End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

It is the landlord's responsibility to make sure that the rental property is up to scratch by the time the tenant has to vacate and returns the keys. If you rent a house, office or commercial property, most landlords will hold your deposit until you clean and clear the premises. Check out our handy end of tenancy cleaning tips for tips on how to make sure the property is left immaculate for the next tenants, and follow our end of tenancy cleaning checklist for each room to ensure the deposit gets returned.

A step-by-step guide to end-of-lease cleaning

Staircase and hallway

Leading to the kitchen.

from bedroom

through bathroom

to living room

Staircase and hallway

The hallway and stairs need to look immaculate once you have opened the front door of the property for your landlord. It is always advisable to start at the top (the ceiling) and work your way down, scanning the room for any issues that may need to be addressed. If there are any carpet stains, or if a light bulb needs replacing, make sure to get this taken care of before the landlord arrives.

To begin with, make sure that all cobwebs and dust are removed from the hallway and stairs - even in hard-to-reach areas - since this can potentially prevent your deposit from being refunded by your landlord. You should scrub your skirting boards to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated over time from general use.

The flooring in your hallway and stairs will determine if you should vacuum or mop the area with warm water and dishwasher liquid. Because this should be the final task on your list, you may have to do it multiple times if this is not the last one on your list.

Cleaning checklist for the hallway and stairs at the end of the lease:

Remove all cobwebs and dust

from the floor with a vacuum cleaner

Vacuum hard floors

Clean skirting boards

Replace any broken bulbs in light fittings

Clean windows and doors and door handles

Leading to the kitchen.

Cleaning the kitchen is a difficult task simply because it is the most used room in the house, thus the dirtiest. You should make sure this is one of the key areas to make sure is pristine in order to increase your chances of getting your deposit back.

The use of nonscratch scourers, spray bottles, and cleaning liquid are essential tools for removing marks from hard-to-clean surfaces. Clean the counters, shelves, and work surfaces in the kitchen.

After that, remove all limescale from the taps and sink by cleaning and polishing them. Drain a pot filled with boiling water, followed by half a cup of bicarbonate of soda, and then add a vinegar and hot water mixture. In case the drain is still clogged, you can pick up drain blockers at any supermarket.

Ensure that all drawers and cupboards are thoroughly cleaned. It is also important to clean the insides of cabinets and drawers, as well as removing any food particles and dust. Likewise, any tiles that surround food preparation areas, such as the hob or the area where food is chopped up, should be avoided.

Food contact areas, including freezers, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and ovens. It is important to have the right tools for cleaning the hob and oven, as they are typically very dirty and may require some elbow greMaintain the cleanliness of each appliance as if it were new. Even the bins should be clean.lean.

Any marks found in the kitchen should be removed. Consider contacting a cleaning company if stains are not lifting. If that doesn't help, your landlord may be responsible for damages if that doesn't help.

End of tenancy cleaning list for the kitchen:

Cobwebs and dust should be removed

before cleaning

dust, then clean and polish all surfaces 

before cleaning tiles

Clean cupboards and drawers inside and out

Cleaning all kitchen appliances, especially the stove, oven, and microwave, is essential

Limescale buildup in the sink and taps should be removed

as well as making sure that the floor is clean and free of debris

Make sure the skirting boards are clean

likewise the windows and doors

Wash the bins outside as well

Bedroom

When cleaning the bedroom, you must leave the room dust-free and clean. The best way to begin cleaning your home is to start at the top and work your way downward, removing any cobwebs from the ceiling and dusting the top of cupboards and wardrobes, which collect dust and harbor critters (such as spiders).

A good condition must be maintained if the property includes furniture. It is important to clean and dust any picture frames hanging on the walls before they are rehung. In addition, you can buff and polish curtain rails, door handles, lampshades, light fixtures, skirting, and plug sockets. Make sure the curtains are clean if they were provided. It is generally recommended to dry clean curtains, but first check the label as some curtains can be machine washed. Ensure everything is clean before you dry clean it.

Last but not least, we have to clean the floor. You may not receive your deposit back if you do not thoroughly clean the carpet and remove all carpet stains. Using a mop and hot soapy water and bleach, hoover up any dirt and wash the floor.

End of tenancy cleaning list for the bedroom:

Remove all cobwebs and dust

Clean all bedroom furniture (including beds, bedside cabinets, wardrobes, and drawers inside and out)

Do not forget the windows and doors.

Replace the light bulbs if necessary.

Clean the floor if necessary.

Clean the skirting boards if necessary.

Bathroom

End-of-tenancy cleaning can be a deal breaker in the bathroom. Cleaning the toilet thoroughly is imperative, both inside and out, as well as your shower tray, bath and taps, sinks and basins (just like in the kitchen). It is recommended to use bleach to clean baths, sinks, basins, and grout stains, as well as clean the shower head, if applicable.

In the same way as the kitchen, it's important to keep all appliances clear and unclogged. Unclogging a toilet is a bit more difficult than unclogging a bathroom sink. 

Mirrors and glass surfaces (like a shower screen) should be wiped with soapy solution, and then dried with newspaper to prevent smudges.

End of tenancy cleaning list for the bathroom:

Remove all dust and cobwebs

Clean the tiles/walls, bath and shower screen

Any fixtures and fittings must be cleaned (e.g. shower head)

Wash and disinfect the toilet

Clean mirrors with an anti-smudge cleaning agent

Clean all light fittings and replace any bulbs

Wipe all windows and doors/door handles

All skirting to be dusted and wiped

Wash and polish floors

Wipe skirting boards

Lounge

The lounge is one of the main living areas in the property, so prospective tenants are likely to be attracted to it if it is in good condition. In general, clean the room from top to bottom, including the ceiling, the floor, and the skirting boards.

You should make sure that everything in the apartment, including the sofa, the cupboards, and the television, is in pristine condition. Pay close attention to any stains or marks when dusting and wiping everything down. Picture frames and mirrors should be polished and cleaned, but be careful not to leave smudges behind. If curtains are provided, always make sure they are clean. Some curtains can be machine washed, but check the label first. Curtains are generally dry cleaned only.

Radiators tend to be overlooked. A radiator can be removed easily from the wall with a few spanners and a radiator key, as well as a towel and bowl to catch any spills. The rad may be cleaned with a vacuum and water - do not use bleach as this will corrode the metals.

End of tenancy cleaning list for the lounge:

Get rid of all dust and cobwebs

Clean all windows and doors/handles

Wash all furniture from top to bottom

Clean all electronic equipment, including TVs and DVD players

Use an anti-smudge cleaner on mirrors and pictures

Mop or vacuum the floor

Wipe the skirting boards

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