If this is your first time renting and checking out of a property then don’t worry. We will cover every process, making it clear what you need to do to minimise unwanted costs.
Prior to check out
You will have been given an inventory report on moving in which is a record of the condition and contents in the property on your tenancy start date. This will give you an indication as to how it should be returned at the end of the tenancy.
We always advise on the day of moving in that you run through the report, note any additional comments and return it to us within 7 working days. If you have added notes please return the document to the agent who will take a copy for their file (if you are unable to locate the report then please request a copy from your local agent). Please also refer to your tenancy agreement regarding tenant responsibilities which will provide you with further information as to how you should maintain and return the property. For example the tenancy agreement will describe the cleaning at the end of the tenancy as to whether you are required to use a professional cleaner or are able to clean it yourself to the ‘same clean state’.
In addition to the above, we have listed below some helpful points that you should consider: –
- Replace any bulbs that are not working,
- With any managed property the agent will contact the utility supplier on your behalf, however you will be required to provide a forwarding address. Please ensure that all bills are paid in full. The inventory clerk will note the meter readings on the check-out report.
- If unmanaged, the landlord will normally notify the utility suppliers on your behalf, providing you have given them a forwarding address. Again, please ensure that all bills are paid in full.
- Empty all outside bins.
- Action a re-direct for all post.
- Instruct a window cleaner for the external windows.
- If there is a usable fire or log burner, have the chimney swept.
- Defrost the freezer.
- Inform your telephone provider that you are moving within their timescales
- Ensure any items of furniture are in the same places as they were at the beginning of the tenancy as per the inventory. This will make it clear for the inventory clerk when doing the check out.
- Tidy any gardens, cut grass, weed flowerbeds etc to a satisfactory seasonal standard.
- Any personal items should be removed.
- Cross-check the inventory check in. This is the best indicator as to how you are required to leave the property.
- If the property is professionally cleaned, please provide a copy of the invoice to your agent or the landlord.
On check out day
Right it’s now time! You will have been sent a letter providing a designated time for the check out to take place. You will have gone through the inventory and your responsibilities, using a professional cleaner if required and carried out any repair works to ensure the property is being returned in the same state that you received it. Doing all this will make the whole process run smoother and a lot quicker.
Deposit return
The inventory clerk will use the report taken at the beginning of the tenancy and compare this to the condition of the property on your move out. A report will produced within 48 hours advising the landlord/agent of any changes/damage that are above fair wear and tear.
Once we have been provided with this document we will check it against the original inventory and email the landlord with the findings.
You will need to log into the Deposit Protection Scheme website with the username and password provided to you at the beginning of the tenancy and request your deposit money back. The landlord will then be required to reply within 14 working days.
Please see below a video on how to action this login and repayment request.
If you have followed the above and returned the property in a good clean state, using professional cleaners if required, there should be no claims. The deposit will then be returned in full.
If the landlord has been notified of any dilapidations and feel that they wish to make deductions from your deposit they will advise what they will be claiming for and at what cost. These costs and an explanation will be sent to the deposit protection scheme and we will forward a letter to you with the breakdown. You will then be required to login back in and either agree or dispute the claims. If you agree to these costs they will be deducted from your deposit total and the remainder will be sent to you.
If you dispute them then this will be sent to an arbitrator who will request evidence from both parties and make a final decision on whether the landlord will be awarded the claims or not.
Please note that we are purely working as an intermediary between yourself and the landlord and the final decision as to whether they wish to pursue a claim is solely down to them once they have been given evidence via the check-out report.
Should you require further details on the processes of check-in/out and your deposit then please do not hesitate to call our Hassocks branch on 01273 841482 or Haywards Heath branch on 01444 414931 when we would be more than happy to go through them.