An end of tenancy clean should cover every room top-to-bottom with extra focus on the oven, extractor, bathrooms, limescale, windows from the inside, skirtings and inside cupboards. These are the areas inventory clerks consistently flag in London check-out reports.
Key facts
- Oven and extractor are the #1 reason for cleaning-related deposit deductions in London.
- Limescale on taps and shower screens is the #2 reason.
- Inventory clerks photograph inside cupboards, fridges and ovens — they need to be empty and wiped.
- Carpet condition is judged against the check-in inventory, not 'showroom new'.
Checklist
- Kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, microwave, fridge (defrosted), freezer, dishwasher
- Kitchen cupboards: empty, wipe inside and out, handles, plinths
- Bathrooms: descale taps, shower head, shower screen; clean grout; sanitise toilet base
- Bedrooms: wardrobes inside, drawer runners, skirtings, light switches
- Living areas: hoover, mop hard floors, dust picture rails, clean radiators
- Windows: clean interior glass, frames, sills, tracks
- Doors: handles, frames, top edges (clerks always check)
- Final walk-through: bins emptied, no personal items, keys ready
London context
London check-out reports are notoriously detailed. Letting agents in areas like Hackney, Islington and Chelsea routinely use professional inventory clerks who photograph every cupboard interior. A 'pretty good' clean usually isn't enough to release the full deposit.
An end of tenancy clean is judged against the original inventory, not against a hotel standard. That is good news — fair wear and tear is allowed. But it also means the bar is specific: every area photographed at check-in needs to look as close as possible to that state at check-out.
Most deposit disputes we see come from three places: the oven, limescale in the bathroom, and the inside of kitchen cupboards. If you only have time for three things, do those three.
Tenants often ask whether to clean themselves or hire a team. If you have a deposit at risk, the maths usually favours hiring. The cost of a professional clean is generally less than the cost of the deductions that follow a borderline DIY job.
Related services
FAQs
Do you provide a receipt for the letting agent?
Yes. We provide an itemised invoice that letting agents accept as evidence of a professional clean.
Do you guarantee my deposit?
We don't guarantee deposit decisions — only the inventory clerk and agent can. We do return free of charge if the clerk flags a cleaning issue from our scope.
How long does an end of tenancy clean take?
Roughly 4–6 hours for a 1-bed and 6–10 hours for a 3-bed, depending on condition.
Need help with end of tenancy cleaning checklist?
Call, WhatsApp or request a free quote — we respond fast across Central and East London.
Reviewed by Emma Cleaning LTD · Last updated 2026-06-09