Take these steps before you leave.

Ending your tenancy

You can end your tenancy by giving your landlord written notice or agreeing a tenancy end date with them.

Find out how to end your tenancy.

Ask your landlord about your deposit before you leave

Confirm details of the end of your tenancy and the return of your deposit with your landlord before you leave.

Do this in writing.

Make sure your landlord knows the date you will be leaving either by:

• giving the right written notice to end your tenancy

• agreeing a tenancy end date with them

Ask your landlord when you will get your deposit back.

Keep all emails and messages.

This means you and your landlord know the date you will stop paying rent and when you should get your deposit back. 

Check your deposit is protected

Most private renters have an assured tenancy.

Your landlord or agent must:

• protect your deposit with a scheme

• give you written information about the scheme they used

There are 3 deposit protection schemes.

All schemes have a free dispute service if your landlord makes unfair deductions.

If you have a new landlord or agent

Your deposit should still be protected.

Find out what happens to your deposit if the landlord changes.

Check your tenancy agreement

See if your agreement says anything about your landlord keeping your deposit.

Try to do what the agreement says about looking after the property.

Unfair terms

Unfair terms are terms in your agreement which are not fair and which cannot be enforced. This means your landlord or agent cannot make you do them.

Find your inventory or check in report

Your landlord or agent should have made an inventory with you when your tenancy started.

An inventory is a list of fixtures, fittings and furnishings in each room. For example:

• furniture and appliances

• flooring, curtains and walls

• kitchen and bathroom fittings

The inventory should record the age of items, their condition and how clean they were. It should be an accurate record of the property when you moved in.