Vacating a Rental Property

When you give notice to your landlord or letting agent regarding your intention to vacate the property, you may be sent information outlining your responsibilities around the condition of the property when you leave.  It may also be worth discussing it with them in order to maximize the amount of deposit to be returned to you.

The Inventory
Refer to your original ‘Property Condition Report’ to ensure the property is left in the same condition as when you moved in. The property condition report will be used by the inventory clerks at the final inspection to check over the property and to determine the return of the deposit.

If there were any agreements made at the commencement or throughout the tenancy for you to alter the premises in any way on the proviso that it is returned at the end of the tenancy, then you need to attend to these things.

Talk to your letting agent with regards to any alterations made or items removed, that were done with or without the landlords permission. It is possible the owner may want to keep the alterations you have made or perhaps offer to purchase them from you.

Cleaning
When vacating a rental property it is a requirement that the property be thoroughly cleaned and returned to the agent/owner in the same condition as when you rented it, according to the property condition report.
 
Fair wear and tear is acceptable however, and many items will be discussed/negotiated at your final inspection. It is certainly in your favour to present the property in the cleanest possible manner.  Below we have provided an overview of what you are likely to be expected to do.
 
Inside 

• All cobwebs to be removed and all light fittings and lampshades to be cleaned.  Any blown bulbs should be replaced.
•  All internal walls to be wiped clean - dirt and scuff marks are not considered wear and tear. 
• All windows to be cleaned inside and out. 
• All cupboards to be left empty and cleaned inside and out. 
• All surfaces including light switches, doors, frames, handles, window frames, skirtings, curtain rails, pictures, mirrors and radiators to be dusted, cleaned, polished and free of streaks. 
• All mattresses to be lifted and vacuumed. 
• Clean Oven including racks, grill, external hotplates, surrounds and drip trays, control panel, cabinet.  Clean extractor fan and replace filters. 
• Kitchen sinks including taps, draining board etc. to be cleaned, polished and de-scaled. 
• Clean all appliances thoroughly inside and out, ensuring the freezer is fully defrosted. 
• Degrease, clean and polish all wall and floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. 
• Bath, basin, shower recess, shower screen, tiles and grouting to be cleaned, bleached if necessary, descaled, dried and polished. Toilet de-scaled, and inside brushed clean. Thoroughly cleaned externally including seat. 
• Empty and clean bins inside and out. 
• Carpets to be vacuumed and professionally cleaned by a carpet cleaning company and all uncarpeted floors to be washed. 
• Remove all belongings and rubbish.

 
Outside

• Garden should be tidy and free of weeds. Depending on the season, lawns should be mowed, edged and free of weeds. If possible, arrange for the lawns to be mowed within a week of the final inspection so they are neat. Any dead plants should be removed and replaced. 
  
• Verandahs and paving should be swept and free of weeds. Driveways should be swept and free from weeds, and any oil stains removed. 
• Cobwebs should be removed from external eaves and internal walls and ceilings. 
• Shed and garage to be tidied, swept and cobwebs removed. Remove all items not stated on property condition report. 
• All rubbish to be removed. This includes household rubbish and garden rubbish e.g. leaves branches etc.

 
Finally…
Inform the local council of your move along with any other utility suppliers.  We also recommend you arrange redirection of your mail with the Post Office and change your address with the appropriate authorities.
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If you are relocating and would like our assistance in finding a new property or vacating your current one, please feel free to contact us to see how we can help you.
 
0118 947 0029
info@therelocationconsultancy.com
www.therelocationconsultancy.com