Moving home
End-of-tenancy cleaning checklist for tenants and landlords
An end-of-tenancy clean works best when the property is empty, access is clear and the expected scope is agreed in advance. This checklist helps tenants, landlords and agents prepare without confusing cleaning with repairs or a guaranteed deposit outcome.
Before the cleaning date
Remove personal belongings, dispose of unwanted items through the correct local service and make sure electricity and hot water remain available where they are needed for cleaning.
- Confirm key collection and building access
- Defrost and empty appliances if their interiors are included
- Report damaged fixtures rather than hiding them
- Share parking, concierge or lift restrictions
- Keep the inventory or check-out requirements available
Kitchen and bathroom
These rooms often need the most time. Clear worktops and cupboards, remove food, and identify whether the oven, fridge and cupboard interiors are included.
- Accessible worktops, splashbacks and sink
- Hob and exterior appliance surfaces
- Bathroom fittings, tiles and reachable surfaces
- Floors and visible skirting
- Interior appliances or cabinets only when selected
Bedrooms and living areas
Once belongings are removed, the cleaner can reach floors, accessible surfaces and visible edges more consistently.
- Dust reachable surfaces
- Vacuum carpets and accessible flooring
- Clean accessible hard floors
- Remove ordinary visible rubbish
- Flag stains, damage or specialist carpet needs separately
What cleaning cannot guarantee
A cleaning company cannot control a landlord’s deposit decision, repair damage or certify that every inventory standard has been met unless a specific written guarantee says so. Take dated photographs and raise disputes through the relevant tenancy-deposit process when necessary.