As a tenant, you are responsible for leaving a rental property in the same condition as when you arrived. This means taking care of several aspects, from cleaning to handing the keys in. This blog is a tenant guide to checking out.
If you’re leaving your rental property, then there’s a good chance that your rental contract has come to an end. You might have recently had a read of this to check what the process is for leaving. You should ensure that you always have access to your tenancy agreement as it outlines important information.
Why is a successful check out important?
Checking out of your rental property successfully can help to reduce the risk of disputes and also increase the chances of you getting your deposit back quickly.
Landlords should return your deposit within ten days of agreeing how much money you should receive back. You may face deductions if you have caused any damage to the property. Fair wear and tear should not be included in this. Your money should be covered by a tenancy deposit scheme.
How do I know what needs to be done?
As a tenant, it can be tricky to know exactly what you need to do for a smooth check out, but your landlord and letting agent should help. Landlords should provide a list of requirements at least two weeks before you plan to leave the property. Landlords should also check out end of tenancy checklist for landlords.
If you are ever unsure of anything regarding your tenancy, you should get in contact with your letting agents who should be able to help.
Do I need to attend the check out?
It’s likely that you will need to be there for the property check out. At the very least, you should organise someone else to be there on your behalf. Either your landlord or letting agent will be there to complete the check out inspection. At this point, you may also hand over the keys to the property.
What do I need to do to check out from my rental property?
Clean the property
It’s very important that you clean the property to a high standard. Many tenants actually organise for a professional cleaning company to take care of this for them. If the property is not clean, then you may lose money from your security deposit.
Check the inventory report
When you moved into the property, you should have been given access to a detailed inventory. This contains a list of items that were in the property when you arrived. It may also have images of any existing damage in the property. Make sure that you only take furniture and items that belong to you, as you will be charged if there are any missing items at the final inspection.
Inform the landlord/letting agent of any damage
You should inform the letting agent of damage as it occurs but if there is damage that you have not told them about, then now is the time to do so. This may lead to deposit deductions. The letting agents will take time to assess the property’s condition and create a check out report.
Utility readings
Take meter readings for water, electricity, gas and more on the day that you move out. This means that you should not be held responsible for any bills after your move out date. Make sure that you have paid all final bills.
You’ll also need to organise returning the property keys to your letting agent. You may do this when checking out or soon after. Remember to redirect your post too!
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding your check out inspection. Ensuring a successful check out inspection reduces the risks of tenancy deposit disputes.
At Intus Lettings, we support both landlords and tenants with the check out process. We’ll support you throughout your tenancy journey. So, if you’re still looking for the perfect property, then contact us and we’ll let you know what we’ve got available. We are a dedicated property management company.
