Moving out of a rented property can be stressful; however, you can ease the tension and make the process as smooth as possible by following a few simple rules. Let’s look at six things you will need to deal with.
1. Utilities
All utility providers – gas, electricity, water, telephone, broadband and media services – must be notified when you are leaving a property. You will need to take meter readings before you leave to ensure you are not overcharged. By opening discussions early, you will avoid any problems with a disconnection date that could cause you difficulties.
2. Council tax
Once you have a leaving date, let your local council know you are quitting the property. Do this as soon as possible, providing your new address for correspondence. Always remember that councils often take time to deal with this process.
3. Inventory
You will have done an inventory with your landlord before you moved in to record the condition of the property, which may have involved online property inventory software. Check that everything is in order.
4. Deposit
Once you have moved out of the property, you will need to ensure your deposit has been returned to you. Your landlord should have held it in a tenancy deposit scheme backed by the government if you were renting under an assured shorthold tenancy that commenced after 6 April 2007. Your landlord must return your funds within 10 days of the amount being mutually agreed. If there is a dispute, your deposit will be protected in the scheme until it is resolved. More information can be found on the government website.
5. Cleaning
To protect your deposit, make sure you leave the property in as close as possible to the condition it was when you moved in. AS mentioned previously, property inventory software can help with this. You may want to go to the expense of hiring a contract cleaner to clean all rooms and white goods.
6. Housekeeping
Make sure that you remember the final things to do, such as gathering together all the keys you were issued with. These may include window keys and those for any outbuildings. The last thing to do is cancel your rent standing order or direct debit, as you do not want to make an overpayment on your rent.