End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room

Whether you're a tenant preparing to move out or a landlord getting a property ready for new occupants, a systematic room-by-room approach ensures nothing is missed. This checklist covers every area of a standard property to the standard required by most tenancy agreements and inventory clerks.

Kitchen

• Oven, hob, and grill — degrease inside and out, remove and clean racks and trays
• Extractor fan and filter — remove grease build-up, replace filter if required
• Fridge and freezer — defrost, clean interior and exterior, remove odours
• All cupboards and drawers — clean inside and out, remove all items
• Sink and taps — descale, clean plughole
• Worktops and splashbacks — clean and sanitise
• Floor — mop and degrease
• Dishwasher — run a cleaning cycle, clean door seal and filter

Bathrooms and En-Suites

• Toilet — clean and disinfect bowl, cistern, seat, and base
• Bath and/or shower — descale, clean grout, remove soap scum
• Basin and taps — descale, clean under rim
• Tiles and grout — clean and treat any mould
• Mirror — clean streak-free
• Floor — mop, including corners and behind toilet
• Extractor fan — clean grille

Bedrooms

• Wardrobes and drawers — clean inside and out, remove all contents
• Skirting boards and door frames — wipe down
• Window sills and ledges — dust and clean
• Light fittings and switches — wipe down
• Carpets or hard floors — vacuum thoroughly, clean any stains

Living Areas

• All surfaces — dust and wipe
• Sofas and chairs — vacuum, treat any stains
• TV unit and shelving — dust and clean
• Skirting boards — wipe
• Carpets — vacuum, professional clean if required
• Windows — clean internal panes and ledges

Hallways and Stairs

• Vacuum carpets or mop hard floors
• Bannisters and handrails — wipe down
• Front door — clean inside face, letterbox, and handle
• Understairs storage — clear and clean

Throughout the Property

• All walls — remove marks (do not paint over — this is a landlord responsibility unless damage is beyond fair wear and tear)
• All doors — clean both sides, handles, and top edges
• All radiators — wipe down, including behind where accessible
• All plug sockets and light switches — wipe carefully
• Loft hatch and airing cupboard — clear and clean
• Remove all personal belongings and rubbish

For a guaranteed result, consider professional end of tenancy cleaning — particularly for the oven, carpets, and bathrooms where cleaning standards are most scrutinised by inventory clerks.