What to Do When Your Tenancy Ends

Whether you're moving on or your landlord has ended your tenancy, knowing the process helps you leave smoothly and get your full deposit back.

Fixed-term tenancy: Your tenancy agreement states the end date. You don't need to give notice if you're leaving on that date, but it's courteous to confirm in writing at least a month before.

Rolling/periodic tenancy: Give at least one month's notice in writing (or as specified in your agreement). Notice should end on the first or last day of your rental period.

Break clause: If your agreement includes a break clause, you can leave early by following its specific terms — usually 1–2 months' notice after a minimum period.

Cleaning

• The property should be returned in the condition you received it (allowing for fair wear and tear)
• Professional clean is often expected — check your tenancy agreement
• Clean oven, hob, and extractor thoroughly
• Descale bathroom fittings
• Clean inside all cupboards and drawers
• Wash windows inside
• Defrost freezer

Repairs and Restoration

• Fill small nail holes and touch up paint
• Replace any light bulbs that have blown
• Fix anything you've damaged (cheaper to do yourself than have it deducted)
• Remove all personal belongings — anything left may incur disposal charges
• Return the property to its original layout if you moved furniture

Garden (if applicable)

• Mow the lawn
• Clear weeds from borders
• Trim hedges
• Remove any items you've added

Your landlord or agent will conduct a checkout inspection, comparing the property's condition against the original inventory.

Tips:

• Be present at the checkout if possible
• Take dated photos of every room
• Note any items of dispute immediately
• Keep copies of all communication

Your deposit should be returned within 10 days of both parties agreeing on any deductions.

Common deductions:

• Damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Missing items from the inventory
• Cleaning costs if left unclean
• Unpaid rent or bills
• Replacement keys if not returned

What counts as fair wear and tear:

• Faded curtains from sunlight — fair wear
• Small scuffs on walls — fair wear
• Stained carpets from spills — damage
• Broken door handles — damage

If you disagree with deductions:

1. Respond in writing with your reasoning and evidence (photos)
2. Try to negotiate directly
3. If no agreement, use the deposit scheme's free dispute resolution service
4. The adjudicator's decision is binding

• Read meters on your last day and send readings to suppliers
• Cancel or redirect mail via Royal Mail
• Update your address with banks, HMRC, DVLA, GP, etc.
• Cancel council tax at your old address and register at your new one
• Return all keys — every copy

Leave on good terms. A positive landlord reference makes your next application much smoother. Pay final rent on time, leave the property clean, and communicate professionally.

Managed by Haus Estates? We conduct fair, thorough checkouts and process deposit returns promptly. If there are any deductions, we'll explain them clearly with photographic evidence.