End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist UK — Get Your Deposit Back

An end of tenancy clean is judged against the inventory check-in report your landlord (or their inventory clerk) signed when you moved in. Get this right and your deposit comes back in full; miss obvious things and you'll be charged a premium for a professional re-clean. Here's the room-by-room list inventory clerks actually use.

Kitchen — the highest-scrutiny room

• Oven, hob, extractor and grill — inside, behind, and the tray
• Fridge & freezer — fully defrosted, seals cleaned, shelves removed and washed
• Inside every cupboard and drawer, including the runners
• Behind and under all appliances (drag them out)
• Sink, taps and waste disposal — descale, polish, no limescale

Bathroom — limescale is the deal-breaker

• Shower screen, head and tiling — descaled, not just wiped
• Toilet — bowl, seat, hinges, base, behind the cistern
• Extractor fan — dust cover removed and washed
• Grout — scrubbed back, no pink or black mould
• Mirror — streak-free, including the edges

Bedrooms and living areas

• All skirting boards wiped (top edge too)
• Inside wardrobes and drawers
• Window interiors, sills and tracks
• Light switches, sockets and door handles
• Carpets professionally cleaned (keep the receipt)

Don't forget

• Radiators — front, back and behind
• Curtains and blinds dusted (or laundered)
• Loft hatch and any storage cupboards
• Garden / patio / bin store if mentioned in the tenancy
• Final check: smoke alarm batteries are still working

When to hire a professional

If your tenancy says 'professionally cleaned to inventory standard' (most do), use a vetted end of tenancy cleaning company with a re-clean guarantee. The cost is almost always less than the deduction would be — and the receipt is your defence at a deposit dispute.