MOVE-OUT DAY

ENSURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT MOVING OUT DETAILS

Check with your landlord/agents that you have the correct official moving out day. Confirm the checkout procedure for the property, and ask whether a final inspection is required that you need to be present for - some landlords and agents will do formal inventory checkouts where you walk around the property together!

CLEAN THE PROPERTY

Cleaning is one of the top reasons that deposits are withheld, so make sure you leave bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms clean! This can be as easy has having a quick vacuum, wiping down sides and surfaces, removing all personal belongings, and making sure that any fridges, freezers, and bins are empty and clean. 

TAKE FINAL METER READINGS

Take photos of all the meters in the property, and send these to your utility providers. Keep proof of this just in case, as well as keeping proof of final bills you have paid!

CANCEL ANY UTILITIES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS UNDER YOUR NAME

Make sure all utilities are no longer in your name by calling water, gas, and electricity companies to let them know you are leaving the property on your move-out date. 

Additionally make sure you have cancelled internet, your TV license, and any streaming services that were linked to that address!

RECHECK THE INVENTORY OF THE PLACE

Recheck either the original inventory report, or the photos you have of the original contents of the property. Take photos of absolutely everything, so you can prove the condition you left the apartment in if neccesary.

Attend the final inspection if this is applicable, and then hand over all keys, fobs, or cards before leaving!

GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK

Legally, landlords and agents must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. This means, if you struggle gaining back your deposit, you will be able to send evidence of the condition you left the property in to one of these schemes, and claim for your deposit back.

These deposit schemes in England are the Deposit Protection Service and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. 

Contact these schemes and they will help you recover your deposit!