The end of a tenancy is stressful enough without losing part of your deposit to cleaning disputes. Here is exactly what landlords and letting agents look for — and how to ensure you meet the standard.
The most common reasons deposits are withheld
According to tenancy deposit schemes, cleaning is the number one cause of deposit deductions — by a wide margin. The most commonly cited issues are dirty ovens, limescale in bathrooms, unclean carpets, and grease on kitchen surfaces.
Kitchen checklist
- Oven: inside, racks, trays, door glass, between the glass panes, and the grill pan
- Hob: all rings, surrounding trim, and underneath if removable
- Extractor hood: filters should be grease-free
- Fridge and freezer: fully defrosted, shelves cleaned, door seals wiped
- Cupboards and drawers: inside and out, including hinges
- Worktops, sink, and taps: limescale-free and streak-free
- Walls: grease splashes around the hob area
Bathroom checklist
- Toilet: bowl, under the rim, seat, hinges, cistern, and base
- Bath and shower: limescale removed from taps, shower head, and screen
- Tiles and grout: cleaned and free of mould
- Sink and vanity: limescale-free
- Mirrors: streak-free
- Extractor fan grille: dust-free
Throughout the property
- Carpets: professionally cleaned (steam cleaned, not just vacuumed)
- Hard floors: mopped and free of scuff marks
- Windows: cleaned inside (and outside if accessible)
- Skirting boards, light switches, and plug sockets
- Doors and door handles: fingerprints removed
- Any marks on walls
The safe choice: hire a professional
A professional end of tenancy clean ensures the property is cleaned to the standard agents actually expect — not what you think they expect. Many professional services also provide a checklist or receipt that you can use as evidence if a dispute arises.