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.