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Moving out of a rental property in the can be a complex process and, alongside moving into your new home, can be stressful. Our end of tenancy guide provides helpful hints and tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
Assured tenancies now continue on a rolling (periodic) basis. If you wish to remain in the property, it will usually continue unless either you or the landlord decides to end it in line with the law.
If changes to rent or tenancy terms are required, these must be agreed in accordance with current legislation.
Under current UK rental law, landlords must rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession, and tenants should always check their agreement if they are unsure of their notice requirements.
Once notice has been received, an end of tenancy form will be sent to all tenants named on the agreement. This will request your forwarding address, bank details, and information about utility suppliers.
It is important that this form is completed and returned promptly, as delays may affect your deposit return process.
As part of the end of tenancy process, cleaning is one of the most common reasons for deposit delays or deductions.
Referring to your original inventory will help ensure the property is returned to the same standard of cleanliness and condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. If you cannot locate your inventory, you should request a copy.
You should also check your tenancy agreement for any relevant requirements. However, tenants are not automatically required to arrange professional cleaning unless this is necessary to return the property to the same standard at the start of the tenancy.
If you choose to use a professional cleaning company, this may help ensure the required standard is met. If you clean the property yourself, it must be to an equivalent standard. Where this is not achieved, reasonable cleaning costs may be deducted from the deposit.
If your property includes a garden, it should be left in a tidy and seasonal condition in line with the original inventory. You may choose to use a professional gardener if required, but this is optional unless the garden needs to be returned to its original condition.
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.
Once your final rent payment has been made, you should contact your bank to cancel your standing order. Payments will continue until you instruct your bank to stop them.
Please note that any charges relating to failed payments or admin processes must comply with current legislation and should only apply where contractually agreed.
As part of your tenant moving checklist, you should contact utility providers and your local council to close or transfer your accounts. You will need to provide final meter readings and a forwarding address so final bills can be issued accurately.
On your vacating date, you must return all keys, alarm fobs, remotes and any permits provided during your tenancy. Once keys are returned, you will no longer have legal access to the property.
The checkout inspection usually takes place shortly after the tenancy ends. The property condition will be assessed against the original inventory report. Before checkout, it is your responsibility to ensure the property is returned to the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.
You should also arrange mail redirection, as any post received after you vacate may be returned to sender.
Frost’s are members of a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, MyDeposits. During the deposit return process, we act as an impartial party to ensure a fair outcome.
Following the checkout, the report will be shared with both you and the landlord. The landlord may propose deductions based on the condition of the property. If deductions are proposed, the landlord will need to provide proof that they have incurred that loss. Any undisputed amount can usually be returned while the remaining balance is agreed. If agreement cannot be reached, the dispute can be referred to the tenancy deposit scheme, which offers a free and independent resolution service. If rent arrears or damages exceed the deposit amount, further recovery action may be pursued in line with the tenancy agreement.
If you are moving out of a rental property during winter, you should leave the heating on a low setting (typically around 15–17°C) to help prevent issues such as frozen pipes and damp.
