Moving out of a rental property

You need to give appropriate written notice of your intention to vacate the property in line with the terms of your tenancy agreement. Under the Renters' Rights Act, most renters will normally need to give at least two months’ notice, unless otherwise specified in your contract. The maximum notice a landlord can require is two months.

Once notice has been received, we may send a form for all tenants named on the tenancy agreement to complete. This will request your forwarding address, bank details and information about utility suppliers.

It is important that this form is returned promptly, as delays in providing this information may slow down the return of your deposit.

At the end of the tenancy, the property should be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Providing there is no outstanding rent and no agreed costs for cleaning or repairs, your security deposit will be returned in full. The deposit is legally the property of the tenant unless proven otherwise. Where the landlord requests deductions from the deposit, they must provide evidence that they have incurred that loss (e.g. photos of damages and corresponding invoices for repairs).

If there is a dispute, the deposit protection scheme used to protect your deposit offers a free and independent resolution service.

Referring to your original inventory will help ensure that you return the property to the same standard of cleanliness and condition as at the start of the tenancy. If you cannot locate your copy, please contact Property Management to request one.

You should take note of any specific requirements set out in your tenancy agreement, such as specialist cleaning where appropriate. However, tenants cannot be required to use a professional cleaning service.

Other tasks you may wish to consider include ensuring the property, garden and any furnishings are left clean and tidy. If you use third party contractors, it is advisable to keep receipts where relevant.

Make sure items are returned to their original positions, particularly in furnished properties. If anything is missing or damaged, inform the landlord or letting agent before check-out to agree how best to resolve the issue.

Deposit return

Once the property condition has been agreed, your deposit will be returned to you, less any agreed deductions for damage, cleaning or outstanding costs where applicable.
If there is a disagreement, any undisputed amount can usually be released while the remaining balance is resolved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter can be referred to the deposit protection scheme, which offers a free and independent dispute resolution service.

Domestic and recycling waste

Please ensure that all rubbish is removed from the property and that bins are left in the correct position for council collection.

Changes to the property

If you have made any alterations to the property during your tenancy with the landlord’s consent, these should be returned to their original condition unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Contact all relevant utility suppliers (including water, electricity, gas, broadband and media providers) to inform them of your move-out date.

You should provide final meter readings where applicable and give a forwarding address so that final bills can be issued correctly. Where required under your tenancy agreement, oil or gas supplies should be returned to the agreed level.

You should also notify your local authority of your move-out date and provide a forwarding address for council tax purposes.

Change of details

To ensure your post reaches you, notify organisations holding your personal details of your new address, including your bank, insurance providers, employer, GP, DVLA and HMRC.

Setting up a Royal Mail redirection service for a short period after moving out can help prevent important mail from being missed.

Once your final rent payment has been made, you should contact your bank to cancel your standing order. Payments will continue until you instruct the bank to stop them.

A checkout inspection is normally carried out shortly after the tenancy ends. The condition of the property will be compared against the original inventory report.

It is recommended that you attend the checkout appointment where possible, as the report forms an important part of any discussions regarding your deposit.