End of Tenancy Inspection Checklist for Landlords

The original inventory report sits at the top of your list. This document shows what condition the property was in when the tenancy began. Without it, proving anything becomes significantly harder.

Bring the check-in photos alongside written descriptions. These visual records support your inventory notes and provide clear evidence if disputes arise with the deposit scheme.

Have a blank checkout report ready to fill in room by room. Note the tenancy start and end dates for context. Bring any maintenance records showing work done during the tenancy period.

Open the oven door fully and inspect inside. Check the door glass for grease between the panes. Pull out shelves and examine the grill compartment. This single appliance tells you plenty about overall cleaning effort.

The hob surface and burner caps need close attention. Lift removable parts and look underneath. Check the extractor hood, including the filter which often gets forgotten entirely by departing tenants.

Inspect the fridge interior shelves, drawers, and door compartments. Don’t skip the rubber seals where mould hides. The freezer should be defrosted with no ice buildup remaining inside.

Check the toilet bowl under the rim where limescale loves to hide. Inspect the seat and hinges for cracks or discolouration. Look at the base where it meets the floor for any water damage signs.

Examine the bath or shower tray for chips, cracks, or stubborn staining. Test the plug and overflow work correctly. Run water briefly to check drainage speed-slow draining might indicate blocked pipes.

Inspect the basin including the pedestal or vanity unit. Check taps for drips and limescale. Look underneath for any signs of leaks or water damage to flooring or cabinets.

Examine grout lines between tiles for mould or discolouration. This indicates whether proper ventilation was maintained during the tenancy. Heavy mould suggests the extractor wasn’t used regularly.

Check silicone sealant around the bath, shower tray, and basin. Black mould in sealant often requires complete replacement rather than cleaning. Factor this into your assessment fairly.

Look at painted surfaces for peeling caused by moisture. Check the ceiling directly above the shower area. Water staining here points to inadequate ventilation or possible leaks above.

Look for picture hook holes and rawl plug damage from shelving. Small pin holes fall under normal wear, but larger holes from heavy fixtures require filling before repainting.

Check for scuff marks at furniture height and around door frames. Examine corners where vacuum cleaners often bump repeatedly. Look behind doors where handles strike walls.

Inspect ceilings for cracks or water stains. Note any yellowing from smoking if this breached tenancy terms. Check light fittings are intact with working bulbs fitted.

Carpets show wear in doorways and high-traffic paths-this counts as normal use over time. Stains from spills are different. Check for burn marks or bleach spots that weren’t there before.

Hard flooring needs checking for scratches, especially near furniture legs. Look for water damage near windows and radiators. Examine thresholds where different floor types meet.

If the property was end of tenancy cleaned professionally at check-in, carpet condition becomes easier to assess. Professional cleaning receipts from tenants help prove they’ve made proper effort.

Check the lawn condition if garden maintenance was the tenant’s responsibility. Look at flower beds, hedges, and any planted areas. Note whether bins have been emptied and left clean.

Examine fencing, gates, and shed condition. Check locks work on all external storage. Look for any tenant additions that need removing, like washing lines or garden furniture.

Inspect the property exterior for damage around entry points. Check guttering and drainpipes remain secure. Look at external taps if fitted. Verify parking areas are clear of the tenant’s belongings.

Cross-check all furniture listed in your inventory. Test that sofas, beds, and tables match their documented condition. Look for new damage like tears, burns, or structural issues.

Count smaller items like crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment if provided. Check electrical items still work correctly. Verify all remote controls are present and have batteries fitted.

Confirm keys are all returned including spares. Check for missing items like smoke alarm batteries or light bulbs. Note anything left behind by the tenant that needs clearing.

Send the checkout report to your tenant within 24 hours. Include photographs and itemised notes. Give them a clear deadline to respond with any disagreements they might have.

Get quotes for any necessary work-cleaning, repairs, or replacements. Having actual figures strengthens your position. Avoid guessing costs when real numbers are available.

If deductions seem necessary, communicate these clearly with full breakdowns. Show how you’ve calculated amounts and provide supporting evidence for each item. Fair dealing prevents escalation to disputes.