How to Pass a Check-Out Inventory Inspection (And Get Your Full Deposit Back)
Passing a check-out inventory inspection is one of the most important steps in securing your full deposit when moving out of a rental property. In London’s competitive rental market, landlords and letting agents rely heavily on professional inventory reports to assess the condition of a property at the end of a tenancy.
In this guide, we explain exactly how to prepare for a check-out inspection, what inspectors look for, and how professional cleaning can make the difference between a full refund and costly deductions.
What Is a Check-Out Inventory Inspection?
A check-out inventory inspection is a formal comparison between the original check-in inventory report and the current condition of the property at the end of your tenancy.
The inventory clerk will assess:
Cleanliness of every room
Damage beyond fair wear and tear
Missing items or broken fixtures
Condition of appliances, carpets, walls, and fittings
Any issues noted can result in deductions from your deposit.
1. Start With a Deep Clean
Cleanliness is the number one reason for deposit deductions.
Before your inspection, make sure the property is professionally cleaned, including:
Kitchen: oven, hob, extractor, cupboards, fridge/freezer
Bathrooms: limescale removal, grout cleaning, descaling taps and shower screens
Floors: vacuumed and mopped thoroughly
Skirting boards, doors, light switches, and sockets
Tip: End of tenancy cleaning is not the same as regular cleaning. It must meet professional inventory standards.
2. Pay Special Attention to the Kitchen and Bathrooms
These are the most heavily inspected rooms.
Inspectors will check for:
Grease inside ovens and behind appliances
Mould or limescale in showers and around seals
Food residue inside cupboards and drawers
Blocked or dirty sinks
If these areas are not spotless, deductions are almost guaranteed.
3. Repair Minor Damage Before the Inspection
Small issues can quickly add up on an inventory report.
Before moving out, check for:
Filled nail holes in walls
Replaced blown light bulbs
Tightened loose handles and hinges
Fixed dripping taps
These low-cost fixes can prevent expensive landlord charges later.
4. Remove All Personal Belongings
A property must be completely empty unless stated otherwise in your tenancy agreement.
Make sure:
No furniture is left behind
All rubbish is removed
Loft spaces, cupboards, and sheds are cleared
Leftover items are often charged as waste removal.
5. Compare With Your Check-In Report
If you have access to your original check-in inventory, use it.
Check:
Was the oven professionally cleaned at check-in?
Were carpets newly cleaned?
Were there existing marks or wear?
This helps you avoid being charged for pre-existing issues.
6. Book a Professional End of Tenancy Clean
Most landlords and agents expect a professional end of tenancy clean with an invoice.
A professional clean includes:
Deep kitchen and appliance cleaning
Full bathroom descaling
Internal window cleaning
Detailed dusting and floor care
At Vastora Group, our end of tenancy cleans are designed to meet inventory clerk standards and reduce the risk of deposit disputes.
Common Reasons for Deposit Deductions
Here are the most frequent issues seen on check-out reports:
Dirty ovens and hobs
Limescale in bathrooms
Stained carpets
Dust on skirting boards and blinds
Unremoved rubbish
Avoiding these can significantly increase your chances of passing first time.
Final Checklist Before Your Inspection
Use this quick checklist:
Oven, hob and extractor degreased
Bathrooms descaled and mould-free
Carpets vacuumed and spot cleaned
Windows cleaned internally
All rubbish removed
All rooms empty
Need Help Passing Your Check-Out Inspection?
Vastora Group provides professional End of Tenancy Cleaning in London, tailored to landlord and agent inventory standards.
We help tenants:
Reduce deposit deductions
Pass inspections first time
Avoid costly re-clean charges
Contact Vastora Group today to book your end of tenancy clean and move out with confidence.
