Moving out checklist

When preparing for your next chapter, we want to ensure a smooth and positive transition. To assist you in this process, we've compiled some essential guidance for the end of your tenancy.

Terminating your tenancy

You must ensure you follow the guidance below to ensure your tenancy is correctly terminated before you move into your new home. If you wish to end your contract with us, you are required to give notice as outlined in your tenancy agreement.

If you leave your property without following the correct steps to end your tenancy, you will continue to be responsible for rent payments and all other obligations outlined in your tenancy agreement.

If you are leaving your home for one month or more, please let us know.

Checking the condition of your home

Before you move out, we will check the condition of your home. To help us do this, please:

  • Take down any posters and pictures from the walls.
  • Move any large furniture items away from the walls, where possible.

It’s a good idea for you to check your home before we visit and please try to fix any damage before our visit.

We know that your home will have some wear and tear, however if it is not in a good condition, this could cause you problems in securing a new home.

Please check the condition of the following in your home:

  • If there are any repairs required, please let us know about them before we come to visit.

  • You should not make any changes or improvements to your home without asking us first. If you have made changes, you will need to put them right and we might ask to see permission papers before you leave.

    • Skirting boards and door frames: These should be painted and have no chips, cracks, or other damage.
    • Walls: All walls should be clean and in a good condition. Small holes from screws are okay to leave. But big holes need to be fixed so the wall is in good condition.
    • Dark or patterned walls: These are okay if the painting or wallpapering was done well and still looks good.
    • Wallpaper: You can leave wallpaper if it was put up well and has no rips or damage.
    • Ceilings: Ceilings should be clean and in good condition.
    • Radiators: Please do not paint the radiators.
    • Graffiti and stickers: Please remove any graffiti and stickers.
    • All outdoor areas should be tidy and free from any broken or dangerous items.
    • Sheds that are in bad condition (rotting or dangerous) should be taken down.
    • Any decking or patios must be safe to walk on and free from trip hazards.
    • All kitchen cupboards and worktops should be in good condition. This means they should be clean inside and out, not painted, and have no chips or scratches.
    • Cupboard doors and drawers should not be painted or covered. They should be fitted correctly, and the handles should be secure.
    • Wall tiles and grout should not be painted and should be in good condition.
    • The sink and taps should be clean and in good working order. If there were plugs and chains, they should still be intact.
  • If you have changed any electrical fittings (like the fuse box, plugs, or lights) without our permission and you don’t have a certificate from a registered tradesmen, you will need to put them back to how they were before. If we did give you permission, please show us the permission paper and the safety certificate.

    • Front and rear external doors should be safe and secure.
    • Windows should be in good condition and secure. If windows have locks, you must leave the keys.
    • Inside doors should be in their original condition, fitted properly, and in good working order. If any doors are missing or damaged (holes or cracks, or if handles are missing or broken), they should be fixed or replaced.
    • Blinds that are safe for children can be left if they are clean and work well.
    • You must return all keys and fobs, including any for communal doors.
    • The bath, sink, and toilet should have no cracks or stains. The plugs and chains should still be attached.
    • The taps should be clean and working properly.
    • Wall tiles and grout should not be painted and should be in good condition.
  • You will need to inform the following services that you are moving:

    • Council tax
    • Gas and electricity companies
    • Water company
    • Mail redirection (so your post goes to your new address)
    • Internet provider
    • TV licence
    • DVLA
    • NHS
    • Banks
    • Schools and nurseries
    • Family and friends
  • When it’s time for you to leave, please make sure your home and garden (including cupboards, any loft space, garages, and outside areas) are completely empty. This means taking all your things with you, including any appliances that are not built in.

    Please also be careful not to damage your home when you are moving your things out.

    You are responsible for disposing of all rubbish. Large items can be taking to the the local recycling centre or ask the council to collect them. Sometimes the council will do this for free or at a lower cost, so please check with them or let us know if you need help.

    Make sure you return all your keys, including any for shared doors, and any gas or electric keys if you have them.

    Please submit gas and electricity meter readings to your energy provider on the day you move out so you can settle the final bill.

    You must keep paying rent until the day your tenancy officially ends.

    Please make sure your rent account is paid in full. If you owe us any money, please pay it quickly to avoid any possible legal action.

If your home does not meet these standards and there is damage, if it has been neglected, or if it has been misused, you will be required to cover the costs of repairing the property.

We may also charge you for any extra cleaning needed to get things right. So please make sure your home is completely empty, properly cleaned, and there are no personal belongings left behind when you move out.

Please contact us if you need any support.

This page was last updated on 21/05/2025