional Help
If you've left it too late, don't have the time, or the property needs more than basic cleaning, professional services can help. End-of-tenancy cleaning services typically cost £150-£400 depending on property size. For items you can't take with you — old furniture, broken appliances, bags of rubbish — a clearance service like Clearalot can collect everything the same day. Our end-of-tenancy clearance starts at £30 and we leave the property broom-clean. Many tenants combine our clearance with a professional clean for a complete handover solution. Call 07825 363429 for a quick quote.