Housing and accommodation

End of tenancy checklist

One of the most common problems Student Housing deals with at the end of the tenancies is deposit disputes.

During the tenancy

Your conduct during the tenancy can have a bearing on your deposit return. You may find the following of use:

  • Check what are your responsibilities for the garden. If you have to maintain the garden, make sure you do. If you don't, expect the landlord to charge you at the end of the tenancy.
  • Always report repairs to your landlord in writing. Keep copies of all letters sent so you can show that you did not cause the damage and that contact was made with your landlord.
  • If you remove any of the landlord's furniture, store it safely and don't damage it and then ensure you replace it at the end of the tenancy.
  • If you break anything, inform your landlord immediately. Do not leave it until the end of your tenancy.

Before the end of the tenancy

Before the end of the tenancy contact your landlord and arrange an inspection of the property. This will give you an opportunity to discuss any works/repairs necessary to the property, giving you time to attend to them before your tenancy expires.

Make sure that everyone does their fair share of the housework. Some of your housemates may leave before the end of the tenancy, leaving the remaining tenants to do the majority of the cleaning and housework. Avoid having a party on the last day, try and leave at least three days to clean up and move out.

Inspection checklist

Bathroom/toilet

  • clean the toilet, bath, shower and sink thoroughly (including descaling of toilet)
  • clean all surfaces including walls, floor, ceiling and windowsills, ensuring all condensation/mould has been removed
  • remove all toiletries and personal possessions

Bedrooms

  • vacuum carpets, including under the bed and behind furniture
  • ensure walls are clean and free from traces of Blu-Tack
  • clean all furniture and surfaces including windowsills
  • ensure all curtains are hanging correctly on their tracks
  • ensure curtains and nets are clean and in same condition as when you moved in

Kitchen

  • clean the oven thoroughly
  • empty, defrost, clean and turn off the fridge/freezer, leaving the doors open
  • clean all surfaces, including floor and down the sides of appliances
  • empty all bins and put rubbish out to be collected (on collection day)
  • empty and clean all cupboards
  • clean sink

Lounge

  • vacuum carpet, including underneath and behind furniture, pulling out furniture where possible
  • clean walls, removing all traces of Blu-Tack carefully
  • clean all furniture and windowsills
  • ensure all curtains are hanging correctly on their tracks
  • ensure curtains and nets are clean and in same condition as when moved in

General

  • clear the garden and dispose of rubbish, either putting out for collection or taking to a local tip if you will not be around for collection day
  • put back furniture in its original position
  • vacuum all hallways, stairs and communal areas
  • clean any stains on carpets or furniture to bring them back to the condition they were in when the tenancy started
  • remove all personal possessions
  • check that light bulbs are working (if they were provided when you moved in)
  • empty the vacuum cleaner replacing bag if necessary
  • leave windows locked and keys in windows
  • return keys to the landlord on time
  • pay utility bills up to the end of the tenancy and inform the utility companies of your leaving date so that final bills can be calculated

Please note that the above lists are for guidance only and are not exhaustive.

Common deposit deductions

Many landlords will have to employ someone to return the property back to its original condition. Common deposit deductions include:

  • removal of rubbish
  • defrosting of fridge/freezer
  • cleaning of kitchen and bathroom
  • removal of Blu-Tack (either by washing or re-painting walls)
  • cleaning of cooker
  • vacuuming
  • late return of keys (landlord could charge between £10-£30 for new keys or up to £200 for new locks)

Ensure that you check the contents of your tenancy agreement for any additional cleaning clauses. Common inclusions are window cleaning, cleaning of curtains and linen.

Further details on deposit can be found in Advice Leaflet 1.