What to do when you leave your rented home
Access for viewings before you move out
Your landlord should always give you advance notice if they want access to your home so that new tenants can view the property.
Viewings should only take place at reasonable times of day.
Check what your tenancy agreement says about access for viewings.
You do not have to allow viewings if they are not mentioned in your contract. You could say that they must only take place at certain times.
If you refuse viewings and your agreement says you must allow access, you might find it difficult to get a reference or have problems with getting your deposit back.
Virtual viewings
You can use a mobile phone, laptop or tablet to do a virtual viewing.
This could be a good option if you are worried about coronavirus or are self isolating.
Lisa explains how to prepare to view a home virtually. [Video length: 01:02]
Move out on time
Your right to live in the property ends if you end your periodic or rolling tenancy by giving valid notice.
If you cannot 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.
If you want to leave when your fixed term tenancy ends, you'll need to leave by the last day of the fixed term or you could still be liable for rent
Leave the property in a good condition
You should leave the property in a similar condition to when you moved in.
Your landlord should not charge you for normal wear and tear.
Keep evidence that you left the property in a good condition. For example:
photos
records of any repair problems
inventories and check out reports
Charges for cleaning
You need to clean the property to the same standard as it was when you moved in.
Your tenancy agreement might say you must pay for professional cleaning before you move. You may be able to challenge this if the property was not professionally cleaned before you moved in.
Try to confirm whether your landlord expects you to get a professional cleaner before you leave to avoid deductions from your deposit.
Check out inspections
Your landlord or agent might want to inspect the property shortly before you move out or on the day you leave.
The appointment should be at a convenient time and you cannot be charged a fee for it.
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 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 plan to return your deposit.
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.
Make sure your rent's up to date
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.
Last updated: 23 February 2022
