How to Check Out a Tenant

2024-01-11

The checkout at the end of a tenancy is one of the most important parts of the moving out process, with a successful checkout able to reduce the chances of any deposit disputes occurring between you and your tenant.

Before the Check Out

Before the check-out, the agent should make sure they have to hand their copy of the tenancy agreement and the inventory.

Keys

Each tenant should return a full working set of keys - the details should match those included in the inventory.

Inventory

The agent and tenant should review the contents of the inventory (which documents all movable items and fixtures and fittings) and schedule of condition (which relates to the physical fabric of the property).

Any missing items and repairs should be agreed at this point. The agent and tenant should agree any deductions from the deposit to pay for any repairs or cleaning that is required.

Deposit

After the deductions have been taken into account, the deposit should be returned to the tenant from the Deposit Protection Scheme where it was lodged at the beginning of the tenancy.

The schemes allow you to deduct any amounts that you have agreed with the tenant. You will need to give the reasons for the deductions and be prepared to send evidence to support your claims.

Standing Order Mandate

The standing order mandate for the rent should be cancelled to ensure the tenant doesn't make any overpayments.

Utilities (Gas, Electric, Broadband, Water/ Sewage Supplies)

The agent should inform utility providers of a change of occupant. It is good practice to take meter readings (often captured by photograph) with the incoming tenant and these should be provided to the relevant utility provider.

The agent should write to the local council tax department updating them of the new tenancy.

Tenant Forwarding Addresses

Each tenant should provide a forwarding address so that any mail can be forwarded and the tenant can contacted if necessary.