The Ultimate End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

Moving out can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan, you’ll breeze through your end of tenancy clean. This friendly End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist guide breaks the process into manageable sections, ensuring nothing gets missed. Ready your cleaning supplies, put on your favourite playlist, and let’s get started!

Your End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist

Below, you’ll find six key areas of your home, each with a set of detailed checks. Tick them off one by one to guarantee a spotless handover.

Kitchen (10 Checks)

1. ☐ Wipe down all worktops and backsplashes.
2. ☐ Clean inside and outside of cupboards and drawers.
3. ☐ Degrease and polish the oven, hob and extractor fan.
4. ☐ Empty and defrost the fridge/freezer, and clean shelves and seals.
5. ☐ Clean the dishwasher inside and out, removing any debris.
6. ☐ Sanitise the sink and taps, including the drain.
7. ☐ Clean microwave interior and exterior.
8. ☐ Mop or hoover the kitchen floor, paying attention to corners.
9. ☐ Wipe down skirting boards and doors.
10. ☐ Clean light switches, sockets and fixtures.

Living Room (8 Checks)

1. ☐ Dust and polish all surfaces: coffee tables, shelves, mantels.
2. ☐ Hoover upholstery, cushions and under the sofa.
3. ☐ Clean windows inside and out where accessible.
4. ☐ Dust blinds and wipe window sills.
5. ☐ Hoover or mop flooring, including under furniture.
6. ☐ Dust and wipe down light fittings and ceiling fans.
7. ☐ Wipe skirting boards and door frames.
8. ☐ Clean any built‑in shelving or cabinetry.

Bedrooms (8 Checks)

1. ☐ Remove all fixtures and fittings (curtain poles, blinds) and clean around fittings.
2. ☐ Dust and wipe wardrobes inside and out.
3. ☐ Hoover carpets thoroughly, using an attachment for edges.
4. ☐ Wipe skirting boards, doors and handles.
5. ☐ Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces.
6. ☐ Dust bedside tables, shelves and headboards.
7. ☐ Clean light switches and sockets.
8. ☐ Hoover any fabric surfaces.

Bathrooms (8 Checks)

1. ☐ Descale showerheads, taps and any glass shower screens.
2. ☐ Clean inside and around the toilet, including base and cistern.
3. ☐ Scrub bath and sink, removing soap scum and limescale.
4. ☐ Wipe down tiles and grout; use a suitable cleaner on tough spots.
5. ☐ Clean mirrors, cabinets and any shelving.
6. ☐ Mop or scrub the bathroom floor.
7. ☐ Wipe skirting boards, doors, switches and sockets.
8. ☐ Empty and clean radiator or towel rail.

Hallways & Stairs (6 Checks)

1. ☐ Hoover or mop stairs and hallway floors thoroughly.
2. ☐ Wipe handrails, spindles and bannisters.
3. ☐ Dust light fixtures and remove cobwebs from corners.
4. ☐ Clean door frames, doors and handles.
5. ☐ Wipe skirting boards throughout.
6. ☐ Clean any built‑in shoe racks or storage cupboards.

Exterior & Miscellaneous (10 Checks)

1. ☐ Sweep and tidy the outside entrance, patio or balcony.
2. ☐ Remove cobwebs and dust from external light fixtures.
3. ☐ Clear out gutters or drains if part of your agreement.
4. ☐ Wipe down mailboxes or doorbells.
5. ☐ Clean external window sills and window frames.
6. ☐ Remove rubbish and clean out any garages or sheds.
7. ☐ Replace any blown light bulbs.
8. ☐ Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.
9. ☐ Clean and return all keys, fobs and remotes.
10. ☐ Ensure all personal items have been removed from storage spaces.

Once everything is clean and in order, take clear photos of each room, ideally in good lighting and from multiple angles. This provides solid proof of the property’s condition at the time you left, which can be really helpful if any disputes arise about your deposit. Include close-ups of key areas like the kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and any existing marks or wear that were there before your tenancy began. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s well worth the peace of mind.

Why Is Having an End of Tenancy Checklist Important?

Moving out of a rented property often comes with a long list of to-dos, and cleaning can easily feel like one big blur. That’s where a detailed end of tenancy cleaning checklist really makes a difference. Rather than trying to remember everything on the spot, a checklist helps break the job down into manageable pieces. It keeps you organised and ensures that no area, whether it’s behind the fridge or on top of the door frames, is accidentally forgotten. You’ll know exactly what’s been done and what’s still left to tackle, which takes a lot of the pressure off.

Having a checklist also adds structure to what can feel like a chaotic time. Most landlords or letting agents have high standards for cleanliness, and rightly so! It’s about returning the property in the same condition you received it. Following a thorough list means you’re far less likely to miss key details that could cost you part of your deposit. It’s a small bit of preparation that can make a huge difference to the final inspection and your wallet.

DIY vs Professional Cleaning: What’s Best for Your Move?

When it comes to end of tenancy cleaning, the big question is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Both options have their pros and cons, and what works best often depends on your personal situation. If you’ve kept up with regular cleaning and just need to give the place a good final once-over, doing it yourself can be a cost-effective and satisfying choice. With the right checklist and some time on your hands, most tenants are perfectly capable of achieving great results on their own.

However, end of tenancy cleaning isn’t always straightforward. Some jobs, like deep-cleaning an oven, descaling bathroom fittings, or tackling stubborn carpet stains, can be more difficult than expected. If you’re short on time or unsure about tackling every corner yourself, it’s perfectly alright to call in a little extra help. A specialist like B & I Brothers can step in to carry out those trickier tasks, so you can have peace of mind knowing the job’s been done properly, without the stress. In many cases, the cost of a professional service is worth it if it helps secure the full return of your deposit and saves you valuable time during the busy moving period.