Moving Out Checklist For Tenants
Posted on 23rd October 2019 at 12:32
Give Notice To The Landlord
Check your tenancy agreement to see how much notice you need to give to your landlord. You will need to inform your landlord or managing agent in writing that you would like to vacate the property and a moving out date and final inspection will be arranged. Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract so you will need to adhere to the terms stated.
Inspect The Property
In order to get your deposit back, you will need to make sure the property is left in the same condition it was at the start of your tenancy. Thoroughly clean all the rooms in the property and make sure you leave the garden tidy. Lock all the windows and doors when you leave and make sure all appliances are turned off.
Refer to the inventory that you were given initially. This will state the condition of the property and any items that were present at the start of the tenancy. You should make sure any appliances and furniture are left where you found them and advise your landlord or agent if anything is missing or damaged. If anything is missing, it’s a good idea to replace it before the final inspection to avoid deductions from your deposit. Take photos of the property condition before you leave for your own records and to avoid any discrepancies.
Take Meter Readings
Before you move out of a property, it’s wise to make a note of the final meter readings. You should take a reading for your gas, electric and water supply. This will avoid the meter readings being estimated by the provider and ensure you will only pay for exactly what you have used up until the day you move out.
Settle Any Outstanding Bills
Settle any outstanding bills before you leave the property and make sure you don’t owe any additional rent. Contact your TV and internet providers to make sure that your payments are up to date and to let them know that you are moving out of the property. Make sure you request final bills from your utility providers and pay them in full.
Arrange Utilities For Your New Home
You will need to arrange electricity and gas suppliers for your new property. You’ll also need to contact United Utilities to advise of the change of address.
Arrange Contents Insurance For Your New Home
Don’t forget to arrange contents insurance for your new property to make sure that you are covered straight away when you move into your new home. If you are purchasing a property, you will also need to arrange buildings insurance.
Redirect Your Mail
Don’t forget to redirect your mail to your new address. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important documents and prevent anyone else from having access to your mail. You can find information regarding mail redirection here.
Handover The Keys
Arrange a time to hand over the keys back to your landlord or letting agent. You’ll need to return every set of keys as well as any cark park fobs.
Notify Organisations of Your New Address
You will need to notify the council of your moving out date and provide them with a forwarding address. You’ll also need to contact your utility providers, the DVLA, your bank, building society, any insurance providers, your employer and your doctor as well as any other organisations you have agreements with.
Deposit Return
In order to get your full deposit back, the property must be left in the exact condition as it was at the start of your tenancy. Money may be deducted for any damage to the property or if any items within the property are missing or damaged.
You’ll need to request the return of your deposit from your landlord or agent. The property will be inspected and the deposit will be returned to you in full as long as there is no damage to the property or its contents. If you have signed an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, your landlord is legally required to hold your deposit in a scheme such as the DPS (deposit protection scheme). Your landlord will release the money to you at the end of your tenancy (as long as there are no issues raised) and you should receive it within 10 days.
Tagged as: Residential, Tenants
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