What happens if your property fails the check-out inspection?

A flag on the check-out report is not an automatic deduction. The inventory clerk records anything that falls short of your check-in standard, and in many cases you can put it right, or have your cleaner return, before anything is taken from your deposit. If we did the clean, our 48-hour re-clean guarantee (terms apply) covers that return visit.

How a check-out inspection works

At the end of the tenancy, a clerk compares the property against the check-in inventory and notes anything beyond fair wear and tear. Cleaning is one of the most common things to be flagged, which is why it pays to work to the check-out checklist agents actually use.

What happens when cleaning is flagged

You or the landlord will be told what the report found. Often there is a chance to resolve it, by re-cleaning the flagged areas, before any money is discussed. If it is not resolved, the landlord can propose a deduction, which goes through your deposit scheme. You are entitled to challenge it with evidence, and our guides on cleaning deductions and what to photograph show how.

Our re-clean guarantee

If we carried out your end of tenancy clean and the check-out report flags our work, we come back and put it right under our 48-hour re-clean guarantee (terms apply). To be clear, that is a re-clean of the flagged areas, not a promise about your deposit, which is decided by your landlord and deposit scheme. You can see what our clean covers on the what is included page, or get a price with an instant quote.

How to avoid a fail in the first place

Most check-out cleaning flags are avoidable. Work through a move-out checklist, photograph the property in good light once it is done, and book the add-ons your inventory calls for, usually the oven and any carpets. Kitchens and bathrooms are where clerks look hardest, so give them the most attention.

Quick answers

Does a flag mean I lose my deposit? No. It usually means there is something to put right first, and you often get the chance to do that before a deduction is finalised.

Who pays for the re-clean? If we did the original clean, we return to sort flagged areas under our 48-hour re-clean guarantee (terms apply).

What if I disagree with the report? You can dispute a proposed deduction through your deposit scheme, using your check-in inventory and dated photos as evidence.

This article is general guidance for tenants, not legal advice. Tenancy agreements, inventories and deposit scheme processes vary, so check your own.