As per your rental contract, you’ve just given one month’s notice to your landlord. So that the check out goes without any problems and you receive your security deposit back as quickly as possible, please have a read of our step-by-step instructions:
Actions to take NOW
- If you haven’t already, pay your final month’s rent
- Schedule a date and time for check out with the owner (or their representative)
Actions to take BEFORE CHECK OUT
Using the check-in inventory as a guide and allowing for fair wear and tear, return the property to the same condition and layout as when you took it:
- Put all of the owner’s things back in their original place
- Repair or replace any of their items which you’ve broken or damaged (including swapping out any light bulbs that aren’t working)
- There is generally compulsory cleaning fee at check out but this is based on the property being neat and tidy. If the property is really dirty and messy they owner/property manager has the right to charge more. So it is advised to sweap floors, and wipe down countertops,, furniture, appliances and any outdoor spaces; in order to return the property in a neat and tidy condition.
- If it’s your responsibility as tenant, get the air-conditioning serviced by a professional company. Do not attempt to do it yourself as this will not be acccepted.
- Make sure electricity and water bill payments are up-to-date, and keep the receipts to show at check out
- After the last month’s rent money has cleared your bank account, cancel the standing order along with any direct debits set up for payment of utilities
- Cancel your broadband internet service and any other services you have
- Arrange to stop delivery of any post that’s in your own name as well as any regular supplies of bottled gas and drinking water
- Check the paint work, yes a few marks here and there are acceptable but if the Landlord has to get the painters in then there can easily be delays while they wait for a quote for the works to take place.
- There is generally a fee for cleaning bedsheets, so do not attempt to wash them yourself unless confirmed with the landlord or property manager previously. As this way the landlord or property manager can be sure they have been cleaned to a level that they are satisfied with.
If in doubt check well in advance with your landlord
Actions to take AT CHECK OUT
- Before inspection take all of your personal possessions (including any food from cupboards and fridge/freezer) with you. And don’t leave any rubbish [garbage] behind though anything you feel is too good to throw away, put in a bag or by the front door and the Landlord or Property Manager will distribute as we see fit often given to the cleaners or the building.
- Meet your landlord / Property Manager at the property at the time you previously agreed
- Return all keys/keycards to them and get back any key deposit
- Let them carry out an inspection of the place
- Take closing meter readings for electricity and water
- Hand Back any parking permits or entry cards for your car or motobike
- Pick up any of your own post from the mailbox
- In due course the final deductions will be calculated then all that is left to do is to wait for the remainder of the deposit to be returned by bank transfer or any other means agreed
Please remember that all Landlords and Property Managers are aiming to get the room back and rented again as soon as possible, so this means them being able to return the deposit to you as quickly as they can. So your co-operation is crucial in this part. So failure to inform the Landlord or Property Managers of any issues or returning the room with issues will result in delays in returning the the deposit.
