Moving out: your check-out guide

We’re sorry to see you go, and we’d like to make moving out as smooth as possible — and help you get your deposit back quickly. Please read through the guidance below before your move-out date.

Following these steps will help make sure you’re not charged any more rent than necessary and that your deposit (if applicable) is returned as quickly as possible.

Before you leave

• Remove all of your furniture and belongings from the property. Anything left behind after your move-out date may be removed or stored, and reasonable costs may apply.
• Leave the property in the same condition it was in at the start of your tenancy, as recorded in your check-in inventory and photographs — fair wear and tear excepted.
• Let us know before you leave about any breakages or damage, so we can discuss it with you rather than it coming as a surprise at check-out.
• If the property has a garden, please leave it in the condition set out in your tenancy agreement.

Cleaning

The property should be left as clean as it was at the start of your tenancy (as shown in your check-in inventory), allowing for fair wear and tear.

• Kitchen: clean all surfaces, cupboards, shelves and appliances. Defrost the fridge/freezer, switch it off and leave the door open.
• Bathrooms, showers and toilets: clean thoroughly and remove any limescale.
• Carpets and floors: vacuum and leave clean. If a carpet is marked or stained beyond normal wear, please clean it back to its check-in condition.
• Foodstuffs: remove all food from the fridge, freezer and cupboards.
• Refuse: remove all rubbish from the property and leave it in the appropriate place for collection.

Utilities and admin

• Contact your utility suppliers (gas, electricity, water) to close or transfer your accounts, and take final meter readings on your move-out date.
• If you have a prepayment (key or card) meter, please leave it in credit. Any amount owing on an account may be deducted from your deposit if necessary.
• Make sure your council tax, water, gas and electricity are paid up to date. We may ask for confirmation of this.
• Redirect your post to your new address.

Keys

• Return all sets of keys to us on your move-out date. If keys aren’t returned, reasonable costs for replacing locks and cutting new keys may apply.

Check-out inspection

• We’ll arrange a check-out inspection of the property and its contents, with an opportunity to take meter readings. You’re welcome — and encouraged — to be present, so you can raise or explain anything on the spot.
• Please give us a forwarding address so we can return your deposit and stay in touch about anything outstanding.

Your deposit

If a deposit was taken, it will be returned (less any deductions properly and fairly made) to your nominated bank account. Deductions can only be made for things like unpaid rent, or damage or cleaning needed to return the property to its check-in condition beyond fair wear and tear.

We have 10 working days from the end of the tenancy to return your deposit. Please note it can then take up to 3 working days for the funds to appear in your account.

We thank you for your co-operation and wish you all the best in your new home.

JDM Homes Ltd