What to do when you leave your rented home

Find out what you can do to avoid problems when your tenancy ends.

Move out on time

Your right to live in the property ends when your notice expires.

If you can’t move out on time, try and negotiate with your landlord to agree a new end date. They'll probably ask you to keep paying rent until you're able to 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

Leave the property in a good condition

You should leave the property in a similar condition to when you moved in.

Your landlord shouldn't charge you for normal wear and tear.

Keep evidence that you left the property in a good condition. For example:

• photos
• inventories and check out reports
• records of any repair problems

Contact utility suppliers and the council

Take final meter readings on the day you move out and pay any bills so you can close the accounts.

Provide suppliers with your forwarding address.

You don't 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 to inspect the property when you leave. Check when they plan to return the money.

If you have an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit should be protected. You can raise a dispute with the scheme if you disagree with any deductions.

Pay any rent you owe

Make sure you have proof of rent payments you've made to your landlord or letting agent.

If you have any rent arrears, write to your landlord to agree a repayment plan.