Tenant’s Moving Out Checklist

Tenant’s Moving Out Checklist

A moving out checklist can help both tenants and landlords when the tenancy ends. As well as reducing any stress that the move may cause, a checklist will also ensure you’re organised in time for the big day. To minimise the hassle, we’ve put together a tenant checklist so that you don’t miss anything important.

• Get all your tenancy documents together

This includes your tenancy agreement, move-in inventory, receipts of rental payments, details of your deposit protection scheme, contents insurance, and contracts for utility companies, phone, TV, and internet. Before moving to your new home, it’s important to review all existing contracts and be sure to change your address or cancel any agreements.

• Pay any outstanding bills and invoices

Unpaid rent is the most common reason as to why tenants lose their deposit. Make sure you’re up to date with payments with your landlord, utility provider, and any other service providers. Often TV, phone, internet, and utility providers will need to organise a final bill.

• Change your address and redirect your mail

Redirect your address at banks, schools, doctors, dentist, credit card companies, utility providers and anywhere else you receive letters from. You could also think about setting up a royal mail redirection service to ensure you don’t miss any letters!

• Make sure your property is in the same condition as when you moved in

It’s important to make sure the property is left in a good condition for the next tenant. Begin by emptying the property and then give every room a thorough clean from top to bottom. When you moved in, you will have been given a detailed inventory. Upon departure, it’s important to go around the entire property, ensuring it’s in the same condition as the move in inventory. Some signs of wear and tear will be expected but any major damage could mean money is taken from your deposit.

• Begin packing in advance

Packing the night before is never a good idea. Start a few weeks prior to your move and only keep what will fit in your new home. If you know that you’ll need a removal company, get in touch a month before to arrange a date and price. You’ll also need to invest in various sized boxes, tape, brown paper, and bubble wrap. When packing, pack boxes by room and label each box to help.

It’s also a good idea to pack an essentials bag which includes tea, a kettle, milk, a phone charger, towels, toiletries and any other essentials for the first night!

• On moving day

Once the property is empty, have one last check to make sure you’ve got everything. Take readings of all electric, gas, and water and take photographs for proof. We also advise people to take pictures of the property and its condition as evidence of how you left it.

When you’re ready to leave, lock up and return the keys to your letting agent or landlord. You can then collect your new keys!

• After you’ve moved…

Your letting agent and landlord will conduct a final inspection of the property, and provide feedback. Once this has been completed you should receive your deposit back.

If you have any questions about renting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.