What to do when you leave your rented home
Make sure you and your landlord agree your moving out date in writing.
Viewings before you move out
Your landlord should let you know if they want to show new tenants the property.
They should only come at reasonable times.
Check what your tenancy agreement says about viewings.
You do not have to allow viewings if it is not in your contract. You could tell your landlord that viewings can only happen at certain times.
You need to allow viewings if your contract says so.
If you do not, your landlord might:
give you a bad reference
try to keep your deposit
Move out on time
Your right to live in the property stops if you give notice to end your periodic or rolling tenancy.
If you cannot move out on time, ask your landlord if they will agree a new end date.
You probably need to keep paying rent until you leave.
If you agreed a surrender with your landlord or agent, make sure you follow the agreed terms.
Keep a copy of your notice or surrender agreement.
If you want to leave when your fixed term tenancy ends, you must go by the last day of the fixed term or you could still have to pay the rent
Leave the property in good condition
You should leave the property similar to how it was when you moved in.
Your landlord should not charge you for normal wear and tear.
Keep evidence that you left the property in good condition. For example:
photos and videos
records of any repair problems, for example, emails you sent your landlord to ask for repairs
inventories and check out reports
Cleaning charges
You need to clean the property to the same standard as when you moved in.
Your tenancy agreement might say you must pay for professional cleaning. You could challenge this if the property was not professionally cleaned before you moved in.
Check if your landlord expects you to get a professional cleaner, to avoid money being taken from your deposit.
Check out inspection
Your landlord or agent might want to check the property before you go.
They should speak to you to arrange a suitable time. They cannot charge you for the check.
Tell the council and utility suppliers you are leaving
Take final meter readings on the day you move out. Pay any bills so you can close the accounts.
Give suppliers your new address.
You do not have to show your landlord proof that bills have been paid, but it might help you get your deposit back.
Get your deposit back
Ask your landlord or agent when they will return your deposit.
If you have an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit should be protected in a tenancy deposit scheme.
You can raise a dispute with the scheme if you do not agree with deductions that your landlord wants to make.
Make sure your rent is up to date
Keep proof of rent payments to your landlord or letting agent.
If you have rent arrears, write to your landlord to agree a repayment plan.
Last updated: 1 September 2024
