How should I prepare for check-out and record the property condition?

Good check-out evidence makes it easier to resolve proposed charges quickly and fairly.

Before you move out

• Read your tenancy agreement, check-in inventory and any check-out instructions.
• Confirm the legal tenancy end date and key-return arrangements with your landlord or agent in writing.
• Compare every room and item with the check-in inventory.
• Report outstanding repairs or maintenance issues in writing.
• Remove all belongings and rubbish.
• Return the property to the evidenced check-in cleanliness standard.
• Replace or repair items for which you are responsible, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
• Record the final meter readings.
• Return every key, fob, permit or access device and obtain written confirmation of the handover.
• Give the landlord or agent your current contact details and a forwarding address where one is required for tenancy correspondence.

Leaving the property does not, by itself, end the tenancy or close your No Deposit plan. Your landlord or agent must record the tenancy end and complete the process in flatfair.

Do I have to use a professional cleaner?

No Deposit does not require you to purchase professional cleaning.

The relevant question is whether the property has been returned to the evidenced check-in cleanliness standard. You can clean the property yourself or employ a cleaner.

Keep any cleaning receipts because they can support your response, but a receipt does not replace photographs or other evidence showing the final condition.

What evidence should I collect?

After the property is empty and cleaning is complete, take:

• clear, dated photographs of every room;
• close-up photographs of individual items, surfaces or areas that could be questioned;
• a continuous video showing the overall condition;
• photographs of final meter readings;
• photographs of returned keys, where appropriate; and
• written confirmation of when and how the keys were returned.

Also keep:

• the check-in inventory and photographs;
• the check-out report;
• cleaning, repair and replacement receipts;
• emails or messages reporting repairs, leaks, mould or other property issues;
• evidence of any occupant or sharer changes; and
• correspondence about access, inspections or work carried out during the tenancy.

Keep this evidence until the No Deposit plan and any end-of-tenancy case have been closed.

What is fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear is the deterioration that results from reasonable use over time.

The assessment should take account of the item’s age, quality, expected lifespan, condition at check-in, length of the tenancy and number of occupants. A landlord cannot charge you for returning an old item to a new condition.

What if the check-out report is wrong?

Tell the landlord or agent in writing as soon as you receive the report. Identify each point you disagree with and attach your own dated evidence.

Do not wait for a charge to be proposed before raising a clear factual error in the check-out report.