The Ultimate End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Full Deposit Back
By Zach Cleaning ·
Why a Checklist Makes the Difference
According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, 56% of deposit disputes in England and Wales involve cleaning issues. Landlords and letting agents expect a "professional standard" of cleanliness — and "it looked clean to me" won't hold up during the final inspection.
This room-by-room guide is built from the spec used by Zach Cleaning's end of tenancy teams across Leicester and Leicestershire. Follow it, and you give yourself the best possible chance of getting every penny of your deposit back.
Kitchen
- Degrease and deep-clean the oven, hob, and extractor fan (the number-one dispute trigger)
- Descale the kettle and wipe down all small appliances
- Empty, defrost, and sanitise the fridge/freezer — leave doors slightly open after
- Scrub the sink, taps, and drain area; remove limescale
- Wipe inside all cupboards and drawers — inspectors open these
- Clean the washing machine drawer, filter, and door seal
- Mop and disinfect the floor, especially corners behind appliances
Bathroom
- Remove all limescale from shower screen, taps, and tile grout
- Deep-clean the toilet — under the rim, behind the seat hinges, floor around the base
- Wash and disinfect the bath, shower tray, and any glass panels
- Clear extractor fan of dust (it will be checked)
- Wipe down the mirror, cabinet, and all shelving
- Mop the floor and clean the skirting boards
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Dust all surfaces — skirting boards, picture rails, light switches, door frames
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly; consider professional steam cleaning if stains remain
- Wash hard floors with appropriate cleaner
- Clean windows inside (and outside if accessible safely)
- Wipe down all radiators — dust between the fins
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- Clean inside all built-in wardrobes and storage cupboards
What Most People Forget
- Behind the toilet. Inspectors check.
- Inside the oven door glass. A common fail point.
- Window tracks and sills. Dead insects and grime accumulate here.
- Light fittings and lamp shades. Dust settles on top.
- The top of kitchen wall units. Grease builds up over months.
- Door handles and light switches. Quick wipe with disinfectant — easy win.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If you are short on time or the property needs more than a surface clean, a professional end of tenancy clean costs less than most deposit deductions. Zach Cleaning covers all the items on this checklist as standard — our teams carry industrial-grade equipment and eco-friendly products, and every member of staff is DBS-checked and fully insured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
A one-bedroom flat typically takes 3–5 hours. A three-bedroom house can take 6–8 hours. Professional teams work faster because they bring the right equipment and follow a tested workflow.
Is professional cleaning required in my tenancy agreement?
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot require you to use a specific cleaning company. However, they can require the property to be returned to the same standard of cleanliness as when you moved in — which was often professionally cleaned.
What if my deposit is still disputed after cleaning?
Request the check-in and check-out inventory reports. Compare them photograph by photograph. If the dispute reaches the Tenancy Deposit Scheme adjudicator, a dated professional cleaning invoice is strong evidence in your favour.