The end-of-tenancy checklist agents actually use
Inventory clerks work from a list and compare it to the one from the day you moved in. Cleaning is the most common deduction, and almost all of it is the same five things.
The five that cost the most
- The oven. Inside, the racks, the glass door and the hob rings. Clerks open the door first.
- Limescale. Taps, shower screens, the toilet bowl. Water marks read as dirt in a photograph.
- Inside cupboards and drawers. Crumbs in the cutlery drawer, a ring in the cupboard under the sink.
- Extractor fans. Kitchen hood filter and bathroom fan cover, both grey with dust.
- Windows and sills. Inside glass and the track the window slides in.
The order clerks go in
Front door and hallway, then the kitchen, bathrooms, living room, bedrooms, then anything outside. Clean in that order too, so the last room you finish is the one they see last.
What “professionally cleaned” means
Most tenancy agreements say the property should be returned in the condition it was let, allowing for fair wear. If it was professionally cleaned at the start, the agent will expect the same standard at the end and may ask for a receipt. Ours itemises every room.
Timing
Book for the day after your things are out and at least a day before the check-out. If the agent raises anything within seven days we go back, which is easier if there is a day in hand.
