When you’re moving out of a rental property, your landlord usually expects you to leave it in the same condition as when you arrived. This is known as “returning the property to its original state” or “reinstatement.” If you don’t do this, you could lose some or all of your security deposit.
Even if there are no specific rules about reinstatement in your tenancy agreement, it’s always good practice to leave the property in as good a condition as possible. This shows respect for the landlord and helps build a positive relationship for the future.
To help you work out what needs to be done when you move out, we’ve put together a checklist of tasks that you should complete before you leave the property. We’ve also included some tips on how to make sure everything goes smoothly.
1. Check your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement will usually contain information about what needs to be done when you move out. This might include specific instructions about cleaning and repairs, as well as any other tasks that need to be completed before you leave the property.
2. Check your inventory
If you have an inventory of the property at the start of your tenancy, this will usually form part of your tenancy agreement. It should list everything in the property when you moved in, including any damage or defects. When you move out, compare this with the current state of the property to make sure that anything that was there when you moved in is still there, and that nothing new has appeared.
3. Clean the property
You should clean the property thoroughly before you leave it. This means wiping down surfaces, cleaning carpets and floors, and emptying rubbish bins. You should also make sure that any furniture or fittings are left in good condition.
4. Repair any damage
If you have caused any damage to the property during your tenancy, you will need to repair it before you leave. This might include things like fixing holes in walls or replacing broken tiles.
5. Take meter readings
