If you’re coming to the end of your tenancy and want to move out, you might be wondering what to do next. To help make sure your rented property is in order before you pack up and move onto your new home, we've put together this handy guide.
Give notice to end your tenancy
If you are on a fixed-term tenancy agreement, ensure to read through your AST and check what notice you need to give. This will be found under the Break Clause. If you are on a periodic tenancy, then you need to give your landlord one month notice to leave the property.
Always check the terms of your agreement as contracts vary from one agent to another, and ask for different lengths of notice you have to give.
Getting started
Once you’ve notified your landlord or letting agency, make sure you have all paperwork in order, these are your tenancy agreement and any other written accompanying documents, such as your deposit, move-in inventory report and a copy of EPC and the Gas Safety Certificate.
In case you are missing any of the papers mentioned, you can request copies and receipts from your landlord or agency.
Notifying companies of your move 📬
I am sure you wouldn't like to You should make arrangements for your post to be redirected at least two weeks prior to vacating the property, it is not the landlord or future tenant’s responsibility to forward this on.
Make sure you cancel any standing orders to your landlord or letting agency once the tenancy has come to an end, and don’t forget to notify any utility companies and service providers of your move—remember to provide a final meter reading on your last day too.
We've put together a handy change of address checklist to help you keep on top of your contacts—print it out and tick them off.
Do a deep clean 🧹
Cleaning is the number one reason for landlord/tenant deposit disputes, so the cleaner and tidier you leave the property, the more likely you are to get your full deposit back.
If you’re feeling brave, crack out the marigolds and get stuck in. If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, however, you can always arrange for a professional, end of tenancy cleaning, prior to your check-out appointment. The upholstery, carpets, windows, curtains, appliances, gutters and outdoor areas will all need to be returned to the same state they were in at the start of your tenancy.
If you do a hire a professional company to clean the property, then make sure you keep any receipts from them as proof of the clean and to avoid any disputes over your deposit.
All rubbish or personal belongings should be removed and light bulbs replaced (where necessary). Any decorative damage, such as holes caused by picture hooks etc, must be repaired before the inventory check-out is conducted.
Note: Your landlord cannot demand you use a professional cleaning company. You simply have to return the property in the same condition as when you moved in.
Take photos 📸
Once you have tidied the property, cleaned everything, repaired any damage and removed your belongings, then it is highly recommended that you take pictures of every room in the property and close-ups of any furniture or appliances, preferably with a time stamp.
If any parts of the property were damaged or stained when you moved in, then be sure to take pictures of these when you leave as well.
The more pictures you take the better, as they can be used as evidence for any deposit disputes that arise.
Check-out inventory ✅
Much like when you move into a property, an inventory should also be completed when you move out. This allows your landlord to identify any deterioration in the condition of the property during the tenancy and inspect the general cleanliness.
Your landlord or letting agent will contact you to arrange the inventory check-out, but it usually takes place a couple of days prior, or on the day of departure. However, we recommend taking your own photos and a video of every room and making comprehensive notes of any faults before this.
TOP TIP: when moving into a new rental home, make sure to take pictures of the property’s condition, and email them to your landlord and agency, which you can then refer back to once your tenancy ends.
Your check-in inventory can be a great tool when moving out, so make sure to go through the original report well in advance of your departure and put back any items that have been moved or put into storage during your tenancy.
Remember to check your tenancy agreement for references to fair wear and tear – this is the process of general wear that landlords must take into account when a tenant leaves a property. Your landlord must make allowances for:
the age, quality and condition of any item at the start of the tenancy;
the average useful lifespan of the item;
the reasonable expected usage of such an item;
the number and type of occupants in the property; and
the length of tenancy.
If any further maintenance is required at the end of your tenancy, it’s advisable to get your own repair cost estimates and forward them to your landlord in order to kick-start the process of necessary work taking place.
If your landlord hasn’t arranged a check-in or check-out inventory, then they will struggle to dispute any deposit deductions with you. In this case, make sure you have as much evidence on the state of the property before you move out so that you are in a better position.
Return your keys 🔑
When you leave a property, it is essential that the property is locked up, and all copies of the keys are returned.
Keys are usually required to be given back by the move out date (although we recommend checking this with your landlord) and when you hand them over, make sure they are clearly labelled with your name and the property address.
They are best returned in person; however, some letting agents or landlords may allow you to return them by post. If you do choose to mail the keys to your landlord or agent, you will be responsible should they go awry during delivery.
It’s worthwhile asking your letting agent or landlord for a receipt or written confirmation that they have received the keys, which we would recommend holding on to until you have had your security deposit back.
If you fail to return your keys by the specified date, your landlord or letting agent may deduct the cost of replacing the locks from your deposit.
Get your deposit back 💰
Your letting agent or landlord will contact you directly to discuss any estimated costs for damage following the check-out report. In most cases, a full refund of your deposit will be given provided there is no damage to the property.
Where the agent holds the deposit, the agent will need written confirmation from both you and your landlord in order to pay deposit monies to either party. Your tenancy agreement detail provisions relating to the return of the deposit.
For more information on how to avoid deductions, take a look at our guide to getting your deposit back.
Check your tenancy deposit is protected
There are 3 deposit protection scheme providers.
Your landlord or agent chooses which scheme to use. They must give you certain written information about where your deposit is protected.
Use the scheme websites to check your deposit is protected:
3. mydeposits
You need a postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount to search.
If you are having problems accessing your online account you can call your scheme:
1. Deposit Protection Service (DPS) - 0330 303 0030 2. Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) - 0300 037 1000 3. Mydeposits - 0333 321 9401
What to do if you can't find your deposit
If you have a joint tenancy, try searching again using another tenant's surname.
Check the tenancy deposit protection rules to see when your deposit must be protected.
Having Troubles with your current Landlord or Agent?
Contact us ✌️
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