Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, more space or downsizing, these end of tenancy tips offer you insight into some best practices from handing in your notice to ensuring you leave the rental property clean.
Giving notice
First things first: check your tenancy agreement, as this will explain how and to whom you should hand in your notice – to your letting agent or landlord.
Many tenancy agreements are fixed term tenancies, some of which include break clauses. A break clause allows you and the landlord to end the tenancy early (usually after a specified date). If you have a fixed-term tenancy, your contract should also outline any necessary details on when and how to end your rental agreement. To end your fixed term tenancy, you can either use the break clause in your contract or negotiate to end your tenancy early with your landlord or agent.
If you have a rolling contract tenancy or periodic tenancy, you simply need to give your landlord or agent written notice – which usually is a month. The details for this are stipulated in your rental contract.
For any specific questions regarding your tenancy, contact your local agent.
Cleaning and repairing
End of tenancy cleaning is a must. You can clean as you’re moving out and packing things up, but you may find it easiest to do, once you’ve moved your belongings out. In addition to giving the entire rental property a deep clean, repair any damages that occurred during your tenancy. This could include filling in any holes made from hanging up pictures, or if you painted, repainting the walls to their original colour from when you moved in.
Some repairs, like those mentioned above, are your responsibility, however there is also fair wear and tear, which is the gradual damage that occurs from living in a property over time. All agents and landlords must take this into account when inspecting the flat or house after you’ve moved out. Fair wear and tear can include the wearing away of carpets and other surfaces or faded upholstered furniture or curtains – what matters most is the difference in condition between when you first moved in to when you’re moving out.
Checking the inventory
Last, but certainly not least, compare the check-in inventory you were given at the beginning of your tenancy before you move out. In this way, you can be sure that you’ve completed all checks and are aware of any discrepancies. The agent and/or landlord will usually organise a check-out inspection to update the inventory. So by comparing it beforehand, you will already be prepared.
Before moving out completely and after you feel that everything is clean and repaired, take photos of each room. Although the check-out inspection should have covered most aspects and there shouldn’t be any surprises, by having (time stamped) photos, you have evidence that you can show if you end up in a dispute about deposit deductions.
