It is nearly the end of your tenancy agreement, you are moving out soon and feeling a bit stressed… and you are still wondering “what do I need to do, to pay attention to?”. Simply London shares some tips for a successful “end of tenancy”.
First step: re-read the tenancy agreement
It describes the check-out conditions regarding the notice period and the deposit.
Don’t hesitate to ask your relocation agent for help if the vocabulary seems difficult to understand.
Second step: the notice
It may be different according to the agreements.
You will probably need to send a letter before the deadline.
Make sure you stick to the precise conditions (address to send it to, recorded mail…). But sometimes the agreement will be ended by the absence of any notification, in which case you don’t need to do anything.
Third step: the check-out inventory
Again, the tenancy agreement will specify who is going to pay for the check-out inventory (owner or tenant).
It is preferable to be present during the check-out inventory, but it is not obligatory as the agencies in charge of this are “neutral”.
Your relocation agent can, of course, be present for you.
Fourth step: the deposit
Finally, a comparison will be done between the check-in inventory and the check-out inventory.
The estate agent or the landlord will decide if the deposit can be entirely given back or if some costs will be charged. In that case, you will always be informed and you will have the right to appeal if you disagree.
In general, landlords cannot keep money from your deposit for the fair wear and tear of the accommodation.
However, the landlord can do it to replace broken or missing things.
The tenancy agreement and the law oblige, in all cases, landlords to give the deposit back under a maximum duration, in order to avoid abuses or exaggerated delays.
Good luck!
