Tips for the End of Your Tenancy

The first thing to do is tell the agent or the landlord that you're going and give them plenty of notice, it gives them time to get used to the idea. Consult your tenancy agreement for how much notice you have to give and put it in writing, this way it's in black and white. Remember to allow an extra day for postal delivery. You don't have to give formal notice if your tenancy is coming to the end of its term but it's a matter of courtesy to inform the landlord that you'll be leaving.

Your tenancy agreement should be used as a reference point for your obligations as tenant. Remember, back at the start of your tenancy you handed over six weeks rent as a deposit against your failure to live up to the landlord's expectations. Hopefully it's being held by a third party and cannot be released, in full or part, to the landlord at his whim. Either way, you need to make sure that you have fulfilled your obligations if you want that money back.

The basic rule of thumb is that the property should be handed back to the landlord in the same condition as it was at the start of your tenancy, unless you've made improvements of course. Even then, they have to be considered improvements in the eyes of the landlord, he may have especially liked the purple walls in the living room. Let's hope that you had the written permission of the landlord before making any fundamental changes to the property.

If you have had pets at your property there may be a clause in the tenancy agreement stating that you have to have the property fumigated on departure. You can leave the cleaning and the fumigation for the landlord to organise and he'll take the cost of these from the deposit. He should provide you with quotes for the work before you agree the deductions.

The garden should also be left in a similar condition as at the start of the tenancy. No problem if you've had the services of a gardener or you've managed to keep it tidy yourself. If it's been left to revert to jungle undergrowth then you will have to tame it or again, the cost of any gardening required will be deducted from the deposit.

If you are aware of any items that are missing or have been broken, these either need to be replaced or the cost of replacement will be deducted from the deposit. Keep any correspondence or invoices regarding any work required or completed at the property.

You will need to close your telephone account but do not disconnect the service as the landlord may claim the reconnection fee from the deposit. Don't forget to cancel any cable or satellite TV subscriptions as well, giving the required amount of notice. If you had a satellite dish or cable installed, refer to the landlord's written agreement as to what he would like done at the end of the tenancy. The same applies to any broadband installation. Arrange for your post to be redirected using the form from the post office. Redirection to a UK address costs £14.05 and £28.10 to an international address for three months.

The landlord or the agent will arrange for an inventory clerk to meet you at the property once the tenancy has ended, for the purpose of conducting the check out. You'll walk through the property together with a copy of the inventory that was made at the start of the tenancy. Any changes to the condition of the property and its contents will be noted by the clerk. If she misses anything don't be tempted to point it out to her, as this report forms the basis of the dilapidations claim. Don't take offense at her remarks either, she is an impartial fact taker and none of her remarks are meant to be taken personally.

It's worth consulting your tenancy agreement for the clauses relating to the check out, it should state who is responsible for the cost, and the penalty for failing to attend the check out appointment. All of your personal belongings must be removed prior to the check out otherwise you may find that the landlord has charged you rent for their occupancy of the property. He is also entitled to dispose of your belongings as he sees fit and charge you for the privilege. 

Meter readings will be taken at the check out for gas, electricity and, water if possible. You must contact the utility suppliers to inform them of your change of address and give them the final meter reading so that the account can be closed. They will also require a forwarding address to which they can send the final bill or any refund that may be due to you.

The inventory clerk then prepares a check out report which should list the changes to the condition of the property and its contents. The clerk will make recommendations to the landlord regarding which items are his responsibility and which items should be paid for by the tenant, fair wear and tear excepted. You can request a copy of the report be sent to you. The majority of landlords will abide by the recommendations of the inventory clerk when forming the dilapidations claim.

There is normally room for negotiation and you do not necessarily need to agree immediately to the claim. Look at each item separately and try to remain objective. Consider the condition of the property at the beginning of your tenancy. Do you think that you have left it in a comparable condition, taking the length of your stay into consideration?

If you think that any of the claims made by the landlord are unfair or expensive, you can ask to see supporting evidence for the claim in the form of quotes for work required or receipts for items purchased or work done. If you are familiar with the tenancy agreement and have fulfilled the obligations of the tenant, there should not be any nasty surprises waiting for you in the dilapidations claim.

The author of this newsletter is Sally Tossell, one of our Relocation Counsellors. You can contact her directly by email to: Sally.Tossell@reloburo.com. The Relocation Bureau is the UK's premier international relocation specialist. 
 

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