The Ultimate Tenant's End of Tenancy Cleaning Guide for Flats

Best guide if you're renting a flat in London that's near the end of the tenancy

Moving out of a flat can be a stressful experience, especially when you know that your deposit is on the line. Having been both a tenant myself and now a professional cleaner specializing in end of tenancy cleans, I’ve seen it all and I've been on both sides of the fence, so I'm speaking from experience when I write what you're about to read below.
From spotless apartments to properties where tenants did their best but fell short of the professional standards landlords expect, I know what works and what doesn’t. This guide is designed to help tenants like you get it right the first time, ensuring you meet landlord expectations and secure your deposit return, but keep in mind that when it comes to flats and houses there are different requirements and different expectations and things to take care of. This article is specifically written with flats in mind and in case you are vacating a house, you'll need to read our guide about DIY cleaning of houses.

1. Start with a Plan: Understanding What Needs Cleaning

First and foremost, the key to a successful end of tenancy clean is knowing what needs to be done and what not to do. It’s not enough to simply tidy up and dust as landlords and letting agents expect a deep clean that will prepare their properties for the next tenant, which usually covers every corner of the property. Having cleaned numerous flats where tenants tried DIY cleaning but still lost their deposits, I’ve learned that it’s the small details that matter most and they are the ones that are most commonly overlooked. Just like with anything else, the devil is in the details.

For example, I once worked on a flat where the tenant had done a fairly good job with the kitchen and bathroom but had forgotten to clean the light fixtures and skirting boards. Despite their best efforts and spending hours upon hours with his wife cleaning the most unpleasant parts, which are the kitchen and bathroom, the letting agent flagged these areas during inspection, resulting in a deduction for ‘additional cleaning.', so make sure to go beyond the obvious! Most professional cleaning companies will have a minimum callout charge and even dusting the skirting boards and cleaning up a few lighting fixtures would result in a minimum of 150 pounds in deduction, if you were renting a 1 bedroom flat. The price would easily go higher than that if it was bigger or there were more missed areas.

2. Room-by-Room Breakdown: What Landlords Are Looking For When They Get the Flat keys Back

To avoid missing anything, it’s best to tackle your flat room by room, ensuring that each space meets the landlord’s standards. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

• Kitchen:

  • Oven and hob: This is one of the most critical areas. You’ll need a powerful oven cleaner to remove grease and grime. I’ve seen tenants scrub for hours only to be left with residue, so investing in the right products or help from someone that you know keeps their home in pristine condition might be worth it. (Think your mom or the crazy OCD aunt you always make fun of when it comes to cleanliness)

  • Fridge/freezer: Defrost, wipe down all surfaces, and leave the doors open for ventilation. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals, as these often trap food particles.

  • Cupboards and worktops: Clean inside and out, removing any crumbs or grease. It’s surprising how often tenants neglect the top of cupboards, but these areas collect dust and must be spotless.

• Bathroom:

  • Toilet, sink, and bath/shower: Descale all fixtures, clean tiles thoroughly, and make sure to scrub any grout lines. I once had to re-clean a flat where the tenant missed the limescale buildup around the taps, which was a major issue for the letting agent. Everything else was fine, but a couple of limescale build-ups ruined the whole perception and the checkout clerk started giving every part of the property more attention, looking for such small things to hang on to.

  • Mirrors and shower screen: Ensure these are streak-free. A simple vinegar and water solution works wonders here, but professional grade detergents are obviosuly a better and easier to use option.

• Living areas and bedrooms:

  • Windows and window sills: Both inside and out, if accessible. If windows have blinds, make sure they’re dusted and wiped down.

  • Skirting boards and walls: Dust and clean skirting boards, and check for marks on the walls. In my experience, tenants often miss these areas, assuming they’re not critical, but landlords will notice if they’re dirty.

• Floors and carpets:

  • Vacuuming: Go beyond a simple vacuum—move furniture and get into all corners.

  • Carpet cleaning: If your flat has carpets, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional. Stains and odors can be tough to remove without the right equipment, and landlords are quick to deduct for carpets that haven’t been cleaned thoroughly.

3. Common Mistakes Tenants Make During DIY Cleaning

Despite the best intentions, many tenants fall short of professional standards. I’ve cleaned numerous flats where tenants thought they’d done everything right, only to be surprised when they were charged for ‘additional cleaning services.’ Here are some of the most common mistakes me and my team have faced in our own careers:

• Not Cleaning Behind and underneath Appliances: Whether it’s the fridge, washing machine, or oven, these areas accumulate dust, crumbs, and grease over time. I’ve often found these spaces untouched, leading to deductions. Make sure to move and clean behind all appliances, even if it’s a bit of a hassle. Although you might think to yourself: "Well I lived here without noticing any of that dust for years, why is it a problem for the landlord" and that might be partially true, the landlord is expecting a property that would cover the requirements even of maniacs and people obsessed with how clean their floors are. They might have a toddler that likes to take things from under the fridge, who knows. That's why this is important.

• Missing Light Fixtures and Vent Covers: Light fixtures and vents gather dust and can even harbor cobwebs. These are areas landlords check because they’re easy to overlook and these are probably the culprit for 90% of deposit deductions. A friend that I personally consulted on what to clean once called me in a panic after realizing their deposit was at risk due to dusty vent covers they hadn’t even considered and the only thing I could do at this point is cross my fingers. Although this person was given a detailed checklist, they tried memorizing it and messed up. I wish I could say the letting agent didn't notice the vents in question, but that'd be a lie.

• Ignoring Curtains and Upholstery: If your flat has curtains or upholstered furniture, these should be vacuumed and cleaned. Dust and allergens settle here, and it’s something landlords will check. I’ve seen flats where tenants lost deposits simply because the curtains were dusty.

4. The Importance of Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning

While it’s possible to clean your flat yourself, professional end of tenancy cleaning can be a worthwhile investment. Many landlords and letting agents require a professional clean as part of the tenancy agreement, and they often look for proof in the form of a receipt. Although that isn't something that a landlord can legally impose to you it is fair to note that if you say you'll be using a professional cleaner or you did sign a lease that strictly requires professional cleaning, you'll need to pony up and pay a company like Magic Pro Cleaning to come and do the work for you.

As a professional cleaner and an owner of a cleaning business that specializes in end of tenancy cleaning I know exactly what agents and landlords look for. When tenants try to DIY the clean, they often lack the proper equipment and products to get it right. For example, a steam cleaner is crucial for carpets, and a powerful degreaser is necessary for ovens. These things are definitely not part of every household and you'll be lucky if a friend of yours has even one of these machines to lend to you when the time comes. Without these tools, it’s hard to achieve the same results, and tenants can end up losing their deposit, costing them more than the service would have costed them.

5. Top Tips for a Successful End of Tenancy Clean

If you decide to go the DIY route, here are my top tips to ensure you meet professional standards:

• Use a checklist: Working with a checklist (either provided by your landlord or one you create) helps ensure you don’t miss any details. We have one in the works and will post a link to it once it's ready and comprehensive enough.

• Invest in the right cleaning products: Professional-grade products make a huge difference, especially for tough areas like ovens and bathrooms.

• Document your work: Take photos or videos before you hand over the keys. This can serve as evidence that you’ve cleaned to a high standard if any disputes arise or if you vacate the property and give the keys back prior to receiving your deposit back. We have seen cases where landlords soil the property upon their inspection and then deduct money from the deposit unlawfully. These cases can only be resolved if the tenant has enough evidence that their side of the story is the truth.

6. Real-Life Example: The Impact of Overlooking Details

I once had a tenant client who was confident they had done everything right before moving out. They had scrubbed the bathroom tiles, vacuumed the carpets, and even polished the kitchen worktops. However, they missed a few key areas: the oven was still greasy inside on it's upper side near the heaters, and there were cobwebs in the corners of the ceilings, above their bedroom wardrobe. The letting agent flagged these issues, resulting in a hefty cleaning charge deducted from their deposit.

This example should tell you about the the importance of attention to detail if not anything else. A professional cleaner will know to check every corner, appliance, and fixture, ensuring nothing is left uncleaned and make sure you do end up with a property where superb cleanliness is achieved.

7. Just Pay a Cleaner and Avoiding Unneessary Stress

Moving is stressful enough, so why bother yourself with things that are obviously not in your ballpark. Cleaning yourself, especially if your landlord is known to be a bit on the unpleasant side or he's picky at the very least cleaning yourself is a gamble. Avoid stress and use theservices of professionals.