End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist (UK)
The room-by-room checklist UK letting agents and landlords actually use at check-out. Print it, tick it off, and protect your deposit.
Before you start
- Empty the property of all personal items, bins and food.
- Photograph every room before and after — date-stamped.
- Compare against the check-in inventory; clean to that standard.
- Switch fridge/freezer off 24 hours before for a full defrost.
Kitchen
- Degrease oven inside and out — racks, trays, glass door, seals
- Descale kettle, clean toaster crumb tray, wipe microwave inside and out
- Pull out fridge/freezer, defrost, clean shelves and door seals; leave switched off with door ajar
- Empty and wipe every cupboard and drawer inside and out
- Descale sink, taps and plug; clean grout and tiles
- Wipe extractor hood, replace or wash filter
- Mop floor including under appliances where reachable
Bathroom
- Descale shower screen, taps, shower head and tiles
- Clean toilet inside, outside, base and behind
- Polish mirrors and chrome fittings streak-free
- Empty cabinets, wipe inside; clean extractor fan cover
- Scrub grout, re-caulk only if landlord allows
- Mop floor and skirting
Bedrooms & living areas
- Dust skirting, picture rails, light fittings and switches
- Wipe inside wardrobes, drawers and shelving
- Clean windows inside, sills and tracks
- Wash curtains or vacuum blinds
- Vacuum carpets — professional clean if required by tenancy
- Wipe radiators, doors and door frames
Hallway, stairs & whole flat
- Vacuum and mop all hard floors; vacuum carpets and stairs
- Wipe banisters, handrails and light switches
- Clean front and internal door glass
- Remove all rubbish and recycling; bins emptied and rinsed
- Replace any blown lightbulbs
- Cobweb removal in corners and ceilings
Want this done for you?
ExpertHome's end of tenancy cleaning teams follow this exact checklist and re-clean free if the agent flags anything within 48 hours.
FAQs
What is an end of tenancy clean?
A full deep clean of every room in a rented property when a tenant moves out, designed to meet inventory and check-out standards so the full deposit is returned.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A 1-bed flat typically takes 4–6 hours, a 2-bed 6–8 hours, and a 3–4 bed house 8–12 hours with a two-person team. Heavy soiling or oven deep-cleans add time.
Do I need a professional clean to get my deposit back?
Since 2019 landlords cannot require a professional clean in England, but the property must be returned to the same standard as the check-in inventory. A professional clean is the easiest way to evidence this.
Is carpet cleaning included?
Standard end of tenancy cleans include vacuuming. Hot-water carpet extraction is an add-on — ExpertHome can book both in one visit.
What does an end of tenancy clean cost in the UK?
Typical UK prices: £120–£170 for a studio/1-bed, £170–£230 for a 2-bed, £230–£320 for a 3-bed, and £320+ for 4-bed homes. Carpet cleaning is usually £25–£40 per room extra.
Should I be present during the clean?
No. Most tenants leave keys with the agent or in a key safe. Provide access to electricity and water, leave the property empty of personal items, and the team will handle the rest.