Cleaning is the single most common reason deposits get reduced at the end of a tenancy. The good news is that check-out inspections follow a predictable checklist, so if you know what the clerk is looking for, you can clean to that standard or hand it to professionals who already do.
Kitchen
This is where most deposits are won or lost. Clean inside and behind the oven, hob and extractor; degrease all cupboards inside and out; descale the sink and taps; and pull out the fridge, freezer and washing machine to clean behind and underneath them. Defrost the freezer the night before so it’s ready.
Bathrooms
Descale taps, shower screens, tiles and the toilet thoroughly, remove any mould from sealant and grout, polish mirrors and chrome, and make sure extractor fans are dust-free. Limescale is one of the most commonly flagged issues, so don’t rush it.
Living spaces and bedrooms
Dust and wipe every surface including skirting boards, door frames, light switches, sockets and the tops of doors. Clean internal windows, sills and frames, and vacuum carpets thoroughly, including the edges and under furniture.
If carpets are marked or you’ve had pets, professional carpet cleaning is strongly recommended; it’s often specified in the tenancy agreement and is a frequent cause of deductions.
The smart shortcut
A professional end of tenancy clean is built around exactly this checklist and usually comes with a re-clean guarantee, so if the agent flags anything the cleaners return free of charge. For the cost involved, it’s cheap insurance against a deposit deduction that could be far larger.