End-of-Tenancy Cleaning: A Complete Guide for Renters
Getting your full deposit back hinges on leaving your rental in the same condition you found it. Landlords and letting agents check closely. Here is a comprehensive guide to make sure nothing gets missed.
Start with the Inventory Check-In Report
Before you start cleaning, pull up your original check-in inventory. This is the definitive record of the property's condition when you moved in. Your cleaning should address any difference between then and now — not anything that was pre-existing.
Kitchen: The Most Scrutinised Room
Degrease the oven inside and out — letting agencies check this without fail. Clean the hob, extractor, and all inside surfaces of cupboards and drawers. Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge. Limescale on taps and sinks is expected to be removed.
Bathroom
Remove all limescale from tiles, taps, showerhead, and toilet. Regrout or clean grout if it has gone dark. Clean inside the toilet cistern if accessible. Wipe behind and underneath the toilet and sink.
Walls and Ceilings
Scuff marks can often be removed with a magic eraser. Small nail holes should be filled with decorator's filler and touched up with matching paint. If you have repainted a wall during your tenancy without permission, you may need to return it to the original colour.
Carpets and Flooring
Vacuuming is not enough if there are stains. Professional carpet cleaning is often stipulated in tenancy agreements — and it is almost always worth the cost to avoid a deduction. Hard floors should be mopped, including underneath any furniture.
Windows
Clean inside glass thoroughly. External glass is typically not the tenant's responsibility unless specifically stated in the agreement. Wipe window frames, sills, and tracks.
The Professional Clean Option
Many tenancy agreements require a professional end-of-tenancy clean on checkout. Even where not required, it is often the safest choice. A 100 Handy cleaning Pro will produce a clean that meets the standards letting agents expect, and can issue a receipt as evidence.
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