Letting Agent Checkout Inspection Guides
Every major London letting agent runs their checkout differently — different deposit schemes, different inventory systems, different portal processes. If you're arranging a move-out clean at the end of your tenancy, knowing which agent manages your property changes how you should prepare. This hub covers the 10 most prominent agents across London, what tenants consistently get caught on at checkout, and how to approach each one specifically.
The legal framework for checkout inspections is the same across every agent — the Tenant Fees Act, the authorised deposit schemes, and the adjudication process are all consistent. What differs is how each agent runs their checkout day-to-day: which deposit scheme they use, how detailed their check-in reports are, whether they use a portal or email, and where their clerks tend to focus. Start with our end of tenancy cleaning checklist for the baseline, then use the agent-specific guides below to prepare for the version of the checkout you'll actually face.
Five Ways Agent Checkouts Actually Differ
Deposit scheme
Each agent uses a different authorised scheme — mydeposits (Foxtons), TDS (Savills, Marsh & Parsons), or DPS (KFH, Dexters). The scheme determines how disputes are handled and what evidence format they accept.
Check-in report depth
A Foxtons check-in for a Hackney flat runs 20–30 pages. A Knight Frank check-in for a Chelsea townhouse can reach 120 pages. The more detailed the report, the more precisely the checkout comparison is made.
Franchise vs corporate
Winkworth is a franchise — each branch can run its checkout differently. Corporate chains like Foxtons and KFH apply more standardised processes across all offices.
Portal vs paper trail
Foxtons runs everything through My Foxtons. Others email reports or post documents. Understanding how your agent communicates determines where to maintain your evidence trail.
Inventory clerk quality
All major London agents use APIP-accredited independent clerks for checkout, but experience levels vary. Higher-value properties tend to attract more senior clerks with longer, more detailed reports.
London's 10 Biggest Letting Agents — Checkout Guides
Trustpilot ratings are sourced from public data and are provided for context only — they reflect overall agency experience, not checkout-specific quality. A high rating doesn't mean checkout disputes won't happen.
3
/ 5
4.8
/ 5
4.1
/ 5
4.5
/ 5
4.5
/ 5
4.3
/ 5
4.4
/ 5
4.4
/ 5
4
/ 5
4.6
/ 5
Foxtons
✓ GUIDE LIVE
3
Average
My Foxtons portal with independent inventory clerks
Oven interiors, extractor fans, behind appliances, furniture returned to original positions, bathroom limescale. Foxtons publishes a specific cleaning specification available through your My Foxtons portal.
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Tenant note: Foxtons processes checkout deductions entirely through the My Foxtons portal. Deductions can appear within 3 days of move-out. Attend the checkout — you have the right to challenge descriptions in real time before they're recorded.
Knight Frank
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4.8
Excellent
Independent APIP-accredited inventory clerks. Detailed digital checkout reports with photographic evidence.
Premium property stock means check-in reports are extremely detailed — often 80–120 pages for a two-bedroom flat. Every surface, fitting, and fixture is documented. Checkout holds you to that same level of precision. Walls, paintwork, and bespoke fittings are scrutinised closely.
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Tenant note: Knight Frank's high Trustpilot score reflects good communication — use it. Request clarity on any deduction basis before formally disputing. They use TDS or DPS for deposit protection depending on the landlord.
Savills
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4.1
Great
Independent inventory clerks with detailed photographic reports. RICS-regulated standards underpin their process.
Savills manage a disproportionate number of period and prime properties. Checkout attention falls heavily on original features — fireplaces, cornicing, parquet flooring, bespoke joinery. Limescale in bathrooms and oven condition are standard flagged areas.
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Tenant note: The RICS affiliation means Savills apply strict professional standards. This cuts both ways — deductions need proper evidential support, which means a robust check-in report is your best defence. Challenge anything vague.
Hamptons
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4.5
Excellent
APIP-member independent clerks. Digital reports with photographic comparison against check-in.
Hamptons cover a wide range of property values — from SW London family homes to prime Mayfair apartments. Check-in report detail scales with the property value. Recurring checkout flags include bathroom sealant condition, carpet cleanliness, and oven grease in kitchen properties.
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Tenant note: Hamptons often manage properties on behalf of overseas landlords. This means communication can be slower during the post-checkout deduction window. Follow up in writing through every step to maintain a clear paper trail.
Chestertons
4.5
Excellent
Independent inventory clerks. All reports issued digitally. Chestertons are one of London's oldest agencies with well-established checkout processes.
Chestertons manage stock across Central London that trends older — period conversions are common, meaning bathrooms with grout, tile, and sealant issues come up frequently at checkout. Wall condition, marks from fixings, and oven cleanliness are the consistent problem areas.
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Tenant note: Forum tenant reports point to some delay issues with deposit return — even after checkout. Keep your communications documented and set clear timelines. If deductions are proposed late, check the timing against your tenancy agreement.
Guide coming soon
KFH (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward)
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4.3
Great
In-house and independent inventory clerks. High volume South and South-East London coverage means established checkout workflows.
KFH's core territory — South and South-East London — has a high proportion of period conversions with bathroom ventilation issues. Mould in bathrooms is a recurring checkout finding. Carpet condition, particularly in high-foot-traffic hallways, and kitchen appliance cleanliness are standard focus areas.
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Tenant note: KFH is one of the largest independent London agents with 7,000+ Trustpilot reviews — the high volume of feedback reflects consistent processes. Their South London focus means checkout clerks are accustomed to assessing older stock with wear patterns specific to Victorian and Edwardian properties.
Dexters
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4.4
Great
Independent inventory clerks. Digital checkout reports with photo comparison. Dexters has grown rapidly across London, particularly North and West.
Dexters operate across diverse London stock — from new-build Ealing conversions to Victorian Islington terrace flats. Checkout focus varies by property type, but consistent flagged areas include extractor fans, window track grime, inside kitchen cupboards, and bathroom limescale in hard-water areas.
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Tenant note: Dexters' strong 4.4 Trustpilot score and high review volume reflects responsiveness — which is useful if you need to contest a deduction. Request the clerk's name and contact during the checkout for any necessary follow-up reference.
Marsh & Parsons
4.4
Great
APIP-accredited independent inventory clerks. Part of the Dexters Group since 2023 but maintains its own brand and checkout processes.
Marsh & Parsons operate in sought-after South-West and West London postcodes with competitive rental stock. Check-in reports tend to be detailed. Bathroom condition — limescale, grout, shower screens — comes up consistently, as does oven cleanliness and carpet condition in high-traffic areas.
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Tenant note: Now part of the Dexters Group, Marsh & Parsons benefit from shared infrastructure while maintaining a boutique feel. Their TDS protection means the dispute process is via that scheme if you can't agree deductions. TDS is widely considered to have clear, tenant-accessible guidance.
Guide coming soon
Winkworth
✓ GUIDE LIVE
4
Great
Franchise model — each branch may use its own independent inventory clerks. Standards can vary between branches, making the check-in report even more important as your primary reference.
As a franchise, checkout thoroughness can vary by branch. Some Winkworth branches use highly detailed digital inventory reports; others are less granular. South-East London locations see period conversion bathrooms flagged most commonly. Always request confirmation of the inventory process from your branch before the checkout.
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Tenant note: The franchise model means a Winkworth in Greenwich may operate differently from one in Hackney. If your branch has been less responsive during the tenancy, document everything meticulously before checkout. The deposit scheme will be DPS or TDS — check your tenancy agreement for which applies.
John D Wood & Co.
4.6
Excellent
Premium independent inventory clerks with detailed APIP-standard reports. Part of the Savills Group since 2010 with shared professional standards.
John D Wood & Co. operate almost exclusively in SW and W London's most desirable postcodes — Chelsea, Barnes, Richmond. Premium property means premium scrutiny at checkout. Bespoke kitchen appliances, quality flooring, and high-spec bathrooms all require particular attention. Garden condition is often included for houses.
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Tenant note: The Savills Group association means John D Wood checkout processes align with RICS professional standards. This works in tenants' favour — claims must be properly evidenced. Their South-West and West London patch covers some of the most detailed check-in inventories in London lettings.
Guide coming soon
Applies to Every Agent — General Checkout Advice
Regardless of which agent manages your tenancy, the legal framework and cleaning obligations are the same. These guides apply universally.
Checkout coming up, whatever the agent?
We clean to checkout standard for all major London letting agents. Check our end of tenancy cleaning prices for transparent, upfront rates. Every job is backed by a 72-hour re-clean guarantee — if anything is flagged, we return at no cost.
Deni is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in content marketing and vast knowledge in the cleaning business. He specializes in creating engaging content that drives growth and builds brand identity. Passionate about innovation, Deni believes in delivering value through impactful messaging and providing value to readers in a concise and comprehensive manner.
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