Moving out of your student house doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re heading to a new place or wrapping up your university life, a little organisation can make the process smoother. That way, you can spend more time enjoying the final weeks with your housemates before summer arrives.
Stay in Good Communication with Your Landlord
Regular communication with your landlord throughout your tenancy is ideal, but it’s especially crucial now. Here’s what to do:
- Settle Financial Obligations: Ensure all rent is paid, and outstanding bills are sorted before moving out.
- Clarify Expectations: Arrange a meeting with your landlord to confirm how they expect the property to be left, from cleaning standards to inventory checks.
- Prevent Deposit Disputes: Knowing their expectations reduces misunderstandings and makes it easier to get your deposit back.
Check out this detailed guide for further advice on managing landlord communications and deposits.
Set a Move-Out Date
Coordinate a specific move-out date with your landlord and housemates. Use this date to plan cleaning and packing. Avoid leaving everything to the last minute, even if parties and outings are tempting—preparation will save you stress and money later.
Document Everything with Photos
Photographic evidence is your best friend when it comes to protecting your deposit:
- Before and After Photos: Take pictures of each room when you move in and out, focusing on any pre-existing damage and the property's final condition. Keep them in albums to help you find them easier.
- Document Repairs: If your landlord hasn’t fixed reported issues by move-out day, photograph them alongside written evidence (e.g., emails or texts).
- Defend Against Unfair Claims: Use these photos if the landlord raises cleaning or repair fees you believe are unreasonable.
Report Damages Promptly
If there’s damage to the property, notify your landlord as soon as possible—ideally a week or two before moving out. This gives them time to address repairs and avoids last-minute surprises.
Landlord’s Responsibilities:
- Structure and exterior
- Plumbing and electrical systems (e.g., boilers, radiators, toilets)
Your Responsibilities:
- Replacing lightbulbs
- Bleeding radiators
- Fixing minor issues like dripping taps
Always refer to your contract for your exact individual and shared responsibilities.
Deep Clean Thoroughly
Fair wear and tear is normal, but leaving a mess can cost you your deposit. Focus on:
- Kitchen: Clean the hob, fridge, and any appliances.
- Bathroom: Clear plugholes, scrub tiles, and disinfect surfaces.
- Walls and Floors: Remove blu-tack, mop floors, and vacuum carpets.
Remember, the property doesn’t need to look brand-new—just clean, tidy, and liveable for the next tenants.
Remove Everything
Don’t leave anything behind, even items you think are “helpful” like toilet rolls or cleaning supplies. While most landlords aren’t petty, some may charge for clearing out items you left.
Handle Deposit Disputes Properly
If your landlord withholds part of your deposit unfairly, you have options:
Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) Schemes: Your deposit should be held in a government-approved scheme. If disputes arise, use their free dispute resolution service.
- Know Your Rights: Keep at hand any contracts and documents signed to be able to refer back to, and keep yourself educated with legal advice if need be.
Read this guide for more advice on getting your full deposit back.
Prepare in advance
Allow yourself enough time to not have to pack away everything in one night. Make sure you have enough boxes ahead of time and a planned way to transport your belongings safely. We also recommend leaving out a last-minute cleaning toolkit box with the necessities for cleaning the property after you’ve packed your things away. That should be the last box you’re sealing up right before stepping out the door to avoid having to ram through already-sealed boxes looking for cleaning supplies.
By following these steps, you can move out smoothly, avoid unnecessary stress, and protect your deposit. A bit of planning goes a long way—and you’ll end your tenancy on a positive note! When you’re ready for your next property, we’ve got the easiest and most effective way to search for student accommodation. Start here.
