Moving out of a rental property in London can be stressful, but getting your deposit back doesn't have to be. Landlords and letting agents have high standards, and missing even small details can cost you. Here's our professional checklist to help you tackle every area.
Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen is often the most scrutinised room. Pay special attention to:
Oven & Hob: Remove all grease, burnt-on food, and clean inside, outside, and the door glassExtractor Fan: Degrease the filter and wipe down the hoodFridge & Freezer: Defrost, clean inside shelves and drawers, wipe sealsDishwasher: Clean the filter, run an empty hot cycle, wipe the doorCupboards: Empty, wipe inside and out, clean handlesSink & Taps: Descale, polish, check for limescale buildupWorktops: Clean thoroughly, pay attention to grout linesTiles & Splashback: Degrease and remove any stainsBathroom Checklist
Bathrooms need to sparkle:
Toilet: Clean inside bowl, base, seat, and behindShower/Bath: Descale screens, remove mould from grout, polish tapsSink & Vanity: Clean basin, descale taps, wipe cabinetTiles: Scrub grout, remove any mould or mildewMirror: Streak-free cleanExtractor Fan: Dust and clean vent coverBedrooms & Living Areas
Don't overlook these areas:
Windows: Clean inside glass, frames, and sillsCarpets: Vacuum thoroughly, consider professional cleaning for stainsCurtains/Blinds: Dust or wash as appropriateLight Fixtures: Dust shades, clean switchesSkirting Boards: Wipe down all edgesDoors: Clean handles, wipe down panelsWalls: Remove marks, scuffs, and cobwebsOften Forgotten Areas
These details can make or break your inspection:
Behind and under appliancesInside the oven, including the grillLight switches and plug socketsDoor frames and tops of doorsRadiators (top and behind)Window tracks and sealsGarage or storage areasPro Tips
Start Early: Don't leave it until the last dayTake Photos: Document the condition before and afterCheck Your Inventory: Compare against the original check-in reportConsider Professionals: End of tenancy cleaning services come with guaranteesWhen to Hire Professionals
If time is short or the property needs significant work, professional end of tenancy cleaning is often worth the investment. At Cleaning Apex, we offer a 48-hour re-clean guarantee—report any issues within 48 hours and we'll return to re-clean for free.
Our end of tenancy prices start from £159 for a studio, and we cover all London boroughs.
