Guide · Updated November 2026

End of tenancy cleaning checklist: what agents actually inspect

Kitchens and bathrooms: inside the oven, extractor filters, hob, fridge seals, limescale on taps and screens, and the toilet under the rim. These are the most common deduction points.

What do inventory clerks check first?

Kitchens and bathrooms: inside the oven, extractor filters, hob, fridge seals, limescale on taps and screens, and the toilet under the rim. These are the most common deduction points.

What about the rest of the property?

Inside cupboards and wardrobes, skirting boards, door frames, light switches, window sills and tracks, and floors right to the edges. Marks on walls are checked against the check-in inventory.

Do I need carpets professionally cleaned?

Only if your tenancy agreement or the check-in condition requires it. Under the Tenant Fees Act a landlord can't demand you use a specific company, but they can claim for carpets left dirtier than at check-in.

How long before checkout should the clean happen?

Ideally the day before or the morning of checkout, after your belongings are out. Cleaning an empty property is faster and more thorough.

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