Quick answer: To get your full deposit back, return the property as clean as it was on your check-in inventory. Inspectors focus most on the oven and hob, extractor filter, fridge and freezer, inside cupboards, limescale in bathrooms, skirting boards, doors and light switches, and carpets. Cleaning was the top reason for deposit claims in 2025, accounting for 29.38% of DPS claims. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, your landlord cannot charge you a fee for a professional clean. But they can deduct reasonable cleaning costs if the property is dirtier than when you moved in.
Key takeaways
- Compare against your check-in inventory, not your own standards. That report is the benchmark.
- Kitchens and bathrooms cause most cleaning deductions. Start there.
- Clean inside everything: oven, fridge, cupboards, wardrobes, drawers.
- Take dated photos and video when you finish, room by room.
- Book a professional clean 1–2 weeks before you leave. Move-out dates cluster at month-end.
Why cleaning causes so many deposit disputes
According to data from The Deposit Protection Service (DPS), cleaning made up 29.38% of tenancy deposit claims in 2025. It has been the leading cause for five years running, ahead of damage (18.42%), rent arrears (16.45%) and redecoration (10.88%). The DPS also notes that fewer than 5% of deposits it protects end in a dispute. Most move-outs go smoothly when both sides know what’s expected.
What the Tenant Fees Act 2019 means for cleaning
In England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 stops landlords and agents charging tenants a fee for professional end of tenancy cleaning. A clause that makes you pay for a professional clean regardless of condition isn’t allowed. However:
- You must return the property in the same state of cleanliness as at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
- If it isn’t, the landlord can claim reasonable cleaning costs from your deposit.
- If you disagree with a deduction, you can use your deposit scheme’s free dispute service.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check your tenancy agreement and your deposit scheme’s guidance.
The room-by-room end of tenancy cleaning checklist
Kitchen (the most-checked room)
- Oven interior, racks, trays, door glass (inside and between panes if accessible) and seals degreased
- Hob: burners, pan supports or ceramic/induction surface free of burnt-on marks
- Extractor hood cleaned and filter degreased or replaced
- Fridge and freezer emptied, defrosted, cleaned inside including shelves and seals, and left door ajar if switched off
- Microwave, dishwasher (filter too) and washing machine (drawer and door seal)
- All cupboards and drawers cleaned inside and out
- Worktops, splashback and tiles degreased; grout cleaned
- Sink and taps descaled; plughole cleared
- Bins emptied and washed
- Floor vacuumed and mopped, including edges and under kickboards where accessible
Bathrooms
- Limescale removed from taps, shower screen, showerhead and tiles (London water is hard)
- Bath, shower tray and basin scrubbed; overflow and plugholes cleaned
- Toilet deep-cleaned, including under the rim, the base and behind it
- Grout and silicone cleaned. Mould marks treated where possible
- Extractor fan cover dusted
- Mirrors, cabinets and shelves wiped inside and out
- Floor cleaned, including around the toilet pedestal
Bedrooms and living areas
- Wardrobes and drawers emptied and wiped inside
- Skirting boards, dado and picture rails dusted and wiped
- Doors, frames and handles wiped; scuffs spot-cleaned where safe
- Light switches, sockets and radiators cleaned
- Internal windows, sills and frames cleaned; cobwebs removed
- Carpets vacuumed thoroughly (steam cleaned if your inventory says they were professionally cleaned at check-in)
- Hard floors mopped
- Any furniture provided cleaned, including under cushions
Hallways and everything else
- Stairs, banisters and the entrance door
- Light fittings and lampshades dusted
- Balcony swept and cleared
- All rubbish removed from the property, including bins outside if they’re your responsibility
Five mistakes that cost London renters their deposit
- Forgetting the oven. It’s the single most-checked item and the hardest to fix in a rush.
- Leaving limescale. Hard London water builds up quickly on screens and taps.
- Not cleaning inside cupboards and wardrobes. Clerks open everything.
- Cleaning before the removal van. Moving furniture leaves dust and marks. Clean last.
- No evidence. Without dated photos, it’s your word against the check-out report.
DIY or professional end of tenancy clean?
| DIY | Professional (Better Maid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Often a full day or more for a 2-bed flat | A team handles it while you move |
| Equipment | You buy degreasers, descalers, steam cleaner | Professional products included |
| Standard | Your judgement | Inventory-standard checklist, signed on completion |
| If the agent flags something | You go back and fix it | Free re-clean within 72 hours |
Want a fixed price? See our end of tenancy cleaning prices or book our end of tenancy cleaning in London.
Timeline: when to do what
- 4 weeks before: find your check-in inventory; book your cleaner.
- 1 week before: fix small issues (bulbs, picture hooks) if your tenancy allows it; start decluttering.
- Move-out day: removals first, clean second, photos last.
- Check-out: attend the inspection if you can, and ask for a copy of the report.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord make me pay for a professional clean?
In England, no. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans charging tenants a fee for professional cleaning. You must still return the property as clean as it was at check-in, otherwise reasonable cleaning costs can be deducted from your deposit.
What do inventory clerks check first?
Usually the kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, fridge and cupboards. After that come bathrooms (limescale, grout, toilet), then skirting boards, doors, switches and carpets.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
It depends on size and condition. A professional team is much faster than one person working alone. Tell us your property size and we’ll quote a fixed price and time.
Do I need carpets professionally cleaned?
Only if your check-in inventory shows they were professionally cleaned when you moved in, or if they’re stained beyond fair wear and tear. Otherwise, a thorough vacuum is normally enough.
What if the agent says something was missed?
With Better Maid, if anything cleaning-related is flagged within 72 hours, we come back and put it right free of charge.
Moving out in London? Get a fixed-price, inventory-standard end of tenancy clean with a 72-hour re-clean guarantee. Get a free quote or call 0204-603-4190.
Sources: The Intermediary, reporting DPS 2025 data (June 2026); mydeposits: Tenant Fees Act guide; Tenant Fees Act 2019 (legislation.gov.uk).