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GUIDELINES FOR A TENANT VACATING A PROPERTY Before leaving the property remember to: Make sure the property has been thoroughly cleaned, but pay attention to the kitchen and it’s appliances and whitegoods, bathroom/toilet areas, also clean windows inside & out. If the property has fitted carpets and curtains and or bedding supplied, these will usually need to be professionally cleaned with receipts shown as proof of cleaning – check your tenancy agreement. If the property is furnished make sure all furniture and fittings have been placed back where they were on moving into the property. If there is an inventory and schedule of condition, this will need to be checked by your landlord/agent or an inventory clerk prior to your deposit being refunded. Pay attention to any gardens/lawns, flowerbeds, hedges and shrubs that may need to be trimmed. If your tenancy has a garden clause these will require attention. Inform all service providers with final meter readings, such as electric, water, gas, plus the local council (eg. council tax). It is important to have your post redirected to your new location, any mail that comes for you after vacating the property is not the responsibility of the landlord/agent or new occupants. Ensure you have not packed any supplied property instruction manuals. Make sure the water stopcock is turned off. Check all light bulbs replace those not working. Open fridge/freezer doors if you have turned these off. Leave any rubbish outside ready for collection. Helpful Notes: Common Law Obligations on Tenants Tenants responsibilities: Like the landlord, the tenant has repairing responsibilities, which are found in the express and implied terms of the tenancy. Under common law, a tenant must take proper care of the property and use it in a responsible way. For example, a tenant is expected to turn off the water if there is a risk of burst pipes from freezing conditions when going away, and must unblock any sink when it is clogged by waste, change light bulbs when they blow. The duty does not cover fair ware and tear, that is the landlord’s responsibility. A tenant should not cause damage to the property and must make sure that their family and or guests do not also. If they do, the tenant may be responsible for any damage. The tenant is not responsible for carrying out those obligations that are the duty of the landlord, eg. standard maintenance.