When you move out of a rented property there are a number of things which a landlord expects. These should be detailed in your tenancy agreement and must be met to a reasonable standard otherwise there may be delays in getting your bond back. An end of tenancy clean dictates that the house is clean and tidy to a professional standard. Consider these points to minimise the risk of facing any issues at the end of your tenancy.
If when you moved into your rented property the place was completely empty it should be empty when you leave. This means that unless an item is on the inventory it shouldn’t be there still. Make sure that your attic is cleared, that the shed or garage has been cleared and that nothing which doesn’t belong to the landlord remains. If such items need to be removed by the landlord it wouldn’t be unreasonable for them to charge you for this.
If it was on the inventory when you moved in it should be in the house when you leave. Things do need to be replaced from time to time of course so if the washing up drainer that was in place when you moved in had to be replaced during the tenancy it should be left behind as a suitable replacement.
A landlord does not expect the carpets and paintwork (unless specified otherwise in the tenancy agreement) to be in exactly the same brand new condition that they were when a tenant moved in six years ago. Some wear and tear is reasonable and allowable however tenants should do their best to ensure that carpets are cleaned, paintwork refreshed if necessary and any cosmetic damage that has occurred over time has been dealt with.
Fitted ovens and assorted appliances that were in place when a tenant moved in or were later supplied by the landlord and then added to the inventory need to be in clean condition and good working order. In the case of cookers and ovens many movers decide to have a professional come in at the end of the tenancy to have these properly cleaned and brought up to an acceptable standard.
A landlord hopes that after a tenant leaves for pastures new that a new tenant will shortly replace them. Ensuring the property is therefore in a decent state of décor according to the tenancy agreement generally means neutral colours or where colour has been applied that it has been approved by the landlord or letting agent. Black or bright pink walls throughout are unlikely to fall under the “decent state of décor” heading.
Where the property has a yard or a garden it is expected that these are maintained by the tenant and left in good condition when moving out.
By studying the tenancy agreement it will become clear what the landlord expects when it comes to a tenant leaving and ensuring these points are made will speed up the release of any bond and eliminate the risk of being charged for repairs (etc).
To make the move goes as smoothly as possible many choose to employ a professional cleaning service to bring the property up to specification just before or after they leave and before the landlord inspection.
This article is part of our Get House Removals & Packing Advice for a Easy Move series.
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