As we all know, moving out of your rental can be a stressful business. But you can avoid a frantic panic on the big day by starting your end-of-tenancy preparations sooner rather than later. With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can streamline the process and avoid a last-minute scramble.
Once you’ve agreed on a moving date with your landlord or letting agent, follow this guide to ensure a smooth transition when moving out of your rental.
- Check out your check-in report: Review the inventory report you received on moving-in day. This outlines the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy. It’s your responsibility to return the property in the same condition (excluding fair wear and tear).
- Read your tenancy agreement: Re-read your contract (it may have been a while since you last looked at it) so you’re clear about what’s expected of you.
- Change of address: Notify your friends, family, bank, phone company, broadband provider, local authority, and utilities that you’ll be moving. Inform them of your check-out date and new address.
- Garden maintenance: If the property has a garden, ensure you’ve completed all necessary maintenance (such as weeding, mowing, or raking up leaves) as specified in your contract. Proper garden maintenance for rental properties is crucial to avoid any end-of-tenancy disputes.
- Pack: Start early by packing away clothes and other items you won’t need in the immediate future. Give away or dispose of any belongings you won’t be taking to your new place. A well-organised packing strategy can significantly ease the stress of moving out of your rental.
- Talk to your landlord/letting agent: Contact your landlord or letting agent to get a clear idea of what to expect at check-out and finalise last-minute details.
- Deep clean: Perform a deep clean of the property, ensuring you don’t overlook often-missed areas such as windows, shower screens, and the inside of the fridge. This step is vital in meeting your end-of-tenancy obligations.
- Remove your possessions: Transport your furniture and belongings to your new home. Make sure nothing is left behind.
- Reconfigure: Ensure the furniture that was in the property when you moved in is put back in its original position. Replace any missing or faulty lightbulbs to leave the property as you found it.
- Have the keys ready: Make sure you have all sets of keys (including those for the back door and windows) on hand to return to the letting agent or landlord.
- Meter readings: Take final gas, water, and electricity readings and forward them to the relevant utility providers. Final meter readings for rentals are essential to avoid any unexpected bills.
For more advice about preparing for the end of tenancy and moving out of your rental, contact us here.
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- Book a Lettings Valuation
