Over the next few weeks students will be moving out of their rental accommodation and enjoying what will hopefully be a long hot summer! However, before you head home, you will need to start packing and move out of your student house. The condition that you leave the property in will determine whether your deposit is returned in full or whether any deductions will be made.
You will also need to ensure that the communal and shared areas are also thoroughly cleaned. The most common deduction from deposits is for cleaning and waste removal. Student Advice recommend that you check your initial inventory to remind yourself of the condition of the property when you moved in. - Make sure that all waste has been disposed of properly—your landlord may charge you if they have to dispose of your rubbish. - Empty and clean the washing machine, dishwasher, fridge and freezer. - Clear the garden of any rubbish and tidy any overgrown areas. - Make sure that there are no marks or damage to the walls. - Clean the oven and fridge—this is an area where you could incur cleaning charges. - Clean the whole property thoroughly—pay attention to skirting boards, light fittings, window sills, insides of cupboards, and drawers, etc. - Ensure that all light bulbs and smoke alarms are in working order. - Put the furniture back into the rooms as per the inventory. - Make sure that you take meter —if you can, take a photograph. - Take a video and photographs of the condition of the property as you left it. - When you are ready, return all keys to the letting agent and provide them with a forwarding address for your mail—ask for a receipt.
Once you have moved out there are a few things that you will still need to do: - Notify the utility companies of the date that the tenancy agreement ended and the final meter readings. Let them know of your new address so that they can forward any final bills. - Let the Council Tax Department know that you have moved out. - Cancel any subscriptions. - Consider a mail redirection service. - Update your address for any online stores that you purchase from. - If there are any outstanding repairs that you have reported but have not yet been rectified by the landlord—send a further email to the letting agent/ landlord. Check with the letting agent how the deposit will be returned.
Will it be sent only to the lead tenant for them to distribute or will it be sent separately to each individual tenant? Deposits should be returned within ten days if there are no disputes. If you are disputing any deductions please contact Student Advice for further advice.
Don’t delay as there may be a time limit as to when the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will be able to help resolve the issue. Student Advice wish you all a very happy, relaxing summer break!