End the tenancy properly

Check your tenancy agreement and give notice in writing, keeping a copy. Notice rules in England have changed recently, so check the current position with Shelter's guidance or your agent before you pick a date. If you cannot leave on time, ask your landlord about a new end date rather than assuming it is fine.

Keep paying rent until you leave

Do not stop paying early. Keep a record of payments, and if you are behind, write to your landlord with a plan to catch up.

Clean it

Property professionals say cleaning is the most common reason for deposit disputes. Clean to the standard the property was in when you arrived. You can hire a professional cleaner, but a landlord cannot make you use a particular company, so keep receipts if you do. Shelter notes that you can challenge a professional cleaning charge if the property was not professionally cleaned before you moved in.

Tip: A landlord cannot make you use a particular cleaning company, so keep receipts if you hire one.

Repairs and photographs

Fill nail holes, replace broken bulbs and put right anything you damaged beyond normal wear. After cleaning, take dated photos of every room and compare them with your check in report.

The check out

Attend the check out with your landlord or agent, and ask for it to be done at a time that works for both of you. They cannot charge you for it.

Keys and meters

Return every key by the agreed date and ask for written confirmation. Read the gas, electricity and water meters on the day and tell suppliers your new address. Our After the Move guide covers the rest of the change of address.

Plan the move around the handover

Book removals for a date that leaves you time to clean after the van has gone. An empty flat is the easiest to clean and photograph, and it is the time to check nothing has been left behind. Tell us if you need to be out by a set time, so we can plan the day around it.