How Not To Screw Up Moving Out

When leaving a tenancy you will face things you need to do. Often they are forgotten and skipped. My advice will go to both people who are currently leaving a place, or about to move into one. In fact, it is best to have things pre-determined when you move into a place, rather than suffer from arguments at the end of tenancy. Here are 9 tips for pleasant move out.

1. The first advice is just like the one in the intro - make sure every duty, every task or requirement for you, as a tenant, is predetermined. This way you will avoid any misunderstandings with your landlord when the time comes to leave the place. It is best to put it on paper and have it signed by both parties, each having one copy.

2. The second tip is to create a Notice of Intention to Vacate a place. If your landlord doesn't suggest it himself give him a hint. This will be filled by you and given to your landlord once you decide to move out. Have it stored somewhere safe. Better yet - scan and upload it to an Email, or somewhere online. That way, if the original is lost, you will have it backed up.

3. Unless your landlord tells you this himself, ask him for every requirement that he'll present to you in order for you to get your deposit back. It's good to have it all on a list (written one) right from the beginning. This is all in order to avoid any arguments at the end of the tenancy.

4. Ask your landlord for specifics around "moving out" protocol. It usually includes particular requirements for cleanliness level in the property and removal of all your belongings. There is a rule: if a tenant leaves the residence for two weeks it is considered abandoned and the tenants are considered officially moved out.

The issue with keys often comes up. Ask the landlord when moving in how he wants them returned. Ask him again when you are about to leave. It's an essential question and needs to be done smoothly.

Because you might need a recommendation from your landlord of you decide to settle up on a new place, it's good to cooperate and make sure every issue is worked through and dealt with.

5. Request your landlord to give you his list of prices for any cleaning that will be required for the residence upon your moving out. You have to know whether you'll have to clean the house on your own or you will have to call end of tenancy cleaners to make it happen for you. Also, if your landlord prefers professional cleaning you must be informed of it.

6. Once you move in there is ought to be some furniture and appliances in place. Ask your landlord for clarification of "wear" and "damage". Some tenants take pictures of appliances and give a copy to the landlord. Hat way if something is damaged it can be checked. But you must know what "damage" includes. Some furniture does wear off in time. But a nail scratch on it doesn't count as wearing. And all charges for repairs will be taken out of your deposit.

7. Once you are packed and ready to move out, even better - once all the boxes are away and all you have to move is yourself, go around the property once again and see if there is something you might have missed. Use this end of tenancy cleaning check-list to navigate your inspection.

8. Make sure that your landlord calculates any charges you have to pay fairly. Try to determine them fairly. Don't neglect some and overprice others. If your landlord seems to get over his head, make sure everybody knows. Bad publicity is something that can kill his business and he knows it.

9. Don't expect to get off easily with the deposit return. Your landlord will most often make a very routine and in depth check of the property. Another good reason to have a check-list which you have both predetermined and wrote. This way if anything is out of place which is not on the list, you can easily evade responsibility. Or if the landlord is some jerk and wants to pin on you something you are not responsible for. Either way - you win. But waiting for a couple of days is normal. So don't push it.

If you have done everything right you will get your deposit back.