End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist: How to Get Your Full Deposit Back

Moving out of a rental property in Cambridge can be stressful enough without worrying about your deposit. Landlords and letting agents expect a property returned to the same standard it was handed over in, and a thorough end of tenancy clean is one of the biggest factors in getting your full deposit back. Here’s our room-by-room checklist to help make sure nothing gets missed.

Step 1: Kitchen — Degrease the oven, hob, and extractor fan, clean inside and behind appliances such as the fridge and washing machine, and wipe down all cupboards, worktops, and splashbacks. The kitchen is one of the areas inventory clerks check most closely.

Step 2: Bathroom — Descale taps, showerheads, and tiles, clean thoroughly around the toilet base, and make sure mirrors and glass shower screens are left streak-free. Limescale build-up is a common reason for deposit deductions.

Step 3: Bedrooms and living areas — Vacuum and, where needed, shampoo carpets, wipe down skirting boards and door frames, and clean inside wardrobes and drawers so they’re ready for the next tenant’s inspection.

Step 4: Windows and frames — Clean windows inside and out where accessible, along with sills and frames, which often collect dust and mould that gets overlooked in a normal weekly clean.

Step 5: Appliances and fixtures — Test and clean light fittings, extractor fans, and radiators, and check for any marks left on walls or doors that a quick wipe can put right before the check-out inspection.

Step 6: Final walkthrough — Compare the property against your original check-in inventory if you have one, and give every room a final look with fresh eyes, checking corners, behind doors, and anywhere else that’s easy to miss.

Getting all of this right takes time many tenants simply don’t have during a move. Our End of Tenancy Cleaning service is designed to meet letting agent and landlord standards across Cambridge and the surrounding villages, giving you the best possible chance of getting your full deposit back. Get in touch with Quy Fen Cleaning to book your move-out clean.