End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist (Get Your Deposit Back)

Cleaning disputes are one of the most common reasons UK tenants lose part of their deposit. The fix is boring but reliable: work to a checklist that mirrors what the inventory clerk will look at on check-out day.

The standard is 'as good as, or better than, the day you moved in' — judged against the check-in inventory report. Photograph everything once you're done; dated photos end most arguments before they start.

Kitchen — where most deductions happen

Ovens, extractor hoods and fridges are the three items clerks inspect first. Grease inside an oven is almost always charged back if left.

Oven: racks, shelves, door glass inside and out, and the grill pan
Extractor hood and filter — degreased, not just wiped
Fridge and freezer: defrosted, wiped, doors left slightly open to air
Washing machine: detergent drawer, door seal and a hot empty wash
Dishwasher: filter and spray arms cleared, door seals wiped
All cupboards and drawers, inside and out, including tops of doors
Worktops, splashback and sink — limescale removed from taps
Bin cleaned inside and out

Bathrooms

Limescale off the shower screen, tiles, taps and shower head
Grout scrubbed; any mould treated and rinsed
Toilet descaled — bowl, seat, cistern and behind it
Extractor fan cover dusted and cleaned
Cabinet insides and mirror backs wiped
Plugholes cleared of hair and residue

Every room

Skirting boards, door frames and light switches wiped
Walls: scuff marks removed where the paint allows
Windows and sills cleaned inside; tracks vacuumed
Wardrobes, drawers and shelves emptied and wiped
Carpets vacuumed thoroughly — professional clean if the tenancy requires it
Hard floors washed, corners included
Light fittings and lamp shades dusted
Radiators wiped, including fins and behind them

Before you hand the keys back

Compare each room against your check-in inventory report
Replace blown bulbs and any missing door stops or smoke alarm batteries
Take dated photos of every room, inside cupboards included
Return all keys as listed in the tenancy agreement
Redirect your post and take final meter readings

Tips that make it faster

Budget a full day for a one-bed flat and a weekend for a family house if you're doing it yourself.
Check your tenancy agreement: some require a professional carpet clean with a receipt.
Furniture you brought must leave with you — clerks charge for removal of left-behind items.
An end of tenancy clean typically takes a professional team 3–5 hours for a one-bed and up to 8 for a house. Our USparkle End of Tenancy service is priced per hour and comes with a deposit-guarantee promise.

Hand it to a pro

Moving out? Book our USparkle End of Tenancy clean and we'll work through this exact checklist — with a full deposit guarantee on the clean.

Book a cleaner