As a tenant you probably want to make sure that you get your deposit back. In this article we have included some guidance on how to make sure the property is left in the right condition.
Pre-move out date
When moving out there is a lot to consider some of which is covered below.
You have already agreed your end of tenancy date. Make sure you have the opportunity to clean/decorate/tidy up etc before the end date.
- Pre-check-out: if you have any concerns you may want the landlord or one of their representatives to visit the property ahead of the formal check-out to give you some indication as to what their standards are. This is chance to obtain a list of any works that they expect. This should help to ensure that once you have vacated that there will be no problems with the return of your deposit
- Request guidelines: if it is not possible to arrange a pre-check-out in person then you may want to request the landlord send a copy of their guidelines if they have any to you.
- Check your move-in inventory: This is the benchmark for how the property should be once you vacate. Any landlord or inventory clerk will need to take into consideration "fair wear and tear" when doing this. They will also need to consider any ongoing or historic maintenance that has taken place whilst you lived in the property. If your landlord accepted pets, allowed you to smoke or there were children in the property then they will also need to take these into consideration when checking the property.
- Should I use a Professional Cleaning Company: entirely your choice and this may depend on how much time you have. Some tenants hire professional cleaning companies to thoroughly clean the property.
- Empty Property first: It is recommended to remove all your belongings from the property before cleaning the property. A lot of mess (and damage) is often caused while boxing and moving items out of the property.
- Check the bin collection day and ensure all the rubbish is removed: If there are items of furniture that you don't want speak to your landlords and try not to leave any of your possessions behind. Make sure you dispose of all rubbish properly. If the collection day does not tally with your move-out day then make sure that you inform your landlord and make arrangements for your bins to be left in the appropriate place at the appropriate time. Also remember to check all your cupboards, garage, loft, shed etc.
- Gardens: you need to ensure that you have made sure the garden is in the condition it was when your tenancy commenced. It is important to consider the time of year.
- Take pictures: take detailed pictures of the property after it’s been cleaned and all your personal belongings have been vacated, so you have proof of how you leave it.
- Condition and cleanliness of the property: Most disputes around deposits stem from the cleanliness of the property. As everyone's definition of "clean" may differ. This is why building a relationship with your landlord is crucial as you will have a better understanding of their expectations. It is also useful to check your tenancy agreement to understand what the stipulations are in terms of the return of the property and items/appliances in the same condition. Remember that if you fail to return the property in the condition it came in, the landlord can use your deposit to ensure it is.
- Cancel any standing orders and direct debits for rent payments: make sure as soon as you know that you are moving out speak to your bank or access your online account to do this as soon as possible. You wouldn't want to be paying two lots of rent.
- Change your address details: don't forget to redirect your mail.
- Utilities and other paid services: Contact all your utility suppliers and subscription-based services and make them aware that you’ll be vacating the property. Utilities can include council tax water, electricity, gas, telephone and broadband, media services and TV licence. On the day you move out, don’t forget to take necessary meter readings so you can provide them to your suppliers in order to close your account and pay off any outstanding balances. We recommend taking photos of the meters to avoid any conflicting readings. Don't forget to settle any final bills.
- Keys : Ensure you return all the keys you were given at the commencement of your tenancy are returned to the landlord and any additional sets you may have cut during the tenancy. You may want to check your inventory or a key sheet if the landlord has supplied you with
- Deposit : By move-out day you should have removed all your personal belongings and returned the property in the condition you received it in. At this point, the landlord or agent should do a final inspection with you. Assuming there is no dispute, your deposit should be returned to you with in 10 days of you both agreeing to how much you’ll get back. If there is a dispute, then your deposit will be held and protected in the deposit scheme until the issue is resolved.