Leaving your private rental property

• Notify your utility providers (including the council) about your vacating date: you must provide final meter readings and a forwarding address
• Read your inventory/check in as you must leave the property and items in the same condition
• Agree your cleaning arrangements, the whole house is responsible to ensure that all rooms and communal areas are cleaned, don’t forget about the garden and do your best to leave the house in the same state as when you moved in!
• Agree with the landlord/agency who will represent the household regarding the deposit return

The household most likely paid a six-week deposit at the start of the tenancy and no doubt you will be keen to have the amount returned in full. Ensure you are proactive and have a good understanding of the timeframe and process involved with getting your money back.

There are three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes:

• Deposit Protection Service
• MyDeposits (mostly used by private landlords)
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Each of these schemes have their own processes and prescribed information which outlines how deposit disputes are dealt with. You should always try to resolve any disputes with your landlord/agent first as the scheme may not rule in your favour and therefore leave you out of pocket if they find you are in the wrong.

• If you are responsible for the bills in your house make sure to tell the utilities providers (including the council) about the date you are leaving the property, provide any final meter readings required and a forwarding address.
• Read your inventory/check in and make sure that your house has all the same appliances, features and furniture that are expected on the inventory and if there are any issues discuss these with the landlord din advance.
• Agree your cleaning arrangements, the whole house is responsible to make sure that all rooms and communal areas are cleaned, don’t forget about the garden and do your best to leave the house in the same state as when you moved in!
• Agree with the landlord about who is responsible for the deposit return

At the start of your tenancy you will have likely paid a deposit and will want to recieve it back.

The best way to do this is by being proactive in making sure that you and your housemates keep the house in good condition and make sure you understand the rules and time-frames about getting your deposit back.

There are three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes, and your landlord should be using one of these to hold your deposit:

• Deposit Protection Service
• MyDeposits (mostly used by private landlords)
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Each of these schemes have their own processes about how deposit disputes are dealt with. You should always try to resolve any disputes with your landlord first as the scheme may not rule in your favour and not return your deposit.

If you approach the end of your contract and want to stay on but your landlord does not wish to renew your tenancy they must issue notice in the form of a Section 21 notice. If you receive one of these please get in touch with Citizens Advice or a member of the Support Zone who will help.

A landlord cannot evict you from a property and they cannot change the locks without a possession order. 

Bailiffs (enforcement officers) are the only ones who should execute this possession order. They will clearly identify themselves and you should be able to verify this.

If you are ever faced with such a situation it is advisable that you contact us or the University Campus Safety office 01483 682002 (out of hours) who can confirm if this is legitimate.