Moving Out

Moving out

 

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End of Tenancy checklist

When you move out of your property at the end of your tenancy, you should leave it in the same condition as when your tenancy started, allowing for fair wear and tear. It can be helpful to have a copy of your inventory, along with any photos or videos taken when you first moved in, to help you check that the property is returned to the appropriate condition.

Use our End of Tenancy checklist to make sure you do not forget anything important.

🟧 Donate any unwanted items to charity through the Give It Don’t Bin It campaign.

🟧 Thoroughly clean the whole property.

🟧 Check your inventory and take any necessary photos as evidence.

🟧 Take final meter readings and send them to your utility suppliers.

🟧 Inform the local council of your new address.

🟧 If you have had a fantastic landlord, tell us about them.

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Deposit Return

How to Get Your Depossit Back: Step-by Step-Guide for Students

Moving out soon? Follow these steps to avoid deposit deductions and make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Know Your Deposit Rights

🟧 Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days after mutual agreement.

🟧 Protect your deposit by following your tenancy agreement, paying all rent and bills, and avoiding damage.

2. Wear & Tear vs Damage

Landlords cannot deduct for fair wear and tear:

🟧 Light scuff marks on walls

🟧 Faded curtains

🟧 Slightly worn carpets

Landlords can deduct for damages:

🟧 Stains or burns in carpet

🟧 Broken furniture

🟧 Holes in walls

🟧 Missing items

3. Check your Inventory

🟧 Compare each room with your check-in report

🟧 Take clear photos

🟧 Note any changes

🟧 Attend the check-out inspection if possible

4. Clean to the Same Standard as Check-In

🟧 Landlords can charge for deep cleaning due to heavy dirt, grime, or smells.

🟧 Landlords cannot charge for professional cleaning unless the property was professionally cleaned at check-in.

Tip: Use your check-in photos to match the same cleanliness level.

5. Understand How Time Affects Wear

🟧 Longer tenancies naturally show more wear.

🟧 Different lifestyles cause different levels of use.

🟧 Damage is never counted as wear and tear.

6. No “Old for New” Charges

Landlords cannot replace an old item with a brand-new one using your deposit.

Example: If a carpet that is 5 years old is damaged, you would only be expected to pay for its remaining value, not the full cost of replacing it with a brand new carpet.

7. Make Sure All Rent and Bills Are Paid

Your landlord may deduct money for:

🟧 Rent arrears

🟧 Unpaid utility bills

🟧 Leaving the tenancy early without agreement or appropriate notice

8. Leave the Property Ready for Move-Out

🟧 Remove all rubbish

🟧 Take all belongings

🟧 Clean the propery thoroughly

🟧 Fix anything you are responsible for

🟧 Return your keys on time to avoid extra charges

For more information on deductions from your deposit, please visit Shelter.

If you’re in a dispute with your landlord, then your deposit will be protected in the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme until the issue is sorted out. All schemes provide a free dispute resolution service, which can be used if you and your landlord can't come to an agreement. Click here if you would like to read more about getting your deposit back.

 
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Final Step of Move Out

Once you are ready to move out, ensure that you have:

🟧 Completed everything on the check list

🟧 Taken all your belongings

🟧 Closed and locked all the windows and doors

🟧 Handed your key back to your landlord/ agent

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