Whether you’re at your end of your first, second or third year, it is now time to wave goodbye to your accommodation. You may be using the same accommodation next year, in which case your landlord may permit you to leave some stuff behind until you return in September. For everybody else, however, there is a clear sequence you’ll need to follow for a satisfactory exit and getting your deposit back.
Check Your Exit Obligations
The first and most obvious thing to do is check what you should do upon exiting. Does the owner/agent require a thorough cleaning? Have they stipulated that you use an official cleaning company? If so, you should hire them as soon as possible, notifying them of the moving out date. Somebody needs to be there to let them in though. If you don’t clean the property to a satisfactory standard or follow the instructions, you could lose your deposit.
Turn off the Lights and Power Points
It’s a simple task, but one that many students simply forget. While most modern bulbs don’t use a lot of energy, leaving a light on or the router plugged in and active can add to the electricity bill. It’s also a potential fire hazard with nobody around to see to it. You’ll also be doing the planet a small favour! Turning off the lights keeps the bills down, which brings us to the next step. If you can, also turn off the water stopcock and gas mains.
Take Utility Readings
You may be expected to pay a utility bill way after you have moved out. The new tenants will take a reading on the day they move in. They will not be asked or expected to pay for electricity, gas or water they did not use. This is how you cover yourself from and protect your deposit. The landlord will be responsible for anything used between you moving out and the new tenants moving in.
Check All Windows and Doors
Most modern windows are locked with keys. Not only should you ensure that these windows are closed and locked, it’s vital to ensure that all keys to these windows are present. Take an inventory of all sets of keys (to the front and the back) and return them at the end of the tenancy. If any are missing, you will be held responsible and possibly made to pay for lock changes.
Take Exit Photographs
This should be one of the final tasks. Just as you should have taken photographs of damage and problems on the day you entered the property, you should also do so at the exit. Keep records for yourself and pass on any issues to the landlord so they don’t penalise you for problems that were extant on the day you moved in. This is your greatest weapon against any threat from a landlord of withholding your deposit in part or in full.