Tenant Check-Out Guide
What happens during the check-out appointment?
An independent Inventory Clerk will carry out your checkout inspection the day after your tenancy ends. If this falls on a weekend, the inspection will take place on the following Monday. Using the original check-in report as a reference, they will thoroughly inspect the property, noting its condition and any changes since your arrival. Photographic evidence will be recorded to support their findings, and your meter readings will also be taken during the inspection.
When do I need to hand over the keys?
Please return your keys to your local office either on or before the last day of your tenancy to allow for your checkout to be arranged. Your checkout inspection will typically be scheduled for the following business day during working hours. Please note that if your tenancy ends on a weekend or Bank Holiday, the dates may be adjusted accordingly.
How long will the check-out take?
This varies depending on the size of your property, as a guide;
Studio or 1 bed – 1 hour 30 minutes
2 bed – 2 hours
3 bed – 2 hours 30 minutes
4 bed + - 3 hours and upwards
Can I be present for the check-out?
Yes, you can. If you wish to be present during the checkout appointment, please let the Tenancy Management team know in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements.
What do I need to do in preparation for my check-out?
The property is expected to be left in similar condition to the check-in with all items returned to their original location. Most properties are cleaned to a professional standard before you
move in and it’s your responsibility to ensure the same high standards are met at check-out. The inventory and check-in report will be checked and any discrepancies will be noted. Whilst there is a consideration for fair wear and tear you will be responsible for any repairs, replacement, making good or cleaning required. Please be aware, once you have checked out, you won’t be able to gain access again.
Getting the property ready
If you would like some help preparing your home for the check-out please give your Property Manager or local office a call and we can arrange one of our Handy People to attend for an hourly fee.
Cleaning
We have approved cleaners that we recommend and we can organise this on your behalf. If you would like us to arrange this just contact your local office to discuss. We recommend that cleaning takes place maximum 72 hours prior to your check-out.
If you’re considering using your own cleaner, here are the areas that we recommend they pay special attention to;
• Limescale on taps and showers
• Tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Oven, grill pan and hobs
• Kitchen cupboards inside and out
• Filters in washing machines, dishwashers, fan ovens
• Paintwork
• Skirting boards
• Extractor fans and air vents
• Toilet bowls and external pipework
• Light fittings
• Curtains and blinds
• Carpets and flooring
• Upholstery and linen
• Windows inside and out
• Fridge/freezer defrosted and cleaned
Return of deposit
Please refer to your tenancy agreement for the specific details of how your deposit is held and how it will be returned. In all cases we hold the tenancy deposit as a stakeholder which means that we cannot release money to anyone without agreement from you and your landlord or an instruction from the independent adjudicator. If your landlord holds the deposit and is required to register it, it will be registered with a Government approved scheme and again, no deductions can be made without your approval.
Here are the most common deductions;
• Standard of cleaning
• Damage – burn marks, furniture damage, water marks, holes/scratches in walls, marks to the floor
• Replacement of lightbulbs
• Storage areas not cleared
• Gardening – over grown grass, weeds, bushes not trimmed back
• Keys – sets not being returned or missing. Make sure all keys (window, letter box, fobs, garage keys etc) are returned on the day of your check-out
• Any items left behind that need to be removed
• Rubbish left behind and not removed on the day of the check-out
Final rent payment
We will make you aware of your final rent payment. Please make sure you amend your payments accordingly and then cancel your standing order after your final payment has been made.
Mail re-direction
We recommend you take advantage of the Royal Mail re-direction service and put this in place at least 14 days before you move out.
What happens during the last two months?
Should your landlord choose to let or sell the property we ask for your help in presenting the property in its best light. Our local Manager will be in touch with you to arrange a visit to the property where they will re-evaluate the rent and possibly take pictures. As soon as the property is advertised our agents will be in touch to confirm the date and time of the viewings with prospective tenants or purchasers. Our teams are large, so don’t be surprised if you hear from a few different people! We take the security of your home and possessions very seriously so all viewings will be accompanied and we will always leave the property fully secured.
Utility bills
Please notify the council tax authority, water, gas and electricity companies that you are moving home and provide them with your forwarding address and final meter readings. Please place the utility accounts back into your landlord’s name without disconnecting the account. Any final bills will be sent to you directly by your supplier. If you changed energy supplier during the tenancy please provide us with their details. It is also your responsibility to notify TV and phone companies that you have moved out. It’s important that you advise them at least 14 days prior to your move date.