End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
At the handover inspection, the property management checks the apartment closely — and any complaints mean re-cleaning under time pressure. This checklist takes you room by room through everything that must be done for the final cleaning, including the points that are easily forgotten at handovers. Compare the list with your lease and the agreed return conditions — the required scope may differ. You can check off the tasks directly — your progress is saved on this device — or print the list.
Having a cleaning company do the cleaning? Then use this list as a final check before the handover — and get the apartment ready with our tips for preparing the end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Kitchen
Bathroom and toilet
Living rooms and bedrooms
Windows and blinds
Balcony, cellar and auxiliary rooms
Rather leave it to a cleaning company?
Going through the list makes it clear: a thorough final cleaning is a lot of work — how much depends on the size and condition of the apartment. A cleaning company with a written handover guarantee re-cleans free of charge if there are justified complaints about the cleaning; also agree that someone from the company will be present at the handover. Legally, the responsibility toward the landlord remains yours. You can find the prices by apartment size under end-of-tenancy cleaning costs.
Important: Only pay the cleaning company once the property management has accepted the apartment — this way you make sure that any necessary re-cleaning is carried out reliably.
Frequently asked questions about the apartment cleaning
What is checked at the apartment handover?
The property management inspects the apartment for cleanliness and damage — in our experience particularly closely: limescale in the bathroom and kitchen, the oven and extractor hood, window frames and blinds, and the drains. Anything they object to has to be re-cleaned; agree the date for this with the property management.
Clean the apartment myself or hire a cleaning company?
Cleaning yourself saves money but takes a lot of time, depending on the size and condition of the apartment — right in the middle of the moving stress. A cleaning company with a handover guarantee re-cleans free of charge if there are justified complaints. Our end-of-tenancy cleaning price overview shows what it costs; through our platform you receive up to 5 free quotes.
What does a handover guarantee mean for the apartment cleaning?
A written handover guarantee secures free re-cleaning if the property management raises justified complaints about the cleaning — within the agreed scope of services. The responsibility toward the landlord remains yours. Make sure the guarantee is explicitly stated in the quote, and agree that someone from the company will be present at the handover.
When should I pay the cleaning company?
Only after the property management has accepted the apartment — this ensures that any re-cleaning is carried out properly. Cash payment after the handover is customary in the industry; clarify the payment method in advance.
