Moving out of your rental is never an easy process, especially when it is your first time! The team here have been fortunate to be trusted to handle quite a few cleans over the past year. What surprises me is how many aren't given guidance, nor help because let’s face it, the deposit is the grand prize that's protected by T&C's in the contract!
Now, let’s go through some tips some I am sure you may know, however, many may not.
1. Review your tenancy contract and go through your Inventory Check-in:
Why is this important? The contract will at times tell you what your responsibility is for the property and what they expect you to do at your end of tenancy. Example, some contracts will request that you get the property professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy as this was done before you moved in. The Inventory Check-in document is one of the most important documents you will ever need when you are at your end of tenancy. This document is a report that contains the standard of different rooms in the property,
This document will describe:
How clean the room was
What damages are in the room, for example, deep scratch on the floor, missing door handle etcetera etcetera.
Images of the rooms, anything that needs to be shown in the report.
With the inventory check, it will give you a lot of help and evidence if you ever have to go to your deposit protection scheme to counter any deductions your landlord or lettings agency tries to take.
2. Find out which Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) your landlord/ lettings agency has used.
This information can be found in your tenancy agreement contract. This is a requirement that all landlords and lettings agencies must abide to, unless both parties have agreed otherwise. Here's the interesting part, if your landlord or lettings agency has not placed your deposit in a regulated DPS, despite the condition, they are likely obliged to return your full deposit.
The other reason why you need to know what service they used, is because most DPS provide a period of time where you can open a dispute, so it's imperative that you know this information and ensure that whatever deductions are agreed or disputed before the DPS deadline. 3. Cleaning is key!
Many tend to know that cleaning is a requirement at the end of the tenancy, therefore, ensure you thoroughly clean the property, including carpets, windows, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. Also check your contract, as within your contract it can request for a professional cleaner to clean your home. Despite us being a cleaning business, cleaning companies are here to take the task off your hands and give you your time back. Here, we offer an end of tenancy checklist that you can use, which will help provide guidelines.
4. Minor details, things you think don't matter usually do!
As surprising as this may sound, little things like replacing the lightbulb that doesn't work, the toilet seat that is broken but didn't report will need replacing by yourself. The other thing that many forget is if the wall markings are not simple wear and tear markings, you will need to paint those walls!
5. Gardening, yes, garden haircut is expected.
For those fortunate to have rented a property with a garden and a drive, it is expected that you trim the grass, and take out any weeds. The expectation is that you ensure the drive and the garden look the same as when you first moved into the property. This is why you should always keep the copy of your inventory document with you.
6. Repairing Damages
At times due to having busy lives, it is normal to forget to report damages in the property; the only downside of not reporting the damage, means you will now have to repair the damage. Unless you have written proof that your landlord/ property management company were/ are aware of the damage and they were due to repair the damage, the responsibility lies with you. This includes filling nail holes, repairing broken fixtures, and replacing any damaged items that were provided with the property.
7. Check-out time
At times, you can attend the check-out inspection with your landlord or letting agent. This allows you to discuss any issues and agree on the condition of the property. However, get everything in writing so you can have your disputes in written form, especially if you do not agree with the proposed deductions.
8. Document Everything!
If there's one thing you take away from this article, the need to document your interaction for your proof, just in case you have to get your case reviewed by DPS or if your landlord were to escalate, although very rare occasions to the county court. This is why having your interactions, be it SMS, WhatsApp, emails and any receipts for anything you have purchased for repairs or services for the property will come in handy!
9. Claim Deposit
After you have moved out, returned your keys, and agreed on deductions, you can now request the return of your agreed deposit from your landlord/ lettings agent or the tenancy deposit scheme where it is held.
10. Learn from the experience
Now that you’ve moved out and successfully received your deposit, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Whether you're preparing for your next end of tenancy or fortunate enough to buy a home, your insights are valuable. Share them with others who might benefit from the lessons you've learned.
We wish you all the best and thank you for reading our article!
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