Nearly 30% of tenancy deposit claims in the UK relate to cleaning, according to the latest figures from the Deposit Protection Service. With cleaning continuing to top the list of claim reasons, London cleaning company Get It Cleaned has issued a practical move-out checklist to help tenants prepare for property inspections and focus on areas that are commonly missed.
Founded in 2013, Get It Cleaned is a London domestic cleaning company that has developed a room-by-room guide for renters approaching the end of their tenancy. The checklist is designed to clarify the cleaning tasks involved in preparing a property for checkout and comes as official industry figures underline the importance of leaving a rental home in the right condition.
The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) recorded cleaning as the reason for 29.38% of deposit claims in 2025. It has remained the leading category for five years running.
This percentage describes the share of claim reasons listed as cleaning in the DPS’s 2025 figures. It should not be confused with the proportion of deposits ending in a formal dispute: a claim is a request for a deduction from a tenant’s deposit. The figures are explained in the DPS report, Cleaning main cause of tenancy deposit deductions for a fifth year running, which can be read at https://www.depositprotection.com/news-insights/cleaning-main-cause-of-tenancy-deposit-deductions-for-a-fifth-year-running.
Matt Trevett, Managing Director of The DPS, said: “Less than 5% of all deposits protected by The DPS end in a dispute.”
The Tenant Fees Act does not make professional cleaning a compulsory expense for tenants. Nevertheless, renters must return the property to the standard it was in when the tenancy began, as recorded in the initial check-in inventory.
In England, tenants are not legally required to hire a professional cleaner when moving out. They are, however, responsible for the property’s cleanliness in comparison with its original condition, subject to fair wear and tear. This allowance covers ordinary deterioration associated with reasonable use, such as light scuff marks, but not dirt or grease. The check-in inventory helps establish the condition against which the property will be assessed. More information is available from Shelter England at https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/what_can_your_landlord_deduct_from_your_deposit/cleaning_gardening_decorating.
Get It Cleaned has used common inventory inspection standards to identify the main areas tenants should check before their final walkthrough.
Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Priorities
The guidance breaks the move-out clean into manageable stages, with particular attention to details that may be missed when preparing a property in a hurry.
Preparation prior to cleaning: Before starting, clear personal possessions from surfaces and empty cupboards and drawers. Remove rubbish so that all parts of the property are accessible.
Kitchen areas to inspect: Focus on removing grease from the oven, hob and extractor fan. Clean cupboards, the interiors of the fridge and freezer, and descale sinks, taps and work surfaces. Include the washing machine’s door seal and detergent drawer in the clean, as both can retain grease, detergent and other residue.
Bathroom sanitisation: Thoroughly sanitise the toilet, bath and shower enclosure. Remove limescale from shower glass and fixtures, and clean all tiles, grout, mirrors and flooring. Inspect the shower waste, the seal between the screen and shower tray, and the floor behind the toilet pedestal.
Living spaces & bedrooms: Work across all surfaces, making sure to include light switches, skirting boards, door frames and window sills. Sweep floors before vacuuming or mopping, and pay attention to window tracks where dust can collect out of sight.
Carpets & furnishings: Inspect carpets and soft furnishings for stains, ground-in dirt and odours. Specialist options, including hot water extraction, may be appropriate for persistent marks or areas with substantial wear.
A final walk-through: Clear away all rubbish and carry out a final inspection of every room in daylight. Take photographs of the property as a record for both yourself and the landlord or agent. Make a note of meter readings and ensure the keys are ready to be handed back.
Practical Guidance for Busy Handovers
“The cleaning mistakes we see most often are the ones you miss on a quick look around. You wipe the oven glass and leave the racks, trays, and back panel greasy. You vacuum the middle of the room and miss the edges, the space under the bed, and the area behind the sofa. You clean the sink and leave food in the fridge seal and crumbs in the cutlery drawer. Inventory clerks photograph those spots. When they are dirty, a cleaning claim is hard to defend.”
Nathaniel Jamesson, Coordinator at Get It Cleaned.
Moving Out Cleaning Services in London
Get It Cleaned operates across Greater London postcodes, offering comprehensive end-of-tenancy cleaning for renters preparing to vacate a property. Its additional services include carpet steam extraction, upholstery care and dip-tank oven degreasing.
For London renters considering professional assistance with their move-out clean, details are available on the Get It Cleaned end-of-tenancy cleaning service page (https://getitcleaned.co.uk/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-in-london/). Availability can also be checked through the online portal.
