Leaving your rental property soon? Your security deposit might be at stake—but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning checklist covers every corner of your home to help you leave it spotless and stress-free.
📝 Pro Tip: Always cross-check your tenancy agreement for specific cleaning clauses!
🕒 Give Yourself Enough Time
Don’t rush. A rushed cleaning job is easy to spot, and it can cost you your deposit. Plan in advance, spread tasks over a few days, or consider hiring a professional cleaner.
🛏️ Bedrooms
Your bedroom should feel as fresh as when you moved in.
✅ Bedroom Cleaning Tasks:
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.
- Dust all surfaces: wardrobes, shelves, bedside tables, doors.
- Clean picture frames, wall hangings, and mirrors.
- Wipe curtain rails, blinds, and vacuum curtains.
- Polish light fittings and skirting boards.
- Clean switches, sockets, and remove any wall marks.
- Vacuum the mattress and under the bed.
- Mop and sanitize hard floors.
🛁 Bathrooms
Bathrooms collect grime fast, so give them extra attention.
✅ Bathroom Cleaning Checklist:
- Clean basins, taps, and remove limescale.
- Scrub toilets, bidets, and plumbing.
- Polish mirrors and glass.
- Rinse and descale showerheads and screens.
- Remove mould and mildew from tiles and corners.
- Wipe extractor fans and check tile grouting.
- Disinfect all surfaces and polish fittings.
🍽️ Kitchen
Landlords inspect kitchens closely. Focus on hygiene and degreasing.
✅ Kitchen Deep Clean Includes:
- Wash and polish all worktops and counters.
- Empty and clean all cupboards and drawers inside-out.
- Clean sinks, taps, and remove limescale buildup.
- Degrease wall tiles and clean grout lines.
- Clean oven, hobs, extractor fan, microwave inside-out.
- Sanitize fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine.
- Wipe woodwork, handles, switches, and skirting.
- Empty and wash bins. Mop the floor thoroughly.
🪑 Furnishings
If your flat is furnished, give these items some TLC.
✅ Furnishing Cleaning:
- Wipe tables, chairs, and surfaces.
- Remove stains or smudges from wood and metal parts.
- Clean and vacuum sofas, including cushions.
- Move furniture to clean under and behind.
🧼 Carpets & Floors
Carpets are usually the biggest reason deposits get withheld.
✅ Carpet Cleaning:
- Vacuum all edges and under furniture.
- Use a steam cleaner or hire a carpet cleaning machine.
- Spot-treat any visible stains.
- Mop all hard floors with disinfectant.
🪟 Windows & Sills
Sparkling windows make a strong impression.
✅ Window Cleaning:
- Clean glass inside and remove streaks.
- Wipe down window frames and sills.
- Dust blinds and vacuum curtains if needed.
🗄️ Drawers, Cupboards & Shelves
Hidden spots often hide dust or forgotten items.
✅ Tips:
- Clear out all personal belongings.
- Wipe inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers.
- Sanitize handles and corners.
🧊 Fridge & Freezer
Check your tenancy agreement—some require defrosting the freezer.
✅ Fridge/Freezer Checklist:
- Remove leftover food.
- Clean rubber seals and trays.
- Move and clean underneath.
- Wipe and polish exterior and handles.
🔌 Appliances
Appliances often have strict cleaning requirements.
✅ Key Appliance Tasks:
Dishwasher:
- Clean food residue and filters.
- Wipe inside, seals, and buttons.
Washing Machine:
- Wipe drum and rubber seals.
- Clean soap drawer and underneath.
Tumble Dryer:
- Remove lint and dust.
- Clean inside drum and exterior.
🔥 Oven & Microwave
Often overlooked but heavily inspected.
✅ Cleaning Checklist:
- Degrease oven and hobs inside and out.
- Clean extractor fan and grill.
- Remove burnt food deposits.
- Clean microwave inside and polish outside.
- Scrub racks, knobs, seals, and trays.
🍞 Small Appliances (e.g. Toaster)
Small items make a big impact if dirty.
✅ Quick Tips:
- Empty crumbs and food particles.
- Wipe exterior with mild cleaner.
- Clean buttons and handles.
🧽 Final Touches & Forgotten Details
Details matter—don’t skip these small but important tasks.
✅ Final To-Dos:
- Wash and dry tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Rinse bins and deodorize.
- Clean extractor fans and vents.
- Remove any leftover trash or personal items.
- Replace lightbulbs if needed.
- Check for missed stains or damage.
🏁 Final Words: Maximise Your Deposit Return
Dear tenants, cleaning your rental before you leave may seem like a chore, but it’s essential to getting your full deposit back. Follow this complete end of tenancy checklist and compare it with your tenancy agreement for best results.
If it feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional end of tenancy cleaning service to guarantee results and peace of mind.