End of Tenancy Guide
How to leave your rental property properly — notice periods, deposit returns, cleaning, and final checks.
Giving Notice
How and when you give notice depends on the type of tenancy you have. If you are in a fixed-term tenancy and the term is coming to an end, check your contract. Some agreements require you to give notice before the end date (often one or two months), while others simply allow the tenancy to expire on the last day. If you do not give notice and do not leave, the tenancy usually becomes periodic (rolling month to month).
If you are on a periodic tenancy (either because it was set up that way or because your fixed term has ended), you must give at least one month's notice for a monthly tenancy, timed to end on the last day of a rental period. For example, if your rent is due on the 1st of the month and you want to leave on 31 March, you must give notice by 28 February at the latest. Check your tenancy agreement, as it may require a longer notice period.
If you want to leave during a fixed-term tenancy before the end date, check whether there is a break clause. If there is, follow the break clause procedure exactly. If there is no break clause, speak to your landlord. Many will agree to an early surrender of the tenancy, particularly if you help find a replacement tenant. Get any agreement in writing. Without the landlord's agreement, you remain liable for rent until the end of the fixed term.
Preparing the Property
Review the Check-In Inventory
Dig out your check-in inventory and photographs from when you moved in. This is your reference point for the condition the property should be returned in, accounting for fair wear and tear. Go through it room by room and note anything that needs attention.
Carry Out Minor Repairs
Fill any small holes in walls from picture hooks using filler (available cheaply from any hardware store). Touch up any scuff marks with matching paint if possible. Replace any light bulbs that have blown. Fix or replace anything you have damaged beyond fair wear and tear. These small investments can save significant deposit deductions.
Deep Clean the Property
The property should be returned in a similar state of cleanliness to when you moved in. This typically means a thorough clean of every room, including inside the oven, behind appliances, inside cupboards, limescale removal in bathrooms, and window cleaning. Many tenants hire a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning service, which typically costs £150 to £400 depending on property size. Keep the receipt as proof.
Clear All Belongings
Remove all your possessions from the property, including from sheds, garages, loft spaces, and gardens. Do not leave behind any furniture, bags, or items you no longer want. The landlord can charge for disposal of abandoned items and deduct the cost from your deposit.
Deal with the Garden
If your tenancy agreement makes you responsible for the garden, ensure it is tidy. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, clear weeds from paths, and remove any items you brought in. The garden should be in a similar condition to when you moved in, allowing for seasonal differences.
Final Day Checklist
On your last day in the property, work through this checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked:
Take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Photograph each meter clearly. Submit the readings to your utility providers and close or transfer your accounts. This prevents you being charged for the next tenant's usage.
Take comprehensive photographs and videos of every room, showing the condition of walls, floors, carpets, appliances, fixtures, and any areas that were noted in the check-in inventory. Include close-ups of any areas of potential dispute. These are timestamped and serve as crucial evidence for the deposit return process.
Return all keys to the landlord or agent. This includes front door keys, back door keys, window keys, garage keys, and any fobs or access cards. Get written confirmation (email or signed receipt) that all keys have been returned. Your tenancy does not formally end until the keys are returned, and you may be charged rent for any additional days.
The Check-Out Inspection
Most landlords or agents will arrange a check-out inspection, either on your final day or shortly after you leave. This is where they compare the property's current condition with the check-in inventory to identify any damage or cleaning issues. If possible, attend the check-out so you can discuss any findings on the spot and agree or dispute them immediately.
If the landlord or agent identifies issues, they should provide you with an itemised list of proposed deductions, along with evidence (photographs, quotes for repairs). You are entitled to challenge any deduction you believe is unfair. Common areas of dispute include cleaning standards, definitions of fair wear and tear, and the cost attributed to specific items of damage.
If a professional inventory clerk conducts the check-out, their report will carry significant weight in any deposit dispute. Make sure the report accurately reflects the property's condition. If you disagree with anything in the report, note your disagreement at the time and provide your own photographic evidence.
Getting Your Deposit Back
Once you have left the property and returned the keys, request the return of your deposit in writing. Provide your forwarding address and bank details. Your landlord should respond within ten days. If the deposit is held in a custodial scheme (DPS, MyDeposits custodial, or TDS custodial), you can request the deposit directly through the scheme's website.
If the landlord proposes deductions and you agree with them, the agreed amount will be deducted and the remainder returned to you. If you disagree with any deductions, try to negotiate directly with the landlord first. Provide your evidence (photographs, receipts, the check-in inventory) to support your case.
If you cannot reach agreement, either party can raise a dispute through the deposit protection scheme. An independent adjudicator will review the evidence from both sides and make a binding decision. The process is free and typically takes a few weeks. The adjudicator will consider the check-in and check-out inventories, photographs, receipts, and the tenancy agreement.
Forwarding Your Post
Set up a Royal Mail redirect before your move. You can do this online at royalmail.com/redirects. It costs from £36 for 3 months, £52 for 6 months, or £72 for 12 months (per surname). This ensures any post sent to your old address is forwarded to your new one, giving you time to update your address with all organisations.
Make a list of everyone who has your address and update them: bank and credit card providers, HMRC (for tax purposes), DVLA (for driving licence and vehicle registration), your employer, your GP and dentist, subscription services (online shopping, magazines), the electoral roll (register at your new address for voting and credit rating purposes), and any insurance providers. Failing to update your address with DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000.