Move Out Procedure

Moving out can be a busy and stressful time, but with careful planning, it can be a smooth process. This guide outlines the key steps for preparing to leave your home, including returning keys and understanding the deposit return procedure. By following these steps, you’ll avoid unnecessary charges and ensure your full deposit is returned promptly.

For detailed information on deposit returns, please visit this page.

Preparing to Move-Out

About two months before your move-out date, as specified in your Tenancy Agreement, we will contact all tenants to remind you of your upcoming move-out and provide helpful tips for the next steps.

As your final date approaches, you'll all be asked to confirm the date the last tenant will be moving out an returning keys, If you plan to vacate before your official tenancy end date, let us know as soon as possible so we can schedule inspections earlier—this may speed up the deposit return process.

There are three important steps to prepare the property:

1. Cleaning: Ensure the property is returned in the same condition as when you moved in, accounting for reasonable wear and tear.
2. Inventory Check: Make sure all items listed in the inventory are accounted for and in their original condition.
3. Repairs: Address any damages caused during your tenancy to avoid deductions from your deposit. Email us at maintenance@beecityliving.co.uk, and we will assist in addressing them before your tenancy ends.

To help with checks, refer to the Move-In Inventory Report you received at the start of your tenancy or reach out to request a copy. It’s a useful comparison for checking any damage or cleanliness issues and seeing how the property was presented to you. Keep in mind that the property should be returned with consideration of "Fair wear and tear."

Once all tenants have vacated, we will conduct your move-out inspection, assessing the property’s condition, including any necessary repairs or cleaning and take final meter readings. This inspection will take place after everyone has moved out.

Cleaning is the #1 cause of tenancy deposit disputes, so make sure to leave enough time for a thorough clean before moving out. If you're unable to meet the required standard, we recommend hiring a professional cleaning service to avoid cleaning charges, which will be deducted from your deposit as outlined in your Tenancy Agreement.

The Move-In Inventory Report also outlines the cleanliness expectations. If the Move-Out Inspection reveals that the property isn't as clean as required, you'll be responsible for covering the costs to bring it back to the standard.

Lastly, ensure that all personal items are removed before you leave. Any belongings left behind may incur disposal charges. If you need help finding a cleaning service, feel free to reach out—we're happy to assist!

For more detailed tips and recommendations, please refer to our cleaning guide to help you complete a thorough end-of-tenancy clean.

After the Inspection and returning your Deposit

After your move-out inspection, you will receive a photographic Move-Out Inventory Report along with a Tenancy Liability Form to review and complete. This report and accompanying email from us will document any chargeable damages or cleaning issues that may affect your deposit return—though ideally, no comparison report will be needed! Our goal is to send these forms and reports within seven working days after all keys have been returned.

If you wish to dispute any charges, we’re happy to discuss this with you and the landlord. For deposit allocation, the lead tenant (as recorded by TDS Custodial) will manage how the deposit is distributed among tenants.

Once you and the landlord are in agreement, the Tenancy Liability Form must be completed and signed within 14 days. This form includes important details such as your forwarding address and utility supplier information. We cannot begin the deposit release process without a completed form, so prompt action on your part will help ensure a timely return of your deposit from TDS.

Where possible, we will also provide photos of your utility meters. Be sure to close your utility accounts using these final meter readings to avoid any estimated bills.

Important Notes:

• Consumables: You are responsible for replacing items like light bulbs and smoke/CO alarm batteries. If a light bulb was functional when you moved in but not when you move out, you will be charged for it.
• Meter Readings & Utilities: We will take all possible meter readings and include them in your move-out report. Submit them to your utility providers for final billing.
• Council Tax: You are liable for council tax until the final day of your tenancy. Ensure you inform the council that you're moving, even if you are a student exempt from council tax.
• Cancelling Standing Orders: Be sure to cancel standing orders after your final rent payment to avoid overpayments.
• Redirecting Post: Consider redirecting your mail to your new address using the Royal Mail redirection service to prevent any lost mail.

Damage vs. Wear and Tear

If any property damage occurs during your tenancy, it must be repaired or replaced before moving out. While charges apply for damage caused by avoidable misuse, normal wear and tear is exempt. "Fair wear and tear" refers to the expected deterioration of a property over time due to regular use, such as minor scuffs on walls or faded carpets. However, damage beyond this—such as holes in walls or broken fixtures—may result in deductions from your deposit.

Several factors determine whether an issue is classified as damage or fair wear and tear, including:

• Pre-existing condition – Was the item already worn or damaged before your tenancy?
• Age and quality of the item – Older or lower-quality items naturally deteriorate faster.
• Preventability of damage – Could reasonable care have avoided the issue?
• Length of tenancy – Longer tenancies typically show more natural wear.
• Number of tenants – More occupants may contribute to faster wear.
• Whether the issue was reported before the move-out inspection – Promptly reporting maintenance issues may prevent further damage.

Examples:

Damage: Holes in walls, broken light bulbs, adhesive marks, stains from spills.

Fair Wear and Tear: Small scuff marks, slight carpet fading, minor paint wear.

Addressing any avoidable damage before your move-out inspection can help minimize deductions from your deposit.

For more information about what fair wear-and-tear is, please see this guide produced by TDS.