End of tenancy moves have a layer of pressure that owner-occupier moves don't — you're not just moving out, you're also trying to get your deposit back and leave the property in the right condition. Here's how to approach it properly.
Know your notice period and end date
Most assured shorthold tenancies require one month's notice, but check your tenancy agreement — some require two months. Your tenancy officially ends on the last day in your agreement, which is usually the date your deposit return is calculated from. Moving out before this date doesn't mean you stop paying rent.
Request an inventory check-in report
If you didn't receive a detailed inventory when you moved in, request one now from your landlord or letting agent. This document is what your deposit return is measured against. Without one, disputes become much harder to resolve — in your favour.
The deposit: what you're responsible for
Your deposit covers damage beyond fair wear and tear, missing items, and cleaning costs if the property is left in worse condition than you found it. Normal wear and tear — small scuffs on walls, minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas — is not something a landlord can legally deduct for. Knowing this distinction matters.
Document everything before you leave: photograph every room, every wall, every appliance. Date-stamped photos are your evidence if there's a dispute.
Cleaning — the most common deposit deduction
Cleaning is the single most common reason for deposit deductions. Professional end-of-tenancy cleans typically cost £150–£350 for a 2-bedroom flat. Whether you clean yourself or hire a professional:
- Oven and hob — the most scrutinised appliances
- Fridge and freezer — defrost the freezer, clean all surfaces
- Bathroom — limescale, grout, extractor fan
- Windows inside and out (where accessible)
- Carpets — steam cleaned if there are stains
- Garden — mowed, weeded, tidy
Repairs to sort before you leave
- Fill small nail holes and touch up paint — landlords frequently deduct for this
- Replace broken lightbulbs
- Fix any minor damage you caused — a cheap repair now is cheaper than a deposit deduction
On moving day
- Take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water on the day you hand over keys
- Photograph the meters alongside the date
- Return all keys including any spares — missing keys are deducted at locksmith rates
- Remove absolutely everything — landlords charge removal costs for items left behind
- Do a final walk-through before leaving and photograph every room again
After you've left
Your deposit must be returned within 10 days of agreeing the deductions. If your landlord doesn't engage or disputes are unreasonable, your deposit should be held in a government-approved scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits) — contact the scheme directly if you're having issues.
Getting the move itself right
End of tenancy dates are fixed — if your driver doesn't show or arrives with a van that's too small, you're stuck. Post your move on We Got The Move with your exact date, property size, and any access information. Reviewed drivers bid for your job and you choose. You only pay £9.99 when you accept.
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