Five Things to Remember When Moving House
Vacating your house in the summer can be a little confusing – especially if it’s your first private accommodation outside of halls. Your responsibilities as a tenant can be a little unclear, and there’s the worry of losing your security deposit – the months’ rent you put down at the beginning of the year. Landlords are notoriously heavy handed with deductions, so it’s easy to slip up and end up losing a chunk. Thankfully, we’ve compiled this guide to help your transition period go smoothly with the minimum of disagreements.
Get your Landlord Round
It may seem unnecessary, but asking your landlord to come round for a visit before your tenancy ends could save you a lot of hassle. This will give your landlord a chance to identify any issues they might have with the property and explain them to you. Plus, you can ask any questions face to face rather than waiting for a reply to an email.
Check your Contract
Exactly what is expected of you before you vacate the property will vary between properties – so it’s best to check your contract to clear up any uncertainties. For instance, some landlords might expect you to replace lightbulbs and fuses used throughout the year, or to leave keys in the door before you ship out.
Get Scrubbing
A lot of deposit disputes can be avoided entirely through careful cleaning at the end of the year. It may seem like a lot of effort, but committing to a deep clean of those obscure areas (think inside the oven, behind the fridge) could be a lifesaver further down the line. Plus, if you leave the property spotless your landlord is more likely to be kind in other areas. Make sure everyone gets involved so you don’t get stuck scrubbing the kitchen floor on your own.
Cut off the bills
It’s important to make sure all the final utility bills for your property are paid in a timely manner. This is a lot simpler than you think – a simple phone call will end your relationship and send you a last bill to pay. The earlier you do this, the more likely it is your final bill will arrive before you move out.
Check your inventory
Have another read of the table of contents you received when you moved in. This will inform you if the condition of anything has changed throughout the year, so you can be knowledgeable if your landlord tries to charge you for something that wasn’t your fault. Remember you are only liable for damage – not normal wear and tear. For reference: carpet scuffs = normal wear and tear, fire extinguisher thrown through window = not normal wear and tear.