At the end of your tenancy, an inventory clerk will compare the property against your check-in report. The closer the property is to how it was when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear, the smoother the return of your deposit will be. Here is what to do before the appointment.
Read your check-in report first
Find the check-in report you were given when you moved in. It is the standard the property will be compared against, including how clean everything was. If an item was recorded as professionally cleaned at the start, it will be expected to be returned to that standard.
Cleaning
- Oven, hob, extractor hood and grill pan, which are the most common cleaning deductions
- Fridge and freezer, defrosted, emptied and wiped out, with doors left open if switched off
- Bathrooms, including limescale on taps, shower screens and tiles
- Inside cupboards, drawers and wardrobes
- Skirting boards, door frames, light switches and window sills
- Carpets vacuumed, and professionally cleaned if they were at the start
Repairs and belongings
- Remove all your belongings, including anything in the loft, shed or garden
- Take down any fixings you put up, and make good the holes if your agreement allows
- Replace any blown bulbs
- Put furniture back in the rooms where it started
- Leave the garden tidy, with the lawn cut if that was your responsibility
On the day
- Have every key, fob and access card ready to hand back
- Take your own final meter readings and photographs
- Give the agent your forwarding address
- If you can, attend the check-out so you can see what is recorded
Need an inventory, check-in or check-out?
Independent inventory clerks covering every London borough, with dated photos, an emailed PDF and your own client portal.
