Five Things to do Before you Move out this Summer

Houses

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.

One

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.

Two

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.

Three

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.

Four

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.

Five

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.

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