It’s the middle of May already. That means the exams are around the corner. Shortly after which, students all over the country will start to vacate. Before you get excited about leaving for the summer, there are few things you need to consider. Namely, the contract and any small print it might contain.

What Small Print Might Your Contract Include?

Notice of Vacation… or Not

Each contract is different. The landlord or their agent might have set an official move out date. However, some contracts are left open to multiyear options. It saves the student the hassle of looking for new accommodation in the winter and saves the property owner the hassle of vetting. The small print may require that you give formal written notice of vacation if the leaving date is not specified.

Final Cleaning

Specifically check the small print for your requirements on exit regarding cleaning. Some contracts state that students should hire (and pay for) a cleaning company after moving out. No matter how diligent you are, you’re never going to be as diligent or as thorough as a professional cleaning service. If it’s a contractual requirement and you fail to adhere, the property owner or agent is legally permitted to hold some of the deposit back.

Final Inspection

The final inspection is not the place to discover problems. It could lead to a stressful and expensive summer for you when all you want to do is relax and enjoy the sunshine. The final inspection may require at least one student tenant present at the time. Ideally, carry out your own inspection some time beforehand, such as after the last exam and before allowing yourself to relax. Repair and replace breakages and organise for a person to be available for the owner’s inspection.

Keys and Deposit

The process for returning keys and reclaiming your deposit is the most important. The property owner needs them so they can carry out any necessary repairs over the summer. Lost keys are deposit deductible, as is any extra effort on the part of the property owner to acquire them from you. Hand back as instructed and, on the day instructed, and there won’t be a breach of contract and no reason to keep back some of the deposit.

What Other Small Print?

The owner or their agent might also require you go over the inventory checklist. Replace missing or broken items, notice any issues that might have been flagged up on move in day (such as the inventory listing items that weren’t present). Don’t forget the meter readings on the day the final person moves out. Sometimes the property owner or agent might prefer to do this, Again, check the small print.

Diligence towards the contractual requirements means a stress free summer and full deposit refunded.