Moving out is a fairly complex process which, alongside moving into your new home, can be stressful. Our guide provides helpful hints and tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
Giving notice
You need to give appropriate written notice of your intention to vacate the property. In assured tenancies, tenants are required to provide at least two months’ notice, but you should check your agreement or contact Property Management if you are unsure, however landlords cannot ask for more than two months.
End of tenancy form
Once notice has been received, a form may be sent to all tenants listed on the tenancy agreement to complete. This will typically request your forwarding address, bank details and information about the utility suppliers.
It is important to return this form promptly, as failing to do so may delay the return of your deposit.
Property condition and cleaning
We aim for your deposit return to be processed as quickly as possible and for your tenancy to end on a positive note. Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for delays or deductions from deposits.
Referring to your original inventory will help ensure the property is returned to the same standard of cleanliness and condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. If you cannot locate your copy of the inventory, please contact Property Management to request one.
You should also review your tenancy agreement for any relevant requirements. However, tenants cannot be required to arrange professional cleaning unless this is necessary to return the property to the same standard as when the tenancy began.
If you choose to clean the property yourself, it must be to an equivalent standard. Where cleaning does not meet this level, the reasonable cost of bringing the property back to that standard may be deducted from the deposit.
You may wish to ensure the property, its fixtures, and any outdoor space are left clean and tidy before vacating. If you use third-party contractors, it is advisable to keep receipts where relevant.
All items should be returned to their original position, particularly in furnished properties. If anything is missing or damaged, inform the landlord or letting agent before check-out so that the appropriate action can be agreed.
Domestic and recycling waste
Please ensure that all rubbish has been removed and that bins are left in the correct location for council collection.
Changes to the property
If you have made any alterations during your tenancy with the landlord’s consent, these should be reverted to their original condition unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Council Tax / Utilities
Contact all utility suppliers, including water, electricity, gas, broadband and media providers, to inform them of your move-out date.
You should provide final meter readings where applicable and give a forwarding address so that final bills can be issued correctly. Where required under your tenancy agreement, fuel supplies such as oil or propane should be returned to the agreed level.
You should also notify your local authority of your move-out date and provide a forwarding address for council tax purposes.
Change of details
To ensure your post reaches you, update your address with organisations such as your bank, insurance providers, employer, GP, DVLA, HMRC, and others.
You may also wish to set up a Royal Mail redirection service for a period after moving out.
Standing order cancellation
Once your final rent payment has been made, you should contact your bank to cancel your standing order. Payments will continue until you instruct your bank to stop them.
Key return
On your vacating date, you should return all keys, alarm fobs, remotes and any permits provided during your tenancy.
Once the keys have been returned, you will no longer have legal access to the property.
Checkout
A checkout inspection is usually carried out shortly after the tenancy ends. The condition of the property will be compared against the original inventory report.
It is recommended that you attend the checkout appointment where possible, as the report will form part of any discussions regarding your deposit.
Deposit return
Once the property condition has been agreed, your deposit will be returned, less any agreed deductions for cleaning, damage or outstanding costs where applicable.
If there is a disagreement, any undisputed amount can normally be released while the remaining balance is resolved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter can be referred to the deposit protection scheme, which offers a free and independent dispute resolution service.
