Why end of tenancy cleaning matters in London
End of tenancy cleaning is the number one reason London tenants lose their deposit. According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, cleaning disputes account for over 50% of all deposit deductions in the UK — and London landlords and letting agents are known to be particularly thorough during checkout inspections.
Whether you're doing the clean yourself or hiring a professional, this checklist covers every area a letting agent will inspect. Miss anything on this list and you risk a deduction.
💡 Pro tip
Take photos of every room immediately after cleaning — timestamped. If a dispute arises, photographic evidence of a clean property at checkout is your strongest defence.
Kitchen — the hardest room to get right
The kitchen is where most deposit deductions happen. Letting agents inspect it closely because grease, limescale and food residue accumulate in places most people forget to clean.
Kitchen Checklist
Every item a letting agent checks
Oven interior — racks, grill pan, door glass inside and out, grease traps. This is the most commonly failed item.
Hob and burners — degrease all burner caps, pan supports, and hob surface. Gas hobs especially accumulate baked-on grease.
Extractor fan and filter — remove and degrease or replace the grease filter. Wipe the hood exterior.
Fridge and freezer — defrost, wipe interior shelves and drawers, clean door seals, wipe exterior including top.
Dishwasher — clean filter, wipe door seal and interior walls, run a cleaning cycle.
Microwave — interior walls, turntable, and door. Stubborn stains need steam or specialist cleaner.
Cupboards and drawers — wipe inside and outside, including hinges and handles.
Sink and taps — descale taps, clean under the rim, unblock the plughole, wipe the draining board.
Worktops and splashback — degrease and sanitise all surfaces, including behind appliances.
Floor — sweep and mop including under appliances and in corners.
Bin area — clean inside the bin and wipe the surrounding area.
⚠️ Common mistake
The oven interior is the single most failed item at checkout in London. Many tenants clean the outside but forget the racks, grease traps, and the glass on the inside of the door. Letting agents check all of these.
Bathroom and en-suite
London's hard water means limescale builds up fast. Descaling taps, showerheads and toilets is essential — a property that looks clean but has visible limescale will fail the inspection.
Bathroom Checklist
Limescale is London's biggest bathroom problem
Toilet — descale under the rim, scrub bowl, clean seat (both sides), wipe cistern and base.
Shower and tray — descale showerhead, clean glass screen (both sides), scrub grout, clean tray drain.
Bath — descale taps, clean overflow, scrub inside and outside including feet and underneath.
Basin and taps — descale taps, clean plug and overflow, wipe pedestal or vanity unit.
Tiles and grout — scrub grout lines, remove mould and limescale from tiles.
Mirror and cabinet — polish mirror streak-free, wipe inside and outside of any cabinet.
Extractor fan — remove and clean the cover, wipe the fan blades.
Floor — mop thoroughly including behind the toilet and under the basin.
Bedrooms
Bedroom Checklist
Inside wardrobes are always checked
Wardrobes and drawers — wipe inside and outside, including rails, shelves, and handles.
Skirting boards — dust and wipe all the way around the room.
Door frames and doors — wipe both sides of doors, handles, and frames. Remove scuff marks.
Light switches and plug sockets — wipe clean. These are high-touch points agents always check.
Windows — clean inside, wipe sills and tracks.
Carpets — vacuum thoroughly. Steam clean if stained or heavily used.
Walls — remove blu-tack, scuff marks and any minor marks where possible.
Living room and hallway
Living Room & Hallway Checklist
First impression — agents notice this first
Fireplace and surround — clean inside grate, wipe mantelpiece and surround.
Skirting boards — wipe throughout including corners and behind any furniture.
Windowsills and tracks — wipe sills, clean tracks of debris and dead insects.
Light fittings and lampshades — dust and wipe all fittings.
Carpets or hard floors — vacuum and mop, paying attention to edges and corners.
Front door — clean both sides, wipe letterbox and handle, clean any glass panels.
Things most tenants miss
These are the areas that cause deposit deductions even after a thorough clean:
Commonly Missed Items
These cause the most deposit disputes in London
Top of kitchen cupboards — grease and dust accumulate here. Agents always check.
Behind and under appliances — move the washing machine, fridge and cooker if possible.
Window tracks and runners — filled with dust and debris, always inspected.
Washing machine drawer and seal — mould in the rubber door seal and detergent drawer.
Sealant around bath and shower — black mould in silicone sealant is a common deduction.
Loft hatch — wipe clean if accessible and check for any items left behind.
Garden and outdoor spaces — sweep, clear rubbish, remove personal items.
Frequently asked questions
Does end of tenancy cleaning guarantee my deposit back?
A professional end of tenancy clean gives you the best possible chance of getting your full deposit back. However, the final decision rests with the landlord and letting agent based on the checkout inventory report. Cleaning to a professional standard removes the most common grounds for deduction.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
For a professional team, a studio or one-bedroom flat typically takes 3–4 hours. A two-bedroom property takes 4–6 hours, and larger properties can take 6–8 hours or more. Doing it yourself takes significantly longer — allow double the time.
Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
If your deposit is over £500, professional cleaning almost always pays for itself. A professional team has the specialist equipment and chemicals — particularly for ovens, grout, and limescale — that are very difficult to match with domestic products. Many London letting agents specifically request professionally cleaned properties.
How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in London?
In London, professional end of tenancy cleaning typically costs £250–£310 for a one-bedroom flat, £320–£390 for two bedrooms, and £420–£620 for larger properties. Prices vary based on property size, condition, and whether carpet cleaning is included. AskMiro provides a free instant quote — no obligation.
Do I need to be present during the clean?
No — you don't need to be present. AskMiro can collect keys or access the property via your letting agent. Many tenants book the clean for the day after they move out and simply provide access arrangements.