At the termination of the tenancy, the inventory will be checked and any obvious, or significant, discrepancies will be reported to the Managing Agent or Landlord. The Check Out report will indicate whether, in our opinion, the tenant is liable for the deterioration or whether it is considered to be fair wear and tear.
It is important that:-
- All cleaning has been completed prior to this time.
- All personal items removed.
- The property is ready to be handed over and ready to vacate.
If the tenants are not ready to leave it may not be possible to carry out the Check Out. In this case a return visit will be needed and a charge for the aborted visit will be made.
How to prepare for the Check Out
- All items should be placed in the rooms as described in the inventory.
- All china, glassware, crockery, kitchen utensils, etc. should be clean and accessible.
- Anything packed away for the duration of the tenancy must be unpacked, cleaned and placed in the correct location.
- Ensure that instruction manuals are still in the location stated in the inventory.
- It is expected that the property will be in the same condition of cleanliness as at the start of tenancy – see cleaning below.
- All keys must be available and clearly labelled.
- The property must be ready to be vacated, with all personal items removed, and keys handed over at the appointed time.
The following notes have been written for you, the tenant, to help facilitate a problem free tenancy. Should the Inventory Clerk have to search for missing items, it may result in charges being made to you. Heavy items of furniture that have been moved should be returned to their original positions.
You must inform the Managing Agent, or Landlord, about any items removed from, or added to, the property. Failure to do so may result in a charge for replacing the removed items.
Cleaning
To a standard that shows there is no trace of your occupancy so the property is ready for a new tenant. For example, this means that there should be no loose peas left in the freezer, no crumbs under any furniture or cushions, and no finger marks around light switches. This is achievable without a professional company being employed but if you do not have the time your agent can recommend professional cleaners to help, either before, or just after, you vacate. In particular: sanitary ware, windows, hard floors, woodwork, cooker hoods, ovens, hob, kitchen appliances (including units), shelves, refrigerators, wardrobes, drawer units and bedding.
Carpets
All carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed. Depending on the agreement and/or length of tenancy, they should be professionally cleaned. You will be charged to clean any staining or soiling. Compensation costs will be made towards any further damage such as cigarette/iron burns or stains. If a carpet is badly marked or damaged you may be charged for part, or all, of the cost of a replacement.
Crockery, China, Utensils
These items will be checked for soiling, chips, burn marks, loose handles to pans or any other damage. If damage has occurred beyond reasonable wear and tear, compensatory costs will be added to the Check Out Report.
Decorations
It is accepted that during day-to-day living a few marks and scuffs will appear on walls and woodwork. However, should the marking be found excessive, charges will be added to the Check Out Report. For example: hooks and nails driven into walls without permission, excessive furniture rubbings, pencil or crayon marks, tears to wallpaper, excess damage to woodwork.
Beds
Beds, bases, mattresses and pillows will be examined for staining and damage not previously recorded on the inventory. Charges will be made in the form of cleaning or compensation or a percentage of the replacement cost, as appropriate. Any linen should be left washed and pressed.
Polished Furniture
Polished furniture will be checked for scratches, ring marks, soiling and damage to joints, charges will be made as appropriate. Repair costs and re-polishing charges are high. It is in your interest to take steps to protect the furniture with place/drink mats, etc.
Soft Furnishings
It is expected that these will be in a similar condition to the start of the tenancy. Any staining or soiling discolouration will attract cleaning charges.
Keys
Please note that all sets of keys (as noted on the original inventory) must be returned at the time of Check Out. Failure to comply may result in the Check Out appointment being aborted, the cost of which will be chargeable to you as indeed may a new set of locks and keys.
Gardens
If the landlord has not employed a gardener at the property, you will be required to maintain the garden. This will include the cutting of lawns, weeding of any beds, and maintaining the garden according to the season. This may include trimming bushes and shrubs, but it is suggested that this is confirmed with the Managing Agent prior to taking any action as they may need specialist treatment. If the standard of the garden is found untidy, compared to the commencement of the tenancy, most Managing Agents and Landlords will employ a contract gardener and this will be added to your Check Out Report.
Post
Please note that Royal Mail provide information about redirection of post and have a FREE service to notify companies of your new address including banks, gas, electricity, water, DVLA, etc. so that they do not have to be notified separately.