The Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Tenants

Getting your full deposit back often comes down to how clean you leave the property. Landlords and agents inspect closely, so work through this room-by-room checklist before you hand over the keys.

Start with a plan

Clean from top to bottom and back to front, finishing at the front door. Do the whole property in one direction so dust and dirt always move toward areas you have yet to clean, not areas you've just finished.

Kitchen

• Degrease the hob, oven, extractor hood and backsplash.
• Wipe inside and outside all cabinets and drawers.
• Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer if they stay with the unit.
• Descale the sink and taps, and clear the drain.

Bathrooms

• Descale showerheads, glass, tiles and taps.
• Scrub and disinfect the toilet, inside and out.
• Polish mirrors and clear any mould from grout and sealant.
• Empty and wipe any cabinets or vanities.

Living areas and bedrooms

• Dust skirting boards, sills, shelves and light fittings.
• Clean interior windows, frames and tracks.
• Wipe doors, handles and switch plates.
• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors, including under where furniture stood.

Don't forget the details

Inspectors notice the small things: fingerprints on glass, dusty air-conditioner filters, cobwebs in ceiling corners and marks behind doors. A final walk-through with fresh eyes usually catches what you missed.

When to call in help

If your tenancy agreement requires a professional clean, or you simply don't have time before the handover, a dedicated move-out clean is worth it. Our post-tenancy service follows an agency-standard checklist and can often save your deposit many times over its cost.

Moving is stressful enough. Let the cleaning be the one thing you don't have to worry about.