Give notice
- If you are on a fixed-term tenancy, read through your tenancy agreement to check what terms are outlined and how much notice you need to give. If you are on a periodic then you need to give your landlord one month's notice to leave the property, usually in line with a rent date.
Deep clean
- Cleaning is the number one reason for tenancy deposit disputes. Following the Tenant Fees Act, it is no longer permitted for your landlord or letting agent to insist that the property is professionally cleaned, however the property must be given back to the same cleanliness level that was noted in your inventory when you moved in.
If you do choose to have the property professionally cleaned, make sure you keep any receipts as proof of the clean and to use as evidence should a deposit dispute arise. Note that all rubbish and personal belongings must be removed, if the outdoor bin is full you will need to remove excess bin bags from the property.
Carry out minor repairs
- Fix any decorative damage such as small holes caused by picture hooks or screws unless you've had written permission to make these. If you've painted any walls a different colour without the landlord's consent then you will need to return them to their original colour. Don't forget to replace any broken light bulbs if they were working when you moved in.
Take photos
- Once you have cleaned, repaired and removed your belongings, then it is highly recommended that you take pictures of every room and close-ups of any furniture or appliances.
This is your opportunity to gather evidence should the need arise for it in a deposit dispute, so the more pictures you take the better. Landlords must do the same and be able to prove any deductions they intend to make from a tenancy deposit.
Use the original inventory report to see if anything was damaged/stained/marked when you moved in and use it to compare with how the property is now. Put back any items that have been moved or put into storage during your tenancy.
Check-out
- Much like when you move into a property, a 'check out' should be completed when you move out. This is a report which can be used by the Landlord or agent as evidence should anything be out of line from the original inventory report.
If your landlord hasn’t arranged for an inventory or check-out report then they will struggle to dispute any deposit deductions with the tenancy deposit scheme.
Return the keys
- It is essential that you make sure the property is locked up and all keys are returned to the agent/Landlord. Keys are usually required to be given back by the move-out date. It’s worthwhile asking your letting agent or landlord for a written confirmation of their return.
Notify utility companies
- Don't forget to take a final meter reading on the last day of your tenancy. You will need to notify the utility companies for gas, electricity and water and they will require a final meter reading.
Change of address
- You should make arrangements for your post to be redirected at least two weeks prior to vacating the property - it may not be possible to collect and forward on any post which is mistakenly delivered to the property.
