What Letting Agents Actually Inspect

What Letting Agents Actually Inspect: The Complete Portsmouth Checkout Guide

An oven in a Portsmouth property with visible grease and carbon buildup on the interior, racks, and door glass, demonstrating the type of defect letting agents routinely check and photograph during tenancy inspections.
An oven in a Portsmouth property showing the type of grease and carbon buildup that letting agents routinely check and photograph during tenancy inspections.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Inspection Truth Every Tenant Needs

  2. The Legal Framework: What Agents Can and Cannot Do

  3. Who Actually Conducts the Inspection?

  4. The Five Ways Agent Checkouts Actually Differ

  5. Room-by-Room: What Gets Inspected and Photographed

    • 5.1 Kitchen: The Highest-Risk Room

    • 5.2 Bathroom: Limescale and Mould Hotspot

    • 5.3 Living Areas and Bedrooms

    • 5.4 Hallways, Stairs, and Landings

    • 5.5 Garden and External Areas

    • 5.6 Admin and Documentation

  6. What Inventory Clerks Look For: The Professional Standard

  7. The Photography Evidence: Why Photos Matter

  8. Fair Wear and Tear vs. Damage: What’s Your Responsibility?

  9. Portsmouth-Specific Inspection Focus Areas

    • 9.1 Hard Water Limescale

    • 9.2 Victorian Property Features

    • 9.3 Student Property Considerations

    • 9.4 Military and MOD Accommodation

  10. What Happens During the Checkout Inspection

  11. How to Prepare: A Five-Step Action Plan

  12. Frequently Asked Questions

  13. Conclusion: Knowledge Is Your Best Defence

The Inspection Truth Every Tenant Needs

You’ve packed your boxes, cleaned what you thought was thoroughly, and handed back your keys. Days later, you receive an email: your deposit deductions are significant, and the checkout report cites a long list of issues you never expected.

This scenario plays out thousands of times a year across Portsmouth. The difference between a full deposit return and a costly deduction often comes down to one thing: understanding what letting agents actually inspect.

Checkout inspections aren’t subjective. They’re a comparison exercise based on your check-in inventory . The fundamental standard that every letting agency uses is the same: return the property to the same condition and cleanliness level as the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear . For detailed guidance on the legal basis for deposit deductions, see our guide on the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and your rights.

What changes between agencies isn’t the rules—it’s the emphasis. Some agencies are heavy on cleaning standards and publish detailed specifications. Some are heavy on process and requiring tenant attendance. Some focus on documentation and evidence . Understanding your agency’s focus areas means you can prepare smarter, not just harder.

In Portsmouth, letting agents are particularly vigilant about certain areas—especially kitchens, bathrooms, and properties with Victorian features. The city’s hard water means limescale is a common inspection target, and the high student population means agents are experienced at checking the areas students typically miss .

This guide reveals exactly what letting agents and independent inventory clerks inspect, room by room. You’ll learn what gets photographed, what triggers deductions, and how to prepare so your deposit is protected.

Key Insight: A checkout report for a standard 2-bedroom flat typically contains 100-200 photographs. Inventory clerks are trained to find what you missed—and they inspect under strong lighting, from low angles, behind appliances, and inside places you haven’t opened since you moved in .

The Legal Framework: What Agents Can and Cannot Do

Understanding the legal framework helps you know what to expect—and what to challenge.

The Tenant Fees Act 2019

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords and agents from charging tenants for professional cleaning as a condition of the tenancy. However, they can deduct from your deposit if you fail to return the property to the standard recorded in the check-in inventory. For a comprehensive breakdown of this law, see our guide on what landlords can legally charge for.

Check-Out Inspection Requirements

Under property management regulations, agents must take all reasonable steps to ensure the final inspection is conducted in the presence of the tenant, unless the tenant authorises otherwise . Reasonable steps include contacting the tenant to discuss suitable times, arranging to meet at a particular time and place, and proceeding to meet at that arranged time . The Shelter guidance confirms you have the right to attend the checkout inspection .

Your Right to Attend

Letting agents cannot refuse you attending the checkout . Some agents may try to claim it’s their policy, but this contradicts official guidance. As Shelter advises, ask for a time when you can be there to check the property and inventory together . If you cannot attend, take your own time-stamped photographs before the inspection .

For more on your rights during the checkout process, see our Move-Out Inspection Checklist.

Who Actually Conducts the Inspection?

Most letting agents don’t conduct checkout inspections themselves—they instruct independent inventory companies to do it . These are the professionals who walk through your property, photograph everything, and write the report that drives deposit deductions.

Independent Inventory Clerks

Inventory clerks are responsible for curating detailed inspections of rental properties both before and after a tenancy . Being an independent body means they are completely impartial to the tenant and the landlord, and their role includes reducing potential disagreements .

What they do:

  • Inspect the property, capturing the front of the property on camera

  • Test fire alarms at the start of the inspection

  • Check both cleanliness and condition of the property, including doors, walls, taps, fixtures, furnishings, and white goods

The importance of independence: Independent reports carry more weight in disputes than reports written by the landlord or letting agent themselves. Independence means credibility—the clerk has no financial interest in the outcome . For specific guidance on how major inventory companies operate, see our section on professional cleaning standards.

Major Inventory Companies in the UK

Companies like No Letting Go and Inventory Base are commonly used by letting agents. No Letting Go is the UK’s largest professional inventory company, with clerks trained to ARLA Propertymark standards . Their reports are specifically designed to hold up in deposit disputes . If the check-in says “professionally cleaned,” you need a professional clean at check-out—and the report will note the standard set .

The Five Ways Agent Checkouts Actually Differ

While the legal framework is consistent, different letting agents run their checkouts differently . Understanding your agency’s specific processes helps you prepare.

1. Deposit Scheme

Each agent uses a different authorised scheme—myDeposits, TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), or DPS (Deposit Protection Service). The scheme determines how disputes are handled and what evidence format they accept .

2. Check-In Report Depth

Check-in reports vary significantly. A basic check-in might run 20-30 pages, while premium properties can reach 80-120 pages . The more detailed the report, the more precisely the checkout comparison is made.

3. Franchise vs. Corporate

Franchise agencies like Winkworth run each branch independently, meaning checkout processes can vary . Corporate chains like Foxtons and KFH apply more standardised processes across all offices.

4. Portal vs. Paper Trail

Some agents like Foxtons run everything through a tenant portal. Others email reports or post documents. Understanding your agent’s communication method determines where to maintain your evidence trail .

5. Inventory Clerk Quality

All major agents use APIP-accredited independent clerks for checkout, but experience levels vary. Higher-value properties tend to attract more senior clerks with longer, more detailed reports .

For information on local Portsmouth letting agents and their specific requirements, see our guide for letting agents and property managers.

Room-by-Room: What Gets Inspected and Photographed

This is the most important section of this guide. Regardless of which agency manages your property, inventory clerks follow a standardised process. They work room by room, photographing and noting the condition of every area listed below . The kitchen and bathroom are consistently the highest-risk zones—they account for the majority of deposit deductions across all agencies .

5.1 Kitchen: The Highest-Risk Room

The kitchen is the most commonly failed room in checkout inspections—68% of cleaning failures are kitchen-related . Every item in this room is inspected and photographed.

Oven Interior, Door Glass, Racks and Trays

The clerk opens the oven, pulls out racks, and photographs the interior. Any grease, carbon, or residue is noted with a close-up photo . Door glass is checked between panels where accessible. For detailed guidance on what should be cleaned, see our room-by-room cleaning guide.

Why it’s checked: This is the single most inspected appliance. Grease, burnt residue, and carbon buildup are easily spotted and photographed.

Cost of missing it: £50-£150 deduction

Extractor Fan and Filter

The filter is inspected for grease build-up. The fan housing and grille are checked. This is one of the most commonly photographed items in the entire checkout . Some agencies like Foxtons explicitly flag this in their cleaning specification .

Why it’s checked: Grease-clogged extractors are a top deduction trigger. Filters should be clean or replaced (£5-15).

Cost of missing it: £40-£80 deduction

Behind and On Top of Appliances

Clerks check behind the fridge and cooker—even if they can’t move them, they’ll look and photograph what’s visible. Tops of wall-mounted cabinets are checked for dust and grease .

Why it’s checked: Grease, dust, food debris, and mould behind appliances are routinely photographed. Dirt lines betray sloppy cleans faster than anything else.

Cost of missing it: £40-£100 deduction

Hob, Burner Caps, and Drip Trays

All surfaces are checked for grease residue. Gas burner caps are inspected individually. Ceramic hobs are checked for marks and staining .

Why it’s checked: Easy to spot, hard to deny. Grease residue is a clear cleaning failure.

Cost of missing it: £30-£60 deduction

Sink, Taps, and Draining Board

Limescale around taps, staining in the sink bowl, and food debris in the drain trap are all noted . In Portsmouth’s hard water area, limescale is a particular focus .

Why it’s checked: Hard water means limescale buildup is common. Landlords know this and check for it.

Cost of missing it: £30-£50 deduction

Inside Cupboards and Drawers

Crumbs, spills, and staining inside cabinets are noted. Inspectors open every door .

Why it’s checked: Evidence of overall cleanliness. If cupboards are dirty, inspectors assume the rest of the property was also neglected.

Cost of missing it: £30-£80 deduction

Worktops and Splashback Tiles

Grease film, staining, and gaps between worktop and wall where food accumulates . For more on cleaning these surfaces, see our guide on forgotten areas tenants never clean.

A bathroom faucet in a Portsmouth property with visible limescale buildup and watermarks, demonstrating the type of defect letting agents routinely check and photograph during tenancy inspections.
A bathroom faucet in a Portsmouth property showing the type of limescale and watermarks that letting agents routinely check and photograph during tenancy inspections.

5.2 Bathroom: Limescale and Mould Hotspot

Bathrooms are the second highest-risk room. In Portsmouth’s hard water area, limescale descaling is a major focus .

Limescale on Taps, Shower Screen, and Showerhead

London hard water makes this the most common bathroom flag . Foxtons specifically calls it out in their cleaning specification .

Why it’s checked: Limescale is visible and unhygienic. It’s a clear sign of poor maintenance.

Cost of missing it: £40-£90 deduction

Mould on Grout, Sealant, and Ceiling

Black grout and mouldy silicone sealant are checked in every bathroom inspection . Condensation mould is tenant responsibility .

Why it’s checked: Mould is a hygiene issue. Landlords have a legal duty to provide a clean property.

Cost of missing it: £60-£120 deduction

Toilet Bowl and Behind Toilet Base

Waterline staining, limescale under the rim, and dust/grime at the toilet base are all noted .

Why it’s checked: A dirty toilet is undeniable evidence of a poor clean.

Cost of missing it: £30-£60 deduction

Extractor Fan

Dust-clogged fans are checked—remove the cover and clean the blades .

Why it’s checked: A dusty extractor fan is evidence of a superficial clean.

Cost of missing it: £30-£50 deduction

Bath and Basin Plug Holes

Hair and soap buildup in drain traps are noted. Pull out the plug and clear it .

Why it’s checked: Unhygienic and easy to spot.

Cost of missing it: £20-£40 deduction

Tile Grout Condition

Grout between tiles shows discolouration from soap scum and mould . Foxtons’ spec specifically mentions grout cleaning.

Why it’s checked: A common inspection point. Discoloured grout is evidence of neglect.

Cost of missing it: £40-£80 deduction

For guidance on cleaning bathrooms to inspection standard, see our end-of-tenancy cleaning guide.

5.3 Living Areas and Bedrooms

These rooms are lower risk than kitchens and bathrooms but still contain numerous inspection points.

Walls—Holes from Pictures, TVs, Brackets

Any holes or fixings must be filled and made good . Foxtons explicitly flags this in their guidance .

Why it’s checked: Holes are visible and require repair. Landlords shouldn’t have to fix them.

Cost of missing it: £30-£100 per hole

Visible Stains on Carpets

Wine, coffee, pet urine, food—any stain that wasn’t in the check-in report .

Why it’s checked: Stains are damage, not fair wear and tear. The tenant is responsible.

Cost of missing it: £60-£200

Light Switches and Sockets

Fingerprints, scuff marks, and discolouration around switches are noted .

Why it’s checked: Evidence of a thorough clean—or lack thereof.

Cost of missing it: £20-£40

Window Sills and Frames

Dust buildup, mould on window frames (especially in bedrooms with poor ventilation) .

Why it’s checked: Easily missed but easily spotted by inspectors.

Cost of missing it: £30-£60

Behind Radiators and Furniture

Dust and cobwebs behind radiators, under beds, and in corners .

Why it’s checked: Evidence of thoroughness. If these areas are missed, it suggests a superficial clean.

Cost of missing it: £30-£80

Light Bulbs

If bulbs were working at check-in, they must work at checkout. Foxtons guidance specifically mentions this .

Why it’s checked: Small but clear responsibility.

Cost of missing it: £10-£20 per bulb

For a complete inspection checklist, see our Move-Out Inspection Checklist.

5.4 Hallways, Stairs, and Landings

Carpet Condition on Stairs

High-traffic wear and staining on stair carpet is checked from multiple angles .

Why it’s checked: High visibility area. Stains are damage, not wear.

Cost of missing it: £50-£150

Walls at Shoulder Height

Scuff marks from moving furniture, bags, and everyday contact .

Why it’s checked: Visible and easy to spot.

Cost of missing it: £30-£80

Door Frames and Doors

Marks, scratches, and chips on internal doors—especially near handles .

Why it’s checked: Door handles are high-touch areas that show neglect.

Cost of missing it: £30-£60

5.5 Garden and External Areas

If outside space is part of your tenancy, it must be left tidy .

Garden/Terrace/Balcony Condition

If the outdoor space is your responsibility, it must match check-in condition . This catches tenants who forget outside areas exist on the inspection .

Why it’s checked: 14% of deposit disputes involve garden issues.

Cost of missing it: £80-£200

Bins Emptied and Cleaned

Rubbish left behind is an easy deduction—removal costs are added to the checkout report .

Why it’s checked: Clear responsibility. Easy to document.

Cost of missing it: £30-£60

5.6 Admin and Documentation

All Keys Returned

Every agency mentions this. Unreturned keys = lock-change charges deducted from your deposit .

Why it’s checked: Security issue. Landlords must change locks.

Cost of missing it: £50-£150

Meter Readings Photographed

Foxtons specifically tells tenants to photograph meters on the last day. Prevents utility disputes .

Why it’s checked: Ensures utility liability ends at check-out.

Cost of missing it: Utility bills may be disputed

Items Removed

Nothing left that wasn’t there at check-in. Foxtons flags disposal charges as an easy deduction .

Why it’s checked: Removal costs are undisputable.

Cost of missing it: £50-£200

What Inventory Clerks Look For: The Professional Standard

Inventory clerks follow a systematic, professional standard. Here’s what you need to know.

The Three-Step Comparison

Every checkout inspection follows the same three-step process :

  1. Find the check-in baseline: The inventory report plus photos

  2. Compare against current state: What condition is it in now?

  3. Determine responsibility: Are differences fair wear and tear or tenant responsibility?

Standard Assessment Criteria

The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) sets the professional standards. Clerks assess:

  • Cleanliness throughout the property

  • Damage beyond fair wear and tear

  • Missing items if the property was furnished

  • Condition of walls, flooring, and fixtures

  • Gardens or outside spaces

  • Any signs of maintenance problems

The check-in inventory defines the standard. If the property was described as “domestically clean” at check-in, the landlord can’t demand “professionally clean” at check-out .

Descriptions Must Be Specific

Adjudicators dismiss vague descriptions. “Not clean” on an oven means very little. “Small crumbs to base, slight grease marks to back of oven” is specific and defensible . Professional clerks are trained to write descriptions that will survive adjudication—which is why landlords use them .

The Photography Evidence: Why Photos Matter

A checkout report for a standard 2-bedroom flat typically contains 100-200 photographs . Understanding what’s photographed and why helps you prepare—and know what to photograph yourself as counter-evidence.

Types of Photography Used

Overview Shots

Every room photographed from the doorway and from opposite corners. Shows the general state of the room. Establishes context before close-up evidence .

Close-Up Defects

Any issue gets a close-up photo: limescale on taps, grease in ovens, mould on seals, marks on walls. This is the evidence that drives deposit deductions. A close-up of limescale on a tap is hard to argue with .

Date & Time Stamps

All photos are date and time stamped—either by camera metadata or stamped on the image itself. Proves the photos were taken at the specific checkout date .

Comparison Shots

Checkout photos are presented alongside check-in photos of the same area. Side-by-side comparison shows deterioration. Makes it easy for adjudicators to see the difference .

Why Your Own Photos Matter

Taking your own date-stamped photos before the clerk arrives is essential . If the clerk notes something you disagree with, your photos are counter-evidence. See our Move-Out Inspection Checklist for exactly what to photograph.

Fair Wear and Tear vs. Damage: What’s Your Responsibility?

Understanding the distinction between fair wear and tear and damage is crucial. Inventory clerks are trained on these principles from the TDS and DPS .

Fair Wear and Tear—Allowed, No Deduction

Examples:

  • Scuff marks on hallway walls from normal use (more occupants = more wear expected)

  • Faded curtains or carpet from sunlight (tenants can’t control the “ordinary operation of natural forces”)

  • Minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas (after 2-3 years, hallway carpet will show wear)

  • Small nail holes from hanging pictures (reasonable number of picture hooks is normal use—check your tenancy agreement)

Not Wear and Tear—Tenant’s Responsibility

Examples:

  • Mould in bathroom grout and seals: Mould is not wear and tear—it’s caused by lack of ventilation or cleaning. Tenants are expected to manage mould by using extractor fans and wiping surfaces. Exception: if there’s no window AND no extractor fan, a mould claim would likely fail .

  • Grease build-up in the oven and extractor: Cooking grease is not wear and tear. It’s the result of use without cleaning .

  • Limescale on bathroom fixtures: Builds up from lack of regular cleaning. Tenant responsibility .

  • Burns, stains, or tears in carpets: Burns and stains from spills are damage. Carpet tears from pets or furniture dragging are also damage .

  • Wall holes from pictures, TVs, brackets: Foxtons explicitly flags this—tenants must fill and repair holes .

For more on what landlords can legally deduct, see our guide on reasons tenants lose deposits.

Portsmouth-Specific Inspection Focus Areas

Portsmouth’s unique characteristics affect what letting agents inspect.

9.1 Hard Water Limescale

Portsmouth has moderately hard to hard water. This creates significant limescale issues that letting agents actively check .

What inspectors look for:

  • Limescale on taps and fixtures

  • White deposits on shower screens

  • Limescale buildup in kettles and appliances

What happens if you miss it: Limescale deductions of £40-£90 per bathroom are common.

How to protect yourself: Use a descaling product throughout the bathroom. For more, see our March Out Cleaning Cost guide.

9.2 Victorian Property Features

Southsea’s Victorian properties have features that require specific attention .

What inspectors look for:

  • Sash window runner tracks (must be free of debris)

  • Original features (require careful cleaning)

  • Period tiles (specific cleaning methods required)

  • Less ventilation (can lead to mould issues)

What happens if you miss it: Window runner tracks: £30-£60 if neglected. Grout mould: £60-£120 deduction.

How to protect yourself: Clean window runner tracks carefully. For more, see our forgotten areas tenants never clean guide.

9.3 Student Property Considerations

Portsmouth’s student rental market means many tenants are moving during exam periods . Letting agents in student areas are experienced at checking the areas students typically miss .

What inspectors look for:

  • Heavy kitchen use (students often don’t deep-clean regularly)

  • Shared responsibility failures (who cleaned what?)

  • High-traffic wear on carpets

  • Bathroom limescale from hard water

What happens if you miss it: Multiple shared issues lead to larger deductions—and disputes about who’s responsible.

How to protect yourself: Agree a cleaning rota. Split the cost of professional cleaning. Book early to avoid peak season premiums.

9.4 Military and MOD Accommodation

Service families face particularly high standards for march-out inspections .

What inspectors look for:

  • Higher standards than civilian

  • Garden maintenance required

  • DIO inspection compliance

What happens if you miss it: Failed inspections mean re-charges and potential deductions.

How to protect yourself: See our dedicated March Out Cleaning guide.

What Happens During the Checkout Inspection

The checkout follows a structured process. Understanding each step helps you know what to expect and what to prepare for.

Step 1: Comparison Against the Check-In Inventory

The clerk works through the property using the original check-in report as the reference document. Every room, every item, and every fixture listed in the check-in is re-assessed at checkout. The same format and terminology is used so the two reports can be directly compared .

Step 2: Room-by-Room Condition Assessment

Every room is assessed systematically: walls, ceilings, floors, windows, fixtures, fittings, and the standard of cleanliness. The clerk notes any changes from the check-in condition—damage, marks, cleaning shortfalls, missing items, and maintenance issues .

Step 3: Written and Photographic Documentation

Each issue is described in writing using specific, descriptive language—not vague terms like ‘not clean.’ Photographs are taken alongside every written note, date-stamped for evidence .

Step 4: Responsibility Assignment

For every item that’s changed since check-in, the report states whether the responsibility sits with the tenant, the landlord, or whether it’s fair wear and tear .

Step 5: Report Delivery

The report is delivered electronically to the letting agent, and through them to both landlord and tenant . If your agent uses a portal like Foxtons, deductions can appear within 3 days of move-out .

Your right to attend: You have the right to attend the checkout inspection. If your agent refuses, this contradicts official guidance and you should challenge it . If you cannot attend, take your own photos before the inspection .

How to Prepare: A Five-Step Action Plan

Here’s how to ensure you’re fully prepared for your checkout inspection.

Step 1: Get a Professional End of Tenancy Clean

A professional end of tenancy clean covers every area that inventory clerks assess—ovens, extractor fans, behind appliances, window tracks, bathroom fixtures, cupboard interiors . If the check-in says “professionally cleaned,” that’s the bar you need to clear—a DIY clean, no matter how thorough, may not be considered sufficient .

Why this matters: No Letting Go’s guidance is clear: if a landlord had the property professionally cleaned before the tenancy started, they can insist on a professional clean at the end . The receipt from a professional clean matches the standard that was set.

Step 2: Review Your Check-In Report Before the Checkout

The check-in report is the baseline. Read it before the checkout so you know what standard you’re being measured against. If the check-in says the oven was “clean with some residue to base”—that’s the standard you need to match, not better .

Step 3: Photograph Everything Yourself

Take your own date-stamped photos of every room, every surface, and every area the clerk will check. Open the oven. Get behind the fridge if you can. Photograph window tracks, bathroom taps, skirting boards. If the clerk notes something you disagree with, your photos are counter-evidence .

Step 4: Focus on High-Risk Areas First

Kitchen and bathroom are always the highest-priority areas. Oven, behind appliances, limescale, and mould account for the majority of deductions . For a complete checklist, see our forgotten areas tenants never clean guide.

Step 5: Schedule the Clean 1-3 Days Before Checkout

Don’t clean the day of checkout—it’s too tight. Professional cleaners offer 48-72 hour reclean guarantees, meaning if the checkout flags issues, they can return and fix them . But only if there’s time between the clean and the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my letting agent refuse me attending the checkout inspection?

A: No. Agents must take all reasonable steps to ensure the final inspection is conducted in the presence of the tenant . If an agent refuses, this contradicts official guidance .

Q: What is the most common reason for deposit deductions?

A: Cleaning. 54% of all deposit disputes involve cleaning, and 63% of tenants who lost deposit money cited cleaning fees as a reason. The kitchen (especially the oven) and bathrooms (especially limescale) are the highest-risk areas.

Q: How many photos are in a typical checkout report?

A: A checkout report for a standard 2-bedroom flat typically contains 100-200 photographs .

Q: What’s the difference between fair wear and tear and damage?

A: Fair wear and tear is natural deterioration from normal use—faded curtains, slightly worn carpets, scuff marks. Damage is negligent or excessive harm—burns on carpets, holes in walls, limescale buildup. For more, see our top reasons tenants lose deposits guide.

Q: Do I need a professional clean if my tenancy agreement says so?

A: Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot require you to pay for professional cleaning as a condition of the tenancy. However, if the check-in inventory records the property as “professionally cleaned,” you may need a professional clean to match that standard . For more, see our guide on what landlords can legally charge.

Q: What do letting agents check in Portsmouth specifically?

A: Portsmouth agents are particularly vigilant about limescale (from hard water), Victorian property features (sash windows, period tiles), and areas common in student properties (kitchens, shared spaces).

Knowledge Is Your Best Defence

Understanding what letting agents actually inspect is your first—and most important—line of defence for protecting your deposit. The checkout inspection isn’t subjective. It’s a comparison exercise based on your check-in inventory .

The Key Takeaways

 
 
Inspection AreaRisk LevelWhat Inspectors Look For
Kitchen (Oven, Extractor, Behind Appliances)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGHESTGrease, carbon, hidden dirt
Bathroom (Limescale, Mould, Grout)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGHESTScale, mould, discolouration
Carpets and Floors⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGHStains, burns, wear beyond normal
Walls (Holes, Scuffs)⭐⭐⭐ MEDIUMHoles from pictures, marks
Garden and External⭐⭐ MEDIUMOvergrown, untidy, rubbish
Admin (Keys, Meters, Belongings)⭐⭐ MEDIUMMissing keys, items left behind

The Professional Advantage

Inventory clerks are paid to find what you missed. They work methodically, photograph everything, and write reports designed to survive adjudication. This is why professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is so effective—it covers every area clerks check .

If you’re preparing for a checkout in Portsmouth, don’t risk your deposit to missed areas you never even knew were inspected. A professional clean with a guarantee is often the most cost-effective way to ensure your deposit is returned in full.


Contact End of Tenancy Portsmouth

📞 Phone: 0203 677 5482
📧 Email: info@endoftenancyportsmouth.co.uk
🌐 Website: https://endoftenancyportsmouth.co.uk/

Areas We Cover: Portsmouth city centre, Southsea, Cosham, Fratton, Hilsea, North End, Gunwharf Quays, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Chichester, Emsworth, and surrounding Hampshire areas.


Additional Resources for Portsmouth Tenants

 
 
 
This guide was prepared by Nick Vasilev CEO and professional cleaner with more that 15 years of experience . The guide is based on current MOD march out standards and DIO inspection procedures. While comprehensive, always consult your SFA (Regional) office and march-in inventory for your specific property requirements. Standards and procedures may vary by region and property type.