End of tenancy cleaning is the number one cause of deposit disputes in the UK — according to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, it accounts for over 55% of all deposit deductions. This checklist is built to the exact standard Birmingham letting agents and landlords expect, covering every room, every surface, and every easy-to-miss spot that can cost you money.
55%
of deposit disputes are due to cleaning issues
72h
SPK 'N' SPN re-clean guarantee after inspection
60+
checklist tasks across every room of your property
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Before You Start Cleaning
Before diving room by room, take a few minutes to prepare. These steps will save time and help you work systematically — just like our professional teams do on every Birmingham job.
Pro Tip: Get Your Check-In Report
Pull out your original check-in inventory and compare the current condition of each room. You are only responsible for returning the property to the state it was in at the start of your tenancy — fair wear and tear is legally acceptable.
Preparation Tasks
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Collect check-in inventory and photograph every room before cleaning begins
Remove all personal belongings, furniture (if applicable), and rubbish from every room
Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before your final clean
Gather all cleaning supplies: multi-purpose spray, limescale remover, oven cleaner, microfibre cloths, mop and bucket
Check all lightbulbs are working and replace any that have blown
Notify utility providers, redirect mail, and confirm final meter readings
Kitchen — The Most Inspected Room
The kitchen receives the most scrutiny from landlords and letting agents. Grease, limescale, and oven build-up are the most common causes of deposit deductions. Work from top to bottom — ceiling and cupboards first, floors last.
Common Landlord Deduction: Oven & Hob
A heavily soiled oven is the single most cited deduction from Birmingham deposits. Leave oven cleaner to soak overnight if possible — or book our end of tenancy service which includes a full professional oven clean.
Kitchen Checklist
0 / 14 doneClean oven interior — racks, door glass, and sides — removing all grease and burnt food
Degrease hob burners, rings, and surrounding surfaces including the extractor hood and filter
Clean inside and outside of microwave, removing all food splashes
Wipe inside and outside of all kitchen cupboards and drawers, including hinges and handles
Descale and clean the sink, taps, and drainer — remove limescale from taps
Wipe down all worktops and splashback tiles, removing grease and food residue
Defrost and clean fridge/freezer inside and out; wipe rubber door seals
Clean dishwasher inside: filter, spray arms, door seals, and exterior
Wipe washing machine drum, door seal, detergent drawer, and exterior
Clean inside and outside of kettle and toaster (if provided with the property)
Wipe walls, tiles, and skirting boards — pay special attention to areas near the hob
Clean light fittings and ceiling fan if present; remove dust and grease from above cupboards
Empty and clean the bin area; remove all rubbish and recyling
Sweep and mop the floor, paying attention to corners and behind appliances
Bathroom & En Suite
Bathrooms must be hygienically clean — this goes beyond visual cleanliness. Limescale, mould, and soap scum around seals are heavily scrutinised. Use dedicated bathroom cleaners and an old toothbrush for grout lines and around taps.
Bathroom Checklist
0 / 12 doneScrub toilet — bowl (including under the rim), seat, cistern, and exterior base
Clean bath or shower tray: remove limescale, soap scum, and mould from grout and silicone seals
Descale shower head and clean shower screen / curtain rail; replace curtain if mouldy
Clean sink and pedestal: descale taps, polish chrome fittings, unblock plug hole
Wipe all wall tiles and grout lines; treat any black mould spots with mould remover
Clean mirror, shaving cabinet (inside and out), and any bathroom shelving
Empty and clean bathroom cabinet, medicine cabinet, and all under-sink storage
Wipe extractor fan grille — remove dust and fluff build-up
Remove limescale from around all taps and plumbing fixtures
Wipe skirting boards, door frames, light switches, and power sockets
Clean towel rails (heated or otherwise) and toilet roll holder
Mop the floor including under the toilet, basin, and in corners
Bedrooms
Bedrooms tend to be straightforward, but dust in corners, marks on walls, and stained carpets are the three most common issues. If the property was let furnished, mattresses, wardrobes, and drawers all need thorough attention.
Bedroom Checklist
0 / 10 doneDust and wipe all surfaces: headboard, bedside tables, dresser, shelving, and window sills
Clean inside all wardrobes and drawers — wipe shelves, rails, and drawer bases
Wipe tops and sides of wardrobes and all furniture (don't forget above eye level)
Clean mirrors and glass surfaces streak-free with glass cleaner
Wipe down all walls — remove marks, scuffs, and blu-tack stains
Clean skirting boards, door frames, and behind all furniture
Vacuum carpet thoroughly including under beds, in corners, and along edges
Spot-clean any carpet stains; consider professional carpet cleaning for heavy soiling
Dust and wipe light fittings, pendants, and ceiling fan blades
Clean windows inside: glass, frames, and sills — vacuum window tracks
Living Room & Dining Area
Soft furnishings, blinds, and carpets are the main concerns in living spaces. If the property includes a fireplace or wood burner, this needs to be cleaned inside and out.
Living Room Checklist
0 / 10 doneDust and wipe all surfaces: shelves, TV unit, coffee table, and windowsills
Wipe down and spot-clean upholstered furniture — sofa, armchairs, dining chairs
Clean all windows inside: glass, frames, and sills; vacuum blind slats or wipe down
Wipe walls — remove marks, scuffs, and any picture-hanging residue
Dust and wipe light fittings, ceiling rose, and any lamps (if provided)
Clean skirting boards, door frames, light switches, and power sockets
Vacuum or clean beneath and behind all sofas and furniture
Vacuum carpet or mop hard floor including edges and corners
Clean fireplace interior and surround if applicable; remove ash and soot
Wipe radiators front, top, and sides; remove dust from between radiator fins
Hallways, Stairs & Throughout the Property
Hallways and stairways carry traffic from every room and are often overlooked. These areas frame the entire inspection — a dirty hall sets a poor first impression before the inspector even reaches the rooms.
Hallways & General Tasks
0 / 10 doneClean all internal doors — both sides, handles, hinges, and door frames
Wipe all skirting boards throughout the property; use a damp cloth to remove dust and marks
Clean staircase: vacuum or wipe stairs, wipe bannister and spindles
Clean all light switches and electrical sockets throughout the property
Wipe all windowsills throughout; vacuum window tracks and clean frames
Remove cobwebs from all ceilings and corners throughout the property
Dust all ceiling light fittings and replace any blown bulbs
Clean front door — both sides, letterbox, door knocker, and any glass panels
Vacuum or sweep and mop hallway floor; clean under any coat hooks or storage units
Clean any outdoor areas within your tenancy: patio, bin area, front path, or garden
Save Time & Stress — Book a Professional
If you're working full-time or moving long distance, tackling this list alone is a significant undertaking. Our professional end of tenancy team in Birmingham covers every item on this checklist — and our 72-hour re-clean guarantee protects you if your landlord raises any issues. Learn more about our end of tenancy service →
Frequently Asked Questions
A professional end of tenancy clean typically takes 4–8 hours depending on property size. A one-bed flat may take 3–4 hours, while a 3–4 bedroom house can take 6–8 hours or more. Attempting it yourself will often take longer, especially for oven and bathroom deep cleaning.
Most tenancy agreements require the property to be returned in the same condition as the check-in report. Since 2019, landlords cannot legally require you to use a professional cleaner — but professional cleaning gives you the best chance of passing inspection. Our service includes a 72-hour re-clean guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a property through normal everyday use — minor scuffs on walls, slight carpet compression, small marks on surfaces from daily life. Landlords cannot charge for fair wear and tear. They can charge for damage beyond normal use, such as burns, deep stains, holes in walls, or deliberate damage.
Yes — our end of tenancy cleaning service includes a 72-hour re-clean guarantee. If your landlord or letting agent raises any cleaning issues within 72 hours of our service, we return to re-clean at no extra cost. We serve Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Walsall, and Dudley.
If carpets were professionally cleaned at the start of your tenancy (this should be noted in the inventory), then returning them to the same standard is expected. For light soiling, thorough vacuuming and spot treatment may be sufficient. For heavy staining or if the inventory states professional cleaning was done prior to your move-in, we recommend adding a professional carpet clean to your service.