At the end of a tenancy, the inventory clerk compares the flat with the check-in report. Anything worse than at check-in, beyond fair wear and tear, may become a deposit deduction — and for landlords, any repair still outstanding when the next tenant moves in becomes a complaint in week one.
This checklist covers the small defects that most often appear on London check-out reports, and how each is usually put right before the next tenancy starts.
Fair wear and tear versus damage
The deposit protection schemes publish guidance on the difference between fair wear and tear and damage, and it is worth reading before you decide what to charge for. Broadly, gradual deterioration from normal use — lightly faded paint, slight carpet wear in walkways — is expected. Damage is something beyond that: burns, stains, holes, broken fittings. Whether or not you claim from the deposit, the repairs still need doing before the next tenant arrives.
Walls and woodwork
- Scuffs and marks along hallways, behind doors and around light switches. Minor marks can sometimes be cleaned; most need a touch-up in the original colour, or a full wall repaint where the old paint has faded.
- Picture hooks and screw holes. Fill, sand and paint. Large numbers of holes on one wall usually mean repainting the whole wall.
- Chipped skirting boards and door frames, especially where furniture was moved. Fill and repaint in the same finish (usually satin or eggshell).
- Blu-tack and tape marks that lift paint when removed.
Kitchens
- Loose or dropped cupboard doors and hinges — usually a simple adjustment or hinge replacement.
- Failed silicone along the worktop and behind the sink, often black with mould.
- Extractor hood filters clogged or the fan not working.
- Oven and hob condition — typically a specialist clean rather than a repair.
- Dripping taps or slow-draining sinks.
Bathrooms
- Silicone seals around the bath, shower tray and basin. This is one of the most frequent check-out items in London rentals; mouldy or split silicone should be fully removed and replaced rather than sealed over. See our silicone replacement service.
- Grout that is stained or cracked.
- Extractor fan not working — a common cause of mould and a frequent tenant complaint.
- Shower heads and screens with heavy limescale.
- Toilet seats loose or broken; cisterns that run continuously.
Floors
- Carpet stains, burns and worn patches. Professional cleaning removes a lot; burns and heavy staining usually mean a section or room needs replacing.
- Scratched or lifting laminate near doors and in kitchens.
- Gaps or damaged threshold strips between rooms.
Our flooring and carpet service covers repairs and full replacements.
Fixtures, fittings and safety items
- Blown bulbs throughout — cheap to fix and always noticed.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present and working on the day the new tenancy starts; test them and record it.
- Window locks, door locks and keys — confirm every key on the inventory has been returned and works.
- Curtain poles and blinds pulled from the wall.
- Light switches and sockets that are cracked or loose — any electrical repair should be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.
Before the new inventory
- Complete all repairs first, then decorating, then the deep clean — cleaning before painting just means cleaning twice.
- Take dated photographs of every room once finished.
- Make sure the new check-in inventory records the repaired condition, so the next check-out starts from an accurate baseline.
- Check that gas safety, electrical and energy certificates are current. Our landlord compliance checklist links to the official sources.
Getting it done in one visit
Most of these items are small on their own, but together they can take several trades. Our rental refresh service handles repairs, painting, silicone, flooring and cleaning together, planned around your check-out and check-in dates. For planning the timing, see our 48-hour turnaround guide.
Send us the check-out report and we'll quote for the list — call 020 3488 1913 or request a quote.
