Moving house is stressful enough without the looming anxiety of an inventory checkout. UK landlords and letting agents are notoriously strict when it comes to the final inspection, and a quick run-around with a hoover simply won’t cut it.
If you want your full deposit returned without deductions, you need to clean like an inspector. Here is the checklist you need to follow:
1. The Kitchen: The Ultimate Battleground This is where most deposits are lost.
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The Oven: It needs to look brand new. This means no burnt-on grease on the glass, sparkling wire racks, and a clean extractor fan filter.
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Appliances: Defrost the freezer, clean the washing machine seal (watch out for mould), and descale the kettle.
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Cupboards: Empty them completely, hoover out the crumbs, and wipe down the tops of the cabinets where dust settles.
2. The Bathroom: Banishing Limescale Inspectors look for hard water stains and mould.
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Shower Screens: Must be completely transparent and streak-free. Use a dedicated limescale remover.
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Grout and Sealant: Scrub the grouting with an old toothbrush. If the silicone sealant is black with mould, it needs treating.
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Plugholes: Clear out hair and debris, and ensure the water drains quickly.
3. The Living Areas: The Details Matter It’s the small things that show you’ve cared for the property.
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Skirting Boards and Door Frames: Wipe them down. Dust accumulates here rapidly.
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Windows: Clean the glass inside and out, and wipe down the window sills and frames.
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Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly. If there are stains, you will likely need professional extraction.
The Stress-Free Alternative Does reading that list make you tired? We get it. If you’d rather focus on packing and settling into your new place, let us handle the mess. Our End of Tenancy Deep Clean is checklist-driven and guaranteed to pass landlord inspections. Book Your End of Tenancy Clean Today
Comments (2)
Helen Carter
As a private landlord, I wish every tenant read this checklist before moving out. The oven and the extractor fan are always the biggest issues that cause deposit deductions. It is so much easier for everyone when tenants just hire a proper professional to handle it.
Liam O'Connor
Reading that list just gave me anxiety! 😂 I’m moving out next month, and between work and packing boxes, there is zero chance I have the energy to descale the kettle and scrub bathroom grout. Definitely going to just book you to sort it out and save myself the stress.