End-of-tenancy cleaning checklist for tenants and landlords

End-of-tenancy cleaning is about meeting the standard described in the inventory and checkout report. It is not about making the property spotless, but about returning it to the condition recorded at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.

In the kitchen, clean the oven inside and out, including racks and door glass. Degrease the hob, extractor hood and splashbacks. Clean inside and outside of the fridge and freezer, and defrost if necessary. Wipe all cupboards inside and out, and clean the sink and taps to remove limescale.

In bathrooms, descale the shower screen, tiles and taps. Clean the toilet thoroughly, including under the rim. Remove soap scum from baths and basins. Clean mirrors and wipe all surfaces. Empty and clean bathroom cabinets.

In living areas and bedrooms, dust all surfaces including skirting boards, window sills and light fittings. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop hard floors. Clean inside windows where accessible. Wipe doors, handles and switches.

Do not forget less obvious areas: inside cupboards and wardrobes, behind appliances where accessible, light switches and plug sockets, and any outdoor spaces included in the tenancy.

If the property has been professionally cleaned before, consider booking a professional end-of-tenancy clean. This is often the simplest way to meet inventory standards and avoid deposit disputes.

Take dated photographs of each room after cleaning, focusing on areas that might be disputed. These can be useful evidence if there is a disagreement about the standard.

Leave the property secure, return all keys, and ensure all rubbish and personal belongings are removed. A clean empty property with good photographs is the best defence against unfair deductions.