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 glass

**Extractor Fan**: Degrease the filter and wipe down the hood

**Fridge & Freezer**: Defrost, clean inside shelves and drawers, wipe seals

**Dishwasher**: Clean the filter, run an empty hot cycle, wipe the door

**Cupboards**: Empty, wipe inside and out, clean handles

**Sink & Taps**: Descale, polish, check for limescale buildup

**Worktops**: Clean thoroughly, pay attention to grout lines

**Tiles & Splashback**: Degrease and remove any stains

Bathroom Checklist

Bathrooms need to sparkle:

**Toilet**: Clean inside bowl, base, seat, and behind

**Shower/Bath**: Descale screens, remove mould from grout, polish taps

**Sink & Vanity**: Clean basin, descale taps, wipe cabinet

**Tiles**: Scrub grout, remove any mould or mildew

**Mirror**: Streak-free clean

**Extractor Fan**: Dust and clean vent cover

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Don't overlook these areas:

**Windows**: Clean inside glass, frames, and sills

**Carpets**: Vacuum thoroughly, consider professional cleaning for stains

**Curtains/Blinds**: Dust or wash as appropriate

**Light Fixtures**: Dust shades, clean switches

**Skirting Boards**: Wipe down all edges

**Doors**: Clean handles, wipe down panels

**Walls**: Remove marks, scuffs, and cobwebs

Often Forgotten Areas

These details can make or break your inspection:

Behind and under appliances

Inside the oven, including the grill

Light switches and plug sockets

Door frames and tops of doors

Radiators (top and behind)

Window tracks and seals

Garage or storage areas

Pro Tips

**Start Early**: Don't leave it until the last day

**Take Photos**: Document the condition before and after

**Check Your Inventory**: Compare against the original check-in report

**Consider Professionals**: End of tenancy cleaning services come with guarantees

When 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 deposit-back guarantee—if there's an issue, 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.

The Ultimate End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist for London Renters