If you have ever left a rental property, then you will understand just how important the end-of-tenancy clean is. It’s not just a quick tidy of the place – it’s about ensuring it’s clean enough to get your full deposit back.

Let’s be honest landlords and letting agents are quite fussy about cleanliness. A single missed spot, and you may find yourself losing hard-earned money.

When I left my first rented flat in Manchester, I believed I could get away with a standard clean and some air freshener. Big mistake. The letting agent noted dusty blinds, a smudgy oven door, and some water marks behind the taps. I lost £200 of my deposit. Since then, I’ve always been sure to prepare for the end of tenancy clean, and it’s made all the difference.

This is how you can do the same, avoiding the common traps.

What to Do Before the Cleaners Arrive

Professional cleaners perform great work, but only if the space is ready. If the property is cluttered or you have your belongings still inside, it makes their job harder and sometimes, incomplete. Therefore, your first step is to clear the space.

First is packing up your personal belongings. Remove your furniture (unless it came with the property) and empty cupboards, wardrobes and drawers.

Cleaners can’t do so much with clothes still hanging up or cereal boxes in the kitchen cupboard. If you’re still moving, store the rest of the items in one corner or room so you can be around them.

Next, defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours prior. This is one of those things that most people forget, but it’s important. Apart from the fact that the cleaners can wipe them down properly, it also ensures that no leakage occurs when they are cleaned.

Also, ensure that all the rubbish is cleared away, including the bins in the bathroom and kitchen. I once forgot to pick up a little rubbish bag from a bedroom bin, and the agent flagged it at checkout. It may sound silly, but it can make or break your clean report.

Finally, provide clear access to the cleaners – whether leaving a key with a neighbour or being there yourself. Ensure that the electricity and water are still connected as well; they will need both to do their job properly.

Making the Cleaning Process Easier

Although the cleaning team will do the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to make their job easier and more successful.

To begin with, create a checklist depending on the inventory you received when moving in. This helps you and the cleaners to concentrate on the important bits – especially any areas that were marked as clean or professionally maintained at the start of your tenancy. Most landlords require the same degree of cleaning when you leave.

If there are any trouble spots, such as mould in the bathroom grout or limescale in the taps, tell the cleaners before they come.

I once saw a mildew patch under a window ledge, and the cleaner was able to take care of it on time using the right product – time saved and no complaints further down the line.

Another useful trick is to unplug and reposition appliances away from the wall if it is safe. Areas such as behind the fridge or under the washing machine are often neglected during normal cleaning and can accumulate grime. Providing the team with access to these spots guarantees a correct deep cleaning.

Also, it is a good practice to label keys and leave instructions for any unusual things. For instance, if you have a complicated lock on your oven or a delicate flush on your toilet, a small note might save you a lot of trouble.

Last but not least, if you are using a professional service, make sure you express your expectations clearly. Inquire whether they use an end of tenancy cleaning checklist, and if they issue a receipt or certificate, some agents request proof of professional cleaning.

How to Make the End of Tenancy Clean Smooth

With cleaners booked and the space ready, it’s time to ensure everything goes smoothly from beginning to end.

The most important thing is timing. Book your clean once everything has been removed, and before the final inspection. You’d be amazed at how many people cross the two or leave cleaning until the last possible moment. Cleaning a half-empty flat while movers are still stomping in and out simply does not work.

 Ways to Make the End of Tenancy Clean Smooth

This is how you can make the final clean-up hassle-free, whether you’re a tenant hoping to get your deposit back or a landlord readying the apartment for new tenants.

1. Make a Checklist for Cleaning

• First, make a list of the things that need your attention.
• The kitchen is made up of appliances, cabinets and counters.
• Bathroom (includes the toilet, sink and tiles)
• Floors, windows and skirting boards are considered living areas
• Bedrooms (including wardrobes, carpets and blinds)

2. Declutter First

Remove everything that is yours or looks out of place. It ensures that no spots are left untouched and cleaning is done quickly.

3. Make use of the Inventory Report tool.

Use the move-in inventory or condition report for your reference. Restore items to look as similar to their original state as you can.

4. Start with the most important areas first.

Focus on:

• In the kitchen, you should clean the oven, fridge, microwave and sink.
• Scrub off limescale, clean the grout and wipe the mirrors in the bathroom.
• Vacuum and mop all the floors and carpets. If your carpet is dirty, hire a professional to clean it.

5. Never Overlook the Details

• Take the time to clean the items inside your cupboards and drawers.
• Clean the baseboards and the switches on the walls.
• Clean the ceiling fans and the vents.
• If you can, wash the inside and outside of your windows.

6. Fix problems that are not major.

Plug any holes, tighten up loose screws and change burnt-out bulbs. Simple repairs can improve inspection outcomes.

7. Pick the Best Products

Be certain to pack:

• Kitchen degreasers
• A limescale remover that can be used in the bathroom
• Microfiber cloths can be used for dusting.
• Floor cleaner that matches the type of floor you have

8. Don’t forget to take pictures.

Record your actions, especially if you are a tenant and want to recover all your deposit.

9. You could also hire experts in this field.

If you are busy or feel tired, it may be a good idea to hire an end-of-tenancy cleaning service, as they usually provide a guarantee.

10. Conduct a final check of the place.

Once all the cleaning is done, do a quick check (often with the landlord or agent) to confirm everything is clean.

After the clean is done, you inspect the property yourself. Take a slow walk through and view everything from the eyes of your landlord. Pull open the cupboards, look inside the oven, run your fingers along the skirting boards, and test for smells in the fridge and bathroom. If you see anything, call the cleaners back if it’s part of their guarantee.

Save a copy of the cleaning invoice or certificate as proof. If you ever have a dispute with your landlord, evidence of a professional clean can be very useful to your case.

One of my friends actually managed to avoid a £300 deduction if all she did was to show her invoice from the cleaning company – her landlord had no choice but to refund her entire deposit.

If you are going to handle this clean yourself (instead of hiring professionals), give yourself plenty of time. You may believe that a two-bed flat will only take a couple of hours, but you will be surprised at the time it takes to deep clean when cleaning ovens, tiles, and limescale. Begin early, go room by room, and check everything twice.

Finally, don’t forget to look at your letting agent’s cleaning requirements. Some require professional carpet or upholstery cleaning, and missing that can even mean costly deductions, even if the rest of the flat is spotless.

Conclusion

While preparing for an end-of-tenancy clean is not the most exciting part of moving, it’s one of the most important if you want your full deposit back. Whether it is hiring professionals or doing it yourself, a little planning pays off.

Prepare your space before cleaners come, do things to ensure a good job, and follow up to ensure it is to the satisfaction of your landlord. Whether it’s from de-frosting your freezer to getting the furniture out of the way, it’s the little things that can make all the difference.

Based on experience, the more you prepare, the less stress (and cost) you’ll have to deal with once you hand back the keys. And, there is nothing quite like leaving your old place guilt-free and a full deposit in your bank account.