When moving out of a rental property, you’re certainly looking to the future - a new environment, new housemates, maybe a home of your very own - but before succumbing to excitement, it’s really important to consider how to vacate the property you’re renting.

With a rented property, it’s important to ensure that moving out is a smooth process, free of conflict and anxiety. To achieve this, ensure compliance with all your responsibilities, provide your landlord with appropriate notice and leave the property in great condition.

Here's a handy checklist so that you can avoid overlooking the important details when moving out, and maintaining good terms with your landlord.

1. Collate all documents

Before packing the house away, it makes sense to get your paperwork all in order, and you’ll need to gather and review the following:

• Tenancy agreement and any renewals


• Written agreements made with your landlord


• Deposit protection scheme details


• Contents insurance documents


• Utility provider contracts


• Move-in inventory


• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)


• Gas Safety Certificate


• Rental payment statements/receipts


• Bill payment statements/receipts


• Receipts for any repairs, maintenance, improvements and other property services which you paid for

Educate yourself on the correct process for concluding your tenancy and cancelling or transferring utility bills and insurance (confirming whether now would be a good time to switch providers to save money). Take final meter readings, too.

Your landlord has the legal right to use your deposit money for any unpaid charges and bills, so make sure all utility accounts are clear when you move out.

2. Give notice

Most rental contracts require the tenant to provide a written notification to the property owner one month before moving out of the rental. Include a declaration of the good condition of the rental property, the date of your move, and your new address. Additionally, request to have your tenancy deposit returned.

3. Mind the gap

You’re required to return the property in the same condition as it was when you moved in, so inspect the home for any damage you may have caused during your tenancy. Normal wear and tear is expected and acceptable, but you’re responsible for repairing holes and marking on the walls you’ve made for hanging pictures and re-grout the bathroom. If you’ve been permitted to paint the walls, they must be returned to their original colour. Lighting fixtures and kitchen appliances should all be functioning properly.

4. Getting the property ship-shape

Whatever you do, DON’T leave the cleaning until the last minute. The likelihood is that you won’t have left yourself enough time to complete all jobs to the required standard, and it’ll mean you dread the move rather than enjoy it. If you find that you are struggling or need a helping hand contact cleaners Llandudno who will be able to help. If you decide to tackle it yourself we have listed some handy tips below.

• Deal with the worst first - the kitchen appliances. The state of your oven is a good yardstick for landlords to gauge the rest of the house. Leave a good impression. Usually, elbow grease and determination is sufficient for household tasks, but perhaps recruit a professional for this one.


• Clean the windows. Grimy windows make the home feel dingy and dark, so spruce them up and open them to air out the house.


• Dust and sweep/vacuum/mop every room right before you move.


• Scrub the bathroom until it sparkles, employing heavy duty cleaners to mitigate any limescale and mould. Take the same approach on the hob and washboard.


• Launder soft furnishings. The curtains, couch covers and mattress covers will likely need some work, and will not only look great, but leave the house smelling fresh.


• Photograph the home on the day you leave, and where possible, arrange for an inspection whilst you are present; landlord will likely be more lenient when greeted with your cheery disposition.


• Leave with a good impression by showing some consideration to subsequent tenants; leave out a roll of toilet paper and some lightbulbs to ease passings of all kinds! Don't go overboard though, old, burned-out pans and a cupboard full of cleaning supplies will likely irritate your landlord.

As long as you're thorough and follow the proper protocol, there is no need for you to worry about vacating your rented home. Allow yourself plenty of time, and good luck on your next adventure!