The End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

Moving out and want to make sure you leave your rental spotless? This room-by-room checklist covers everything landlords and inventory clerks look for, so nothing gets missed and your deposit stays protected.

Kitchen

The kitchen gets the most scrutiny during a checkout inspection. Grease, limescale and food residue are the main things that flag problems.

Oven and hob: Clean inside, outside, racks, trays and the grill pan. Remove burnt-on grease from the hob rings and drip trays.
Extractor fan and hood: Wipe down the hood, remove and degrease the filter.
Fridge and freezer: Defrost the freezer fully. Wipe all shelves, drawers and seals. Leave both doors open once empty.
Dishwasher and washing machine: Run an empty hot cycle with a cleaning tablet. Wipe the door seals and detergent drawers.
Sink and taps: Descale taps, clean the plughole and remove any staining from the basin.
Cupboards and drawers: Empty everything. Wipe inside and out, including the tops of wall units.
Worktops and splashback: Clean thoroughly, paying attention to grouting and sealant lines.
Bins: Empty, wash and dry the bin. Replace the liner if the property provides one.
Walls and floor: Wipe down any marks on walls. Mop the floor, including under the fridge and behind the bin.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are checked closely for limescale, mould and soap residue. These are common areas where deductions happen.

Toilet: Clean the bowl, seat, lid, base and behind the cistern. Descale under the rim.
Bath and shower: Remove soap scum and limescale from tiles, grout, glass screens and shower heads. Check the sealant for mould.
Sink and taps: Descale taps, clean the overflow hole and wipe the pedestal or vanity unit.
Mirror and cabinets: Clean the mirror streak-free. Wipe inside and outside any cabinets.
Extractor fan: Dust or wipe the fan cover. If removable, take it off and clean behind it.
Walls and floor: Wipe down tiles, clean grouting and mop the floor, including behind the toilet.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are often overlooked because they seem straightforward. However, dust, scuff marks and built-in wardrobes are commonly flagged.

Wardrobes and drawers: Empty completely. Wipe inside shelves, hanging rails, drawer bases and handles.
Windows: Clean inside glass, frames and sills. Wipe the tracks where dirt builds up.
Curtain rails and blinds: Dust curtain poles and wipe down blinds on both sides.
Radiators: Dust the top, front and sides. Use a radiator brush to clean between the fins.
Light switches and sockets: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints.
Skirting boards and door frames: Dust or wipe along the full length. Check for scuff marks and clean them off.
Carpet or flooring: Vacuum thoroughly or mop hard floors. Consider a professional carpet clean if the tenancy agreement requires one.

Living Room

Similar to bedrooms but with a few extra areas that tend to collect dust and marks.

Fireplace: If there is one, clean inside and around the surround. Remove any ash.
Shelving and storage: Dust all surfaces, including the tops of shelves and any display units.
Light fittings: Dust lampshades, ceiling lights and any wall lights.
Windows: Clean inside glass, frames, sills and tracks.
Radiators: Dust and clean as above.
Walls: Remove picture hooks if you added them. Fill small holes with filler and wipe away any marks.
Carpet or flooring: Vacuum or mop thoroughly, including under furniture.

Hallways and Stairs

These areas are easy to forget but are always part of the checkout inspection.

Front door: Wipe inside and out, clean the letterbox and door handle.
Banister and handrails: Wipe down fully, including the spindles.
Stairs: Vacuum each step, paying attention to the edges and corners.
Cupboards: Under-stairs storage, meter cupboards and coat hooks should all be emptied, wiped and left clear.
Light fittings and switches: Dust lights and wipe switches.
Floor: Mop or vacuum the full hallway.

Outdoor Spaces

If your tenancy includes a garden, patio or balcony, these will be inspected too.

Garden: Mow the lawn, trim edges, remove weeds from paths and borders. Clear any rubbish.
Patio or decking: Sweep and remove any moss or algae buildup.
Bins and storage: Empty and clean wheelie bins. Clear sheds or storage areas of any personal items.
Gutters and drains: Clear any visible blockages from drains near your property.

Commonly Missed Spots

These are the areas inventory clerks specifically look for. Missing them is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions.

Inside the oven door glass (the bit between the two panes)
Top of kitchen wall units and on top of the fridge
Behind and underneath the toilet
Window tracks and frames
Extractor fan covers in the kitchen and bathroom
Skirting boards in every room
Light switches and plug sockets
Shower head limescale
Washing machine and dishwasher door seals
Curtain poles and the tops of blinds

When Should You Do the Clean?

Timing matters. The best approach is to clean after all furniture and belongings are out, but before your final checkout inspection and key handover.

If you are booking a professional clean, aim to schedule it for the day after your last moving day. That way, the cleaners have an empty property to work with and nothing gets disturbed before the inspection.

Avoid cleaning too early. If you clean a week before you move out and keep living in the property, you will need to clean again.

What to Do After Cleaning

Once the clean is finished, do a final walkthrough of every room. Compare what you see against your check-in inventory, paying attention to anything noted as "clean" or "good condition" when you moved in.

Take photos and videos of every room as evidence. Include close-ups of the oven, bathroom grouting, inside cupboards, and any areas that were flagged in your inventory report.

If you spot anything that does not match the standard recorded at check-in, clean it again or make a note so you can raise it during the checkout inspection.