Getting your deposit back: top tips to keep your home clean

When renting a property, maintaining it in good condition is one of the most important steps in securing the return of your full deposit. A well-maintained home not only creates a comfortable living space but also helps you avoid unnecessary cleaning charges at the end of your tenancy – cleaning is consistently the most common reason for claims against the deposit. The property must be left cleaned to the same standard at the end of the tenancy as it was at the start. The inventory/check-in report is evidence of how clean your property is when you move in, so if you don’t agree with something in it make sure you email your landlord or agent. By staying on top of regular cleaning and addressing any issues early, you’ll be in a much stronger position when it’s time to move out. This guide will walk you through practical tips for maintaining a clean and tidy home, handling inventory reports, and receiving your full deposit back. 

Getting your deposit back: top tips to keep your home clean 

1. Set up a cleaning routine

Regular cleaning is essential for keeping the property in good condition throughout your tenancy. Setting up a cleaning rota helps make sure shared spaces, like the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge, are always kept tidy and clean. With everyone taking part, nobody will be overwhelmed by the cleaning tasks. Additionally, be sure to clean your room regularly, not just when it’s time to move out. The more often you clean, the less intense the final cleaning session will be, and the better condition your property will be in when you leave.  

2. Follow a cleaning checklist

Creating a cleaning checklist is a practical way to make sure you don’t miss any important areas when preparing to move out. A checklist keeps you organised and helps you tackle each part of the property. Total Landlord, mydeposits insurance partner, has created a detailed cleaning checklist for landlords and tenants which you can download here. Here are the key areas to include:  

• Kitchen: Clean appliances inside and out (oven, fridge, microwave). Wipe down countertops, clean the sink, and scrub away any grease buildup 

• Bathrooms: Scrub sinks, tubs, and toilets. Clean mirrors and check for mould or grout 

• Floors: Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors, giving extra attention to high-traffic areas such as hallways and the living room. If you have carpets, consider professional cleaning, especially if they’re stained or heavily used 

• Windows: Clean both the inside and outside of the windows, and make sure there’s no dust on blinds or curtains 

Top tip: Don’t Forget the walls and light fixtures. These areas are easy to overlook but can accumulate dust, cobwebs, and marks over time. Wipe down baseboards, remove any stains from walls, and be sure to dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.  

3. Check for damp or mould 

Damp, condensation, and mould are common issues in rental properties, but they can cause significant damage if left untreated. These problems often occur in areas with poor ventilation, like bathrooms and kitchens, or if clothes are dried indoors. If you notice any signs of damp, condensation, or mould, report them to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Acting quickly can prevent the issue from worsening and potentially causing long-term damage to the property. If left unchecked, dampness can lead to mould, which may not only damage the structure of the property but could also result in you being held liable for repairs. Our article ‘Condensation and mould: handy tips for tenants’ contains lots of practical advice, and you can also see our tenant information infographic for more guidance.  

4. Check the inventory report when you move in

One of the most important steps when you first move into a rental property is checking the inventory report. This report lists the condition and cleanliness of the property and its contents, providing a snapshot of the property when you move in. Be thorough and note any discrepancies, such as cleaning issues or damage that was present before you moved in. It’s crucial to report these problems to your landlord or agent within the first week of your tenancy and keep a record of your communication. For more information, read our guide to inventories, which combines mydeposits’ expertise in resolution with No Letting Go’s top tier inventory management services.  

5. Prepare for your check-out inventory

The check-out inventory is an important step when you move out. This report compares the property’s condition at the end of your tenancy to the check-in inventory. The better condition the property is in, the less likely you are to face deposit deductions. Before the check-out inspection, consider taking your own photos or a video walkthrough of the property. Digital time-stamped photos can be a powerful tool if there are any disagreements later regarding the condition of the property. 

Inventory tips: 

• Make sure any photographs or videos you take are dated and accurately reflect the condition of the property. 

• Check the inventory report is signed by both you and your landlord/agent. 

• Keep track of any communication with your landlord, especially regarding any disagreements 

6. Know your rights regarding deposit deductions

Understanding the legal framework surrounding your deposit is essential for protecting your rights. In many countries, including the UK, landlords are required by law to place your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme. These schemes make sure that tenants’ deposits are held securely and are only deducted for valid reasons, such as damage beyond normal wear and tear (the natural degradation of the fixtures, fittings, contents and fabric of the property that place over time with use). It’s important to verify that your landlord has protected your deposit and has provided you with proof of this protection. In the UK, for example, services like mydeposits offer a Deposit Protection Certificate, which should be given to you at the start of your tenancy. If you have not received this, ask your landlord to confirm where your deposit is held and to make sure it is registered with a government-approved scheme.  

7. Dispute resolution: if you disagree with deductions

If your landlord proposes deductions for cleaning, repairs, or damage from your deposit, and you believe they are unfair, you have the right to challenge them. Start by clearly explaining your reasons for disagreeing, and back up your claims with evidence such as the inventory report, photographs, and any communication you’ve had with your landlord or letting agent. The inventory report is a key piece of evidence when resolving disputes, particularly regarding cleanliness or damage. For example, if the oven was dirty when you moved in, but it’s marked as clean in the report, you should immediately inform your landlord or agent in writing to make sure they’re aware of the issue. This helps establish that the property was not in the condition it was reported to be when you moved in.  

You can use our handy ‘deposit checker’ to find out if your deposit is protected with us. If you can’t reach an agreement, you can use the services of mydeposits to request a resolution.