End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: Everything You Need to Clean Before Moving Out
Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about losing your tenancy deposit.
One of the most common reasons for deposit deductions is poor cleaning. The good news? A little preparation can make a big difference.
Whether you’re a tenant preparing to move out or a landlord getting a property ready for new tenants, this end of tenancy cleaning checklist will help ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Start with the Kitchen 🍳
The kitchen is usually inspected more closely than any other room.
Make sure you clean:
✔ Oven (inside and outside)
✔ Hob and extractor fan
✔ Microwave
✔ Fridge and freezer (defrost first)
✔ Cupboards and drawers (inside and out)
✔ Worktops
✔ Sink and taps
✔ Splashbacks
✔ Skirting boards
✔ Floors
Don’t forget to pull appliances forward and clean behind them if possible.
Bathroom Checklist 🚿
Bathrooms quickly collect limescale, soap scum and mould.
Before handing back the keys, clean:
✔ Toilet (inside and outside)
✔ Bath
✔ Shower tray
✔ Shower screen
✔ Tiles and grout
✔ Sink
✔ Mirrors
✔ Taps
✔ Extractor fan
✔ Floors
Pay particular attention to black mould and limescale around taps and shower heads.
Living Room 🛋️
Even if it looks clean, dust builds up surprisingly quickly.
Remember to clean:
✔ Carpets
✔ Hard floors
✔ Skirting boards
✔ Light switches
✔ Door handles
✔ Shelves
✔ Window sills
✔ Internal windows
✔ Radiators
✔ Behind furniture
Vacuum under sofas and chairs if they’re staying in the property.
Bedrooms 🛏️
Don’t forget:
✔ Wardrobes (inside and outside)
✔ Drawers
✔ Shelving
✔ Windows
✔ Window frames
✔ Carpets
✔ Mirrors
✔ Light fittings
✔ Skirting boards
✔ Doors
If wardrobes are built in, leave every shelf spotless.
Hallways and Stairs
These areas often receive the most foot traffic.
Clean:
✔ Carpets
✔ Handrails
✔ Bannisters
✔ Doors
✔ Skirting boards
✔ Light switches
✔ Cobwebs
Windows
If required by your tenancy agreement:
✔ Clean inside windows
✔ Wipe frames
✔ Clean window sills
✔ Remove fingerprints
External window cleaning isn’t always expected unless specifically stated.
Walls and Doors
Check for:
✔ Fingerprints
✔ Marks
✔ Dust
✔ Cobwebs
✔ Scuffs
Minor marks can often be removed with warm water and a suitable cleaner.
Appliances
If appliances are included in the property, they should usually be left clean.
This includes:
✔ Washing machine drawer
✔ Washing machine door seal
✔ Dishwasher
✔ Tumble dryer filter
✔ Fridge
✔ Freezer
✔ Oven
✔ Microwave
Outdoor Areas 🌿
Many tenants forget the outside.
If applicable:
✔ Mow the lawn
✔ Sweep patios
✔ Remove rubbish
✔ Weed flower beds
✔ Empty bins
✔ Tidy sheds
A neglected garden can sometimes result in deposit deductions.
Final Checks Before Leaving
Before handing back the keys:
✔ Empty every cupboard.
✔ Remove all rubbish.
✔ Vacuum one last time.
✔ Take meter readings.
✔ Check every light works.
✔ Take photographs of every room.
Photos can be useful if there’s a dispute about the property’s condition later.
Should you hire a professional cleaner?
Many tenants choose professional end of tenancy cleaning because:
- It saves time.
- The property receives a deep clean.
- Cleaning companies often follow landlord and letting agent checklists.
- It can reduce the risk of deposit disputes.
If your tenancy agreement requires a professional clean, make sure you understand exactly what’s expected before booking.
How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost?
Average UK prices are:
| Property | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio flat | £120–£180 |
| 1-bedroom property | £140–£220 |
| 2-bedroom property | £180–£300 |
| 3-bedroom property | £250–£400 |
| 4-bedroom property | £350–£600+ |
Prices vary depending on:
- Property size
- Condition
- Whether carpets need cleaning
- Oven cleaning
- Upholstery cleaning
- Your location
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to hire a professional cleaner?
Not necessarily.
Unless your tenancy agreement specifically requires it, there’s generally no legal requirement to use a professional cleaning company. What matters is that the property is returned in a similar standard of cleanliness to when your tenancy began, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Is carpet cleaning included?
Sometimes.
Some companies include it, while others charge extra.
Always ask before booking.
Can my landlord deduct money for cleaning?
Yes, but only if the property isn’t returned in an appropriate condition compared with the start of the tenancy, taking fair wear and tear into account.
How long does end of tenancy cleaning take?
A typical two-bedroom property usually takes 4–8 hours, depending on its condition and the number of cleaners.
Final Thoughts
A thorough clean before moving out can save you time, money and unnecessary stress.
Working through a room-by-room checklist makes it much less likely that you’ll miss something important—and could improve your chances of getting your full deposit back.
If you’re short on time or the property needs a deep clean, hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaning company may be a worthwhile investment.
Find a trusted end of tenancy cleaner
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Use The Right Guy to compare trusted local cleaning companies, read genuine customer reviews and request quotes for professional end of tenancy cleaning.
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