End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist for Renters

A clean property makes the handover smoother for renters and landlords alike. Dusty surfaces, a greasy oven or grimy bathroom fittings are exactly the kind of thing that leads to disagreements at the final inspection.

In England, renters generally have to hand the property back in about the same state of cleanliness as when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Before you decide what to clean, look at your original inventory, your tenancy agreement and any move-in photos.

You don’t need to do it all in one go. Work through this checklist one room at a time.

Cooking leaves grease, stains and smells behind, so the kitchen needs the most attention.

• Clean the oven, hob, grill and extractor fan.
• Wipe cabinets, drawers, handles and shelves.
• Empty the microwave, fridge and freezer, then clean them.
• Scrub the sink, taps and draining board.
• Wipe worktops, splashbacks and any surface you can reach.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Clear out food waste and empty the bins.

Helpful tip: If the freezer needs defrosting, start early. That gives you time to clean it properly before you hand over the keys.

Soap scum, watermarks and limescale build up around the fittings you use every day.

• Purge the toilet, being sure to clean the bowl, seat, and base as well.
• Scrub the shower, bath and shower screen.
• Take soap residue off the tiles and fittings.
• Clean the washbasin, taps and mirror.
• Wipe bathroom cabinets and shelves.
• Clear hair and debris from any drains you can reach.
• Mop the floor and wipe away visible dust.

Corners and the area behind the toilet are easy to miss in everyday cleaning, so check them.

A room can look tidy and still be dusty.

• Dust shelves, skirting boards and window sills.
• Wipe doors, handles, switches and any surface you can reach.
• Clean mirrors and interior glass you can get to.
• Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery where needed.
• Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaning product.
• Empty wardrobes and drawers, then clean them.
• Remove cobwebs and visible dust from corners you can reach.

Got pets? Look for hair and odours, especially around carpets and furniture.

Small details can matter at the final inspection.

• Clean the interior window glass and frames you can reach.
• Wipe dusty light fittings where it’s safe to do so.
• Take off any wall marks that will come off safely.
• Clean behind movable furniture and appliances where you can get at them.
• Check corners, door frames and skirting boards.
• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings.

Don’t scrub painted walls hard, because you can damage the finish. Normal wear and tear isn’t the same as damage, so compare any marks with your original inventory.

Run through this quick list before you leave:

• Compare the property with your move-in inventory.
• Check cupboards, drawers and appliances.
• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings.
• Take clear photos of the cleaned rooms.
• Record meter readings where needed.
• Return all keys and follow the agreed handover process.

If you hire a cleaner, keep the receipts and the photos. They help show what condition the property was in if questions come up later.

Moving home already gives you plenty to deal with. If cleaning every room feels like too much, NeatNest Cleaners can take some of that load off you.

For end of tenancy cleaning Service in London, call NeatNest Cleaners on 7360824413 to talk through your property, what you need cleaned and when they’re available. A bit of planning now makes the move-out easier to handle.