End of Tenancy Cleaning: How to Get Your Deposit Back

Moving out of a rented home in London? A thorough end of tenancy clean is often the difference between a full deposit refund and a deduction. Letting agents compare the property against the check-in inventory, so the goal is simple: return it to the same condition, minus fair wear and tear.

Why end of tenancy cleaning matters

Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for deposit disputes in England. Your deposit is protected in a government-backed scheme, and if there is a dispute an adjudicator looks at the check-in inventory and photos. If the report says the oven was spotless when you moved in, it needs to be spotless when you leave.

• Fair wear and tear is expected and cannot be charged for. Faded paint and lightly worn carpet in busy areas are normal.
• Cleanliness is not wear and tear. A greasy hob or heavy limescale can be deducted from your deposit.

Room-by-room checklist

Kitchen

• Degrease the oven, hob, grill and extractor filter.
• Defrost and wipe the fridge and freezer, inside and out.
• Descale the kettle, taps and sink.
• Clean inside all cupboards and drawers, plus the washing machine drawer and rubber seal.

Bathroom

• Remove limescale from taps, the shower screen, tiles and the showerhead.
• Scrub grout and wipe down any mould-prone silicone.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the base and hinges.

Living areas and bedrooms

• Dust skirting boards, light fittings, sockets and switches.
• Clean windows inside, along with sills and frames.
• Vacuum carpets, and arrange a professional carpet clean if the inventory noted one at check-in.

Do not forget the easy-to-miss spots

• Behind and underneath white goods and furniture.
• Extractor fans, air vents and the tops of radiators.
• Door frames, handles and the tops of doors.
• Bins, inside and out.

Kit that makes it easier

The right products cut the effort dramatically, and most jobs need only a few basics:

• A strong oven degreaser and a scraper for baked-on grease.
• A limescale remover, or white vinegar, for taps, tiles and the kettle.
• Microfibre cloths, which lift dust and polish glass without streaks.
• A steam mop or a good floor cleaner for hard floors.

DIY or hire a professional?

A one-bedroom flat can take a full day to clean to inventory standard. Since 2019 in England, an agent cannot force you to pay for a specific cleaning company, so what matters is the result rather than the receipt. If you are short on time, or the check-in report set a high bar, a professional end of tenancy service is usually cheaper than a deposit deduction.

Keep dated photos of every room once you finish, and ask for a receipt if you hire a cleaner. Clear evidence wins disputes.

Give yourself the best chance

Book your clean for once the furniture and boxes are gone, so nothing is missed, then return the keys only after the property is spotless and photographed. GlowSpark covers West and South West London, including cleaners in Hounslow and nearby areas.

Short on time before handover? You can book a GlowSpark cleaner for a thorough end of tenancy clean, with vetted cleaners, clear pricing. (The £9 first hour applies to a first Home Cleaning booking, not to end of tenancy cleans.)