End of tenancy cleaning is judged against the check in inventory, not against everyday tidiness. Inventory clerks in London work through a property in a predictable order and deposit deductions almost always come from the same short list of overlooked items. Work through the checklist below room by room and you will meet the standard most agents expect.
Kitchen
- Oven cleaned inside and out, including racks, trays, glass door panels and seals
- Extractor fan and filter degreased or replaced
- Hob, splashback and grout scrubbed free of burnt residue
- Fridge and freezer emptied, defrosted, washed and left dry with the door ajar
- Washing machine drawer, rubber seal and filter cleaned of detergent and mould
- All cupboards emptied and wiped inside, outside and on top
- Sink, taps and drainer descaled and polished
- Floor swept, mopped and cleaned behind and beneath appliances where they can be moved safely
Bathroom and en suite
- Limescale removed from taps, shower head, screen and tiles
- Grout and silicone treated for mould and discolouration
- Toilet cleaned inside the bowl, under the rim, around the base and behind the cistern
- Bath, basin and shower tray descaled and rinsed streak free
- Extractor vent dusted and wiped
- Mirrors and chrome polished, no smears
- Cabinets emptied and wiped inside and out
Bedrooms
- Wardrobes and drawers emptied and wiped inside, including runners
- Under beds and behind furniture vacuumed
- Mattresses vacuumed and rotated if left in the property
- Skirting boards, door frames and light switches wiped
- Carpets vacuumed and, where required by the tenancy, professionally cleaned
Living areas and hallways
- Upholstery vacuumed, including under cushions
- Radiators cleaned front, back and along the top
- Picture rails, coving and ceiling corners cobwebbed
- Marks and scuffs removed from walls where the paint finish allows
- Bannisters, handrails and internal doors wiped both sides
- Hard floors swept, mopped and edges detailed
Windows, doors and finishing
- Internal glass cleaned, plus external glass where safely reachable
- Window frames, sills, tracks and trickle vents wiped out
- Blinds dusted slat by slat, curtain poles wiped
- Front door, letterbox and door furniture cleaned
- Bins emptied, washed and rubbish removed from the property
- Meter cupboards, loft hatches and storage areas dusted
Items most often missed
- Extractor fan filters in the kitchen and bathroom
- Behind and underneath the fridge, cooker and washing machine
- Inside the washing machine detergent drawer and door seal
- The top of kitchen units, door frames and picture rails
- Window tracks, hinges and trickle vents
- Skirting boards behind furniture that was moved in on day one
- Light fittings, lampshades and smoke alarm casings
- The inside of the letterbox and the communal side of the front door
- Garden waste, sheds, balconies and bin stores listed on the inventory
How to protect your deposit
- Re-read the check in inventory before you start. It sets the standard you must return the property to, allowing for fair wear and tear.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with timestamps, including the oven interior and appliance seals.
- Keep the professional cleaning receipt. Agents routinely ask for it and it settles most deposit disputes quickly.
- Book the clean after furniture and belongings have gone, so nothing is missed underneath.
- Report any pre-existing damage in writing rather than trying to disguise it.
- If the agent raises issues, ask for a written list with photos. A reputable cleaning company will return and re-clean the items in question.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to use a professional end of tenancy cleaning company?
- Most tenancy agreements cannot compel you to hire a company, but they can require the property to be returned to the standard recorded in the check in inventory. A professional clean with a receipt is the simplest way to evidence that standard.
- How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
- A one bedroom flat typically takes four to six hours with a small team. A three bedroom house usually takes a full day, longer if carpets, ovens and windows all need attention.
- Is carpet cleaning included?
- Professional carpet cleaning is a separate specialist service using hot water extraction. Many London tenancies require it where carpets were professionally cleaned at check in, so check your inventory.
- What happens if the agent is not satisfied?
- Nova Cleaning Solutions offers a re-clean on reported items so the property meets the inventory standard, provided we are told promptly after the inspection.
Rather hand the whole list to a professional team?
Nova Cleaning Solutions delivers inventory standard end of tenancy cleans across London, Surrey, West Sussex and East Sussex, with carpet cleaning available alongside.