What to Do When Moving Out of a Rented Property

Moving out of any property can be stressful, but when moving out of a rented place then you have to be mindful of the landlords’ rules, after all, you want to ensure you get your rental deposit back.

So to make the process as stress-free and easy as possible we have put together a checklist for you of how to move out of a rented place.

Moving Out of Rented Property Checklist

The reason for creating this checklist is so that you do not miss anything that needs to be done before moving day.

If you work through the list methodically not only will your home move be easier, but cheaper too.

What do I need to do to move out of my rental property?

Create a week-by-week home moving plan

With so much to remember to do, then it is essential to have a list of tasks and a timeline for their completion.

Download this free home moving checklist which lists all the things you need to do to ensure a stress-free home move.

Use a home moving binder

It is a good idea to create a home moving binder. This will ensure that everything relating to your home move is kept safely all in one place. The more organised you are, the easier your home move is going to be.

You may like to read: How to Create a Home Moving Binder. In this guide, we show you how to create a home moving binder and the type of information that you may want to include in it.

Read your rental agreement

There are likely rules that your landlord or letting agent has set out in your tenancy agreement relating to you leaving the property.

Be sure that you understand exactly what your obligations are before moving out and that you comply with those requirements. This will help ensure that you get your deposit back.

You will also need to be aware of what your letting agent or landlord’s obligations are to you.

Declutter

We all accumulate way too many things and the more things you have to move the harder and more expensive it will be to do so.

So start to get rid of all those things you no longer need or use as soon as you have decided to move.

You may also like to read: The Epic Guide to Decluttering for a Home Move. In this guide, we share not only invaluable tips on how to declutter your home but also how to emotionally let go of your possessions which often is one of the hardest aspects of decluttering.

Let your landlord know

Whether your tenancy agreement requires it or not, always put any communication in writing so that there can be no future misunderstandings.

Clearly state in the letter to your landlord the length of notice you are giving, and the exact day on which you will move out (this should coincide with your rent payment dates, for example, if you pay on the 10^th of each month, you will move out on the 9^th).

Request that the landlord be available to do a final inspection and to take back the keys.

Clearly state in the letter that you will require the tenancy deposit returned to you.

You may also like to read: How to Tell Your Landlord You Are Moving Out. In this guide, we look at the different types of rental agreements to determine how much notice you have to give to your landlord and also provide you with a template for a letter to notify your landlord that you wish to end your lease.

Decide how you will move home

If you intend to hire a removal company to help you move you will need to organise this in the home moving process as early as possible, especially during the peak summer months when the best removal firms get booked up quickly.

You may also like to read: Ways to Move Home – The Pros and Cons of Every Home Moving Option. In this guide, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of the home moving options you have.

Send Out Change of Address Notifications

Let all the utility providers such as gas, water, electricity, telephone, TV service providers, internet providers, and the local council know what date you will be leaving the property.

Again do this via email if possible so that you have written proof of the notifications should you need it.

You may also like to read: The Ultimate Change of Address Checklist. This is a comprehensive list of all those businesses that you may need to give your new address to. It also includes contact details and web links for many of the companies listed so that you do not have to go searching for them yourself.

Cancel insurance policies

If you have contents insurance for example now is the time to get put it in writing to the company that you will be leaving the property.

You want to check that your home contents insurance covers your household goods whilst they are being moved to another property and whether you can transfer the insurance policy to your new premises.

This will avoid you having to pay any penalties that you may incur if you are ending the policy early. Check with your insurance provider to make sure you do not get penalised financially.

Make repairs to the property

You will need to make repairs to any damage that may have been done to the property during your tenancy.

At this stage you may want to remove any pictures that you have hung using new fixtures and any holes that you have created in the walls will need to be filled and painted over.

You may also like to read: Common Repairs to Do When Moving Home. In this guide, we share tips on how to make repairs such as filling nail holes in your home so that you ensure that you get your tenancy deposit back.

Review the property inventory

Check through the inventory you received when you first moved in.

You will need to replace any damaged or missing items and it will be cheaper for you to do that rather than letting the landlord find out items are missing and charging you for them.

Clean the property

In the tenancy agreement is it usual that as part of the moving out process, you have the rental home cleaned professionally.

Some private landlords may be happy for you to clean the home as long as it is left in a clean state.

Be sure you know what your obligations are so that you do not get a surprise cleaning bill after you have left.

If you do have to have the home professionally cleaned before you leave be sure to get the work that was carried out documented by the cleaning company and that you get a proper receipt.

You may also like to read: How to Do a Deep Clean When Moving Home. In this guide, we share money and time-saving tips to give your home a thorough clean before moving out. It also includes some recipes to make some eco-friendly cleaning products to make your home move even cheaper.

Pay all the bills

The only bills relating to the property that are outstanding should be your final bills.

Ensure any council tax, rent, utilities, etc are fully paid with only the final month’s bill left to pay.

It may be that you will not get your deposit back until these have been paid.

Keep all the documentation safe to prove that you have made the necessary payments.

Cancel direct debits

Do not cancel any direct debit that relates to the property until you have paid the final bill.

But do ensure that you put the cancellations in place after the final payments have been taken.

Photograph everything

Photograph utility meters, the condition of the fixtures and fittings of the property, and anything else that is covered in your tenancy agreement that you are responsible for, like keeping the grass well-cut.

Move-out inspection

For your own protection insist that the landlord does a final inspection of the property.

This may be on moving day so that you can hand over the keys, or the exact date of the end of your tenancy if you are moving out before that date.

Be sure to get the landlord to sign the moving-out inventory and keep a copy of it.

The landlord may ask for written proof that all outstanding bills have been paid so have that available.

Finalise the paperwork and get the deposit back

Agree on a date with your landlord when you will get your deposit back, and how it will be paid to you.

By law, you should get your deposit back no later than 10 days after your tenancy has ended.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving From a Rented Property

• What type of tenancy agreement have I got? If you started renting your current home after 1989 then you are almost certainly on an AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy). You can check which type of tenancy you have here at www.england.shelter.org.uk

Can I move out of a rented property early? This will depend upon the type of tenancy agreement you have. As most people are on an AST the tenancy period will 6 or 12 months. However your tenancy agreement may have a break clause or your landlord may agree to end your tenancy early, so you should check your rental agreement or negotiate an earlier end date with your landlord. You may find the information here useful: www.england.shelter.org.uk

How much notice to move out of a rented property? This will be clearly documented in your tenancy agreement. Visit www.citizenadvice.org.uk for more information

When do I get my deposit back from my landlord? If you have a deposit that was paid on or after 28^th February 1997, then you will usually have an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. In which case your deposit is placed in a government protection scheme and you should get your deposit back within 10 days of your moving out date. www.citizenadvice.org.uk has more information on this subject.

Can a landlord charge you rent after you have moved out? Your landlord can still charge you rent, even if you have moved out, if you have not moved out legally. Most tenancies will end at the end of the fixed term, but some may continue on a rolling basis unless you have given written notice of your intention to end your tenancy. More information is available here at www.england.shelter.org.uk 

What reason should I put for leaving a rental property? You do not have to state a reason in your letter to your landlord but some people choose to. The most common reasons for ending a tenancy agreement are: The place is too small/big, the rent is too expensive, change of job, or divorce/separation.

When do I return the keys at the end of my lease? The keys must be handed back to the landlord by the agreed date on your notice period or the date that your tenancy agreement expires. Be sure to hand the keys back on time or you may be charged. Equally, ensure that you have a signed acceptance note stating the time and date that you handed the keys back to the landlord.

How to resolve issues after the final inspection. There are recommended ways to resolve disputes and problems after the final inspection, and this website advises you on how to go about it. www.gov.uk

Can I use my deposit to pay the final month’s rent? Although the landlord may agree to this, it is usually the case that you cannot use your deposit as the final month’s rent.

My flatmate wants to leave, but I want to stay. What are my options? Legally you are responsible for the payment of the rent individually and jointly. So if one wants to leave then you are responsible for paying the full rent. The best option is to get another flatmate or see if there is a break clause in your tenancy agreement. There is more information on this scenario here at www.citizenadvice.org.uk 

You may find more useful information at these websites:

• www.citizenadvice.org.uk
• For renters in Scotland here is some useful information about the rental deposit scheme at www.safedeposit scotland.com
• The website for the tenants’ deposit scheme in Northern Ireland is www.tdsnorthernireland.com

How to Move Out of a Rented Property

We have already highlighted that the best way to reduce your home moving costs is to declutter your home.

But you will still want to move home as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Your options for moving our belongings to your new home are:

Doing a Self-Move Out Of A Rented Property

What is a self-move? A self-move is when you pack, load, transport and unload your belongings yourself.

Whilst this may seem the cheapest option, the costs can soon add up.

Packing your items can be particularly expensive and most people underestimate the amount, and cost, of packing materials.

Factor in also the cost of van rental, insurance, fuel, the costs you may incur if you damage the van, and the hire of the moving equipment such as furniture dolly’s that you will need to hire.

You should also consider whether you are physically able to carry out a home move yourself.

For smaller or short-distance home moves a self-move may be a viable option, especially if you have no furniture to be moved.

If you are considering a self-move you may also like to read:

• Self-Drive Removal Vans – All You Need to Know in which we look at every aspect of moving home using a hire van, from the licence requirements to how to load the van safely, this is an invaluable guide.
• Moving Home By Car – Safety, Packing, Games and More. If you are moving home using your car then this guide is essential reading. From how to prep your car to tips on packing for a car move, from safely packing the car to games to play en route to your new home.

Hiring Labour and Transport Only For a Home Move

You may choose to pack your household goods yourself rather than paying for a professional packing service.

However, do not underestimate the time that this takes to do yourself, and the fact that packing materials can add significantly to your moving costs.

Professional packers will know how to maximize the space within each box and will do so most efficiently and cost-effectively.

Hiring labour is always a good idea as the removal team will have the skills and physical ability to move your items safely.

Trying to negotiate city centre traffic, or reversing an unfamiliarly long vehicle can be hazardous, to say the least. When you hire a removal company all that stress and inconvenience is taken away from you.

You may like to read: Are Packing Services Worth the Money? In this guide, we look at what professional packers do, how much they cost, and whether hiring packers makes sense for your home move.

Full-Service Home Removals

Hiring a full-service removal company is often the most cost-effective and stress-free way of moving home.

The removal company will be able to pack all your belongings safely and quickly, load your household goods in the most efficient way ensuring their safe transportation and then place the items in the rooms of your choice at your new home.

For larger home moves it is almost always the best option when moving home, but for smaller moves too, taking into consideration the inconvenience, stress and physical hardship of moving home, hiring a full-service removal company will often represent excellent value for money.

To find out just how cost-effective a full-service home move can get a free cost estimate here.

You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Removal Company. The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide. To help you choose the best removal company for your home move, we have created a step-by-step guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of finding your ideal moving partner.

How to Hire a Storage Unit

For a variety of reasons, you may also need to put some or all of your belongings into storage.

Choosing a storage company should be done with the same diligence that you would when looking to hire a removal company as there are many factors to take into consideration such as whether you need temperature-controlled storage, the level of security required, and the ease of access you need to your goods.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Storage Unit. In this guide, we look at the various storage options, how much they cost, and what to look out for when renting a storage unit.

Money-saving Tips for Moving Home

Moving home is never a cheap thing to do but there are plenty of ways that you can reduce your moving costs.

The most important thing to remember is that the more items you want to pack and move the more expensive your home move will be.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid 5 Things That Will Blow Your Home Moving Budget. In this guide, we look at the 5 things that commonly blow home mover’s budgets and how you can avoid these extra costs.

Pack with the Russian doll method in mind by packing things inside each other to minimise the number of boxes you need to pack and also reduce your packing material costs.

Use items found around your home to use as packing materials. For example, use suitcases instead of boxes and use towels and blankets instead of bubble wrap.

You may also like to read: Alternative Packing Materials for Packing for a Home Move. In this guide, we suggest things that are found in most homes that you can use as packing materials to help you save money on your moving costs.

Be sure to visit our home moving blog which is packed with tips on how to make your home move quicker, cheaper, easier, and safer.

Have a safe and happy move to the next adventure in your life.