Before the appointment
Remove furniture, boxes, food and personal belongings from the areas being cleaned. Empty and defrost refrigerators or freezers early enough for safe cleaning.
Confirm water, electricity, lighting and key access. Share delicate surfaces, existing damage and any requirements from your lease or handover document.
Kitchen and bathroom
Include worktops, sink, cupboards, appliances, visible grease and limescale. Check whether oven and refrigerator interiors are included in your selected service.
In the bathroom, review shower, bath, toilet, taps, tiles and mirrors. Heavy mould, damage or permanent discolouration requires separate assessment and is not ordinary surface cleaning.
Living areas and forgotten details
Floors, skirting boards, doors, switches, radiators and reachable surfaces are often noticed during handover. Cupboards must be empty if their interiors are to be cleaned.
Windows, balconies, basements and outdoor areas are not automatically included. Add them explicitly and reserve additional time where available.
Final inspection
Inspect in good light, photograph the condition and record keys, meter readings and existing defects. Keep cleaning and repair questions separate in the handover notes.
No cleaning company can guarantee a deposit refund because contracts, damage and the landlord’s assessment also affect that decision.