The Complete End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist for Norwich Tenants
Moving out in Norwich or Norfolk? Work through this room-by-room checklist to give yourself the best chance of getting your full deposit back — the same list local letting agents and inventory clerks use at check-out.
Why this checklist works
After more than ten years cleaning rental properties across Norwich and Norfolk, we know exactly which items appear on almost every deposit deduction — and which get missed by tenants doing their own move-out clean.
This guide covers everything a local letting agent or inventory clerk will check. Work top-to-bottom, room by room, and photograph everything when you're done. If you'd rather leave it to us, we handle end of tenancy cleans across Norwich with a free re-clean guarantee if anything is flagged.
The Room-by-Room Checklist
Tick each item as you go. Save or print this page and take it with you on cleaning day.
Kitchen
- Oven fully degreased — inside, door glass, racks, trays
- Hob, extractor hood and filter degreased
- Fridge and freezer defrosted, emptied and sanitised
- Microwave, kettle, toaster wiped inside and out
- Every cupboard and drawer emptied and wiped inside
- Sink descaled, taps polished, plughole cleared
- Tiles, splashbacks and worktops sanitised
- Bin washed inside and out
- Floor swept, mopped and edges detailed
Bathrooms & En-suites
- Toilet descaled inside, outside and around the base
- Bath, shower and screen descaled and polished
- Tile grout scrubbed, mould treated
- Sink, taps and plugholes descaled
- Mirrors and chrome polished streak-free
- Extractor fan vent dusted
- Cupboards and shelves emptied and wiped
- Floor washed, edges and behind toilet detailed
Living Rooms & Bedrooms
- Skirting boards, door frames and doors wiped down
- Light switches, sockets and handles sanitised
- Inside and outside of wardrobes, drawers and shelves
- Radiators dusted top, sides and behind
- Light fittings and lampshades dusted
- Cobwebs removed from ceilings and corners
- Windows cleaned inside — frames, sills and tracks
- Carpets vacuumed thoroughly (deep extraction available)
- Hard floors swept and mopped to the edges
Hallways, Stairs & Communal
- Banisters, spindles and handrails wiped
- Stair carpet vacuumed, edges detailed
- Entrance door inside and out wiped down
- Meter cupboard dusted
- Coat hooks, mirrors and shelves cleaned
- Cobweb sweep of ceilings and lightshades
Final Walk-Through
- Bins emptied and left clean, ready for handover
- All rubbish and belongings removed from the property
- Windows locked, curtains straightened
- Keys, fobs and parking permits gathered ready to return
- Photos taken of every room for your records
- Meter readings noted with date and time
Local Tips from Norwich Cleaners
Start with the oven
It's the single most-flagged item on Norwich check-out reports. Apply degreaser, leave it working while you clean other rooms, then come back to it.
Empty everything before you clean
You can't clean inside a cupboard that's still full. Move out first, clean second — it's twice as fast and half the stress.
Photograph the property afterwards
Timestamped photos of every room protect you if the inventory clerk disputes anything after you've handed back the keys.
Don't forget carpets
Most Norfolk tenancy agreements require carpets professionally cleaned. Vacuuming alone rarely satisfies the inventory clerk — a receipt from a professional carpet clean does. See our carpet cleaning service in Norwich.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Across Norwich & Norfolk
We cover the whole city and out into the county — if you're moving out anywhere in Norfolk, we can help.
End of Tenancy Cleaning FAQs
How long does an end of tenancy clean take in Norwich?
A one-bed flat typically takes 4–6 hours DIY, or 3–4 hours with a professional team. A three-bed house is usually a full day either way. Book in at least a week before your check-out date.
Do I have to use a professional cleaning company?
Most Norwich tenancy agreements no longer require you to use a professional company — but the property has to be returned in the same condition it was let. A professional clean with a receipt is the cleanest way to prove that if there's a dispute.
What do letting agents in Norwich look for at check-out?
Oven, extractor, fridge/freezer, bathroom limescale, carpets, windows, skirting boards, and inside cupboards. Those are the items that appear on almost every deposit deduction we've seen locally.
Do carpets have to be professionally cleaned?
If your tenancy agreement says so, yes — and a receipt from a professional carpet clean is the only reliable proof. If it doesn't specifically require it, they still have to be returned in the condition they were let.
How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in Norwich?
Every property is different — size, condition and whether carpets are included all change the price. Call or WhatsApp us with a few details and we'll give you a fixed written quote for your Norwich or Norfolk property.
Do you cover Norfolk outside Norwich?
Yes — Wymondham, Attleborough, Dereham, Sprowston, Thorpe St Andrew, Hellesdon, Costessey, Wroxham, Aylsham, Diss, Great Yarmouth and the villages between.
When should I book an end of tenancy clean in Norwich?
Book at least a week before your check-out date, and schedule the clean for after the property is completely empty. Norwich agencies cluster check-outs around month end and the last week of June for student lets, so those slots go first.
Can my landlord charge me for cleaning from my deposit?
Only for cleaning needed to return the property to the condition recorded in the check-in inventory, allowing for fair wear and tear. Deposit schemes expect the landlord to evidence the difference between check-in and check-out reports, which is why timestamped photos on your side matter.
What is usually missed in a DIY move-out clean?
The oven interior and door glass, extractor filter, fridge and freezer seals, limescale around taps and shower screens, window tracks, tops of doors and wardrobes, skirting boards behind furniture, and inside kitchen units. Those are the items that come back on Norwich check-out reports.
Do I need to clean the oven before moving out?
Yes, and it is the single most common deduction we see. The oven should be degreased inside, including the door glass, racks and trays. It is the first job to start and the last one to finish because degreaser needs dwell time.
Should the property be empty before the clean?
Yes. Cupboards, wardrobes and lofts need to be empty so they can be cleaned inside, and floors need to be clear. Move everything out first, then clean — it is faster and it is what the inventory clerk checks.
Do you clean student houses at the end of the academic year?
Yes. Student changeovers around the UEA and city-centre houses are a regular part of our June and July schedule, including whole-house cleans booked jointly by housemates.
Can you clean a furnished property at the end of a tenancy?
Yes. Furnished lets include cleaning inside and behind furniture where it can be safely moved, plus wardrobes, drawers and mattresses on request. Tell us it is furnished when you enquire so the time allowance is right.
Do you offer a re-clean if the letting agent is not satisfied?
Yes. If something on the agreed scope is flagged at check-out, we return within 48 hours and put it right at no extra charge.
How far in advance can I book?
As far ahead as you like — most tenants book once the check-out date is confirmed. Weekends and month-end dates fill first in Norwich, so earlier is safer.
Rather have us do it?
Full end of tenancy cleans across Norwich & Norfolk, with a free re-clean if anything is flagged at check-out.