{"id":15001,"date":"2025-11-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clearway.vanillabeancreative.com\/news\/an-end-of-tenancy-checklist-for-landlords\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T15:21:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T15:21:56","slug":"an-end-of-tenancy-checklist-for-landlords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/an-end-of-tenancy-checklist-for-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"An end of tenancy checklist for landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is your tenant moving out? When a tenant is due to vacate a property, there are plenty of tasks the landlord must complete to ensure that the end of tenancy goes smoothly. Preparing for the handover well in advance will preempt any potential delays or misunderstandings, ensuring the property has been thoroughly cleaned, the keys handed back, and any repairs or deposit deductions taken care of in good time for a subsequent tenant to move in, with minimal disruption to rental incomes during the transition.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Use our handy checklist for landlords when a tenant moves out to plan and prepare for your tenant moving out and ensure that your property is ready for a new tenant as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n

Disclaimer: The information provided on clearway.co.uk is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel on the subject of debt, lease or eviction-related matters. Any reliance you place on the information provided on clearway.co.uk is strictly at your own risk. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented on this website.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Here’s our summary table:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Step<\/th>\nChecklist<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1. Get a written end of tenancy notice<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Obtain written notice from the tenant (or provide written notice yourself).<\/li>\n
  • Check the notice period in the tenancy agreement (e.g. 28 days or one month).<\/li>\n
  • Send written acknowledgement confirming:\n
      \n
    • Move-out date and time.<\/li>\n
    • Final rent amount and any adjustments.<\/li>\n
    • Final inspection process and expectations for repairs\/maintenance.<\/li>\n
    • Deposit return process and conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Do not accept the deposit in lieu of the final month\u2019s rent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2. Communicate end-of-tenancy expectations<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Arrange a pre-departure inspection at a convenient time.<\/li>\n
  • Share an inventory or checklist with the tenant.<\/li>\n
  • Inspect for:\n
      \n
    • Damage to furniture\/appliances.<\/li>\n
    • Stains, marks or scratches beyond fair wear and tear.<\/li>\n
    • Leaks, water damage or infestations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Use the tenancy agreement to decide responsibility for issues.<\/li>\n
    • Agree deadlines for repairs and cleaning before the final inspection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3. Advertise the property as available to rent<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Start marketing around four weeks before move-out (if appropriate).<\/li>\n
  • Agree viewing times with the current tenant and respect their right to peaceful enjoyment.<\/li>\n
  • Decide whether viewings should be before or after redecoration\/cleaning.<\/li>\n
  • Prepare listing materials: photos, videos, floor plans.<\/li>\n
  • Arrange viewings once the property is presentable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4. Carry out an end of tenancy inspection<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Use an end-of-tenancy inventory or moving-out form.<\/li>\n
  • Photograph and document all damage beyond fair wear and tear.<\/li>\n
  • Check:\n
      \n
    • Cleanliness of the property.<\/li>\n
    • All appliances work safely.<\/li>\n
    • Full inventory is intact.<\/li>\n
    • Smoke and CO alarms work.<\/li>\n
    • No new damage or required maintenance.<\/li>\n
    • Furniture returned to original positions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Calculate any deposit deductions fairly and in line with the tenancy agreement.<\/li>\n
    • Get repair\/replacement quotes if needed to justify deductions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5. Take meter readings and call utility companies<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Record final gas, electricity and water readings on move-out day.<\/li>\n
  • Notify utility suppliers of:\n
      \n
    • Move-out date.<\/li>\n
    • Final meter readings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Confirm all utility bills are paid up to date.<\/li>\n
    • Keep meter reading records for the outgoing and incoming tenant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6. Notify the council of the change in tenancy<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Update the local council about the tenant\u2019s move-out date.<\/li>\n
  • Ensure council tax is paid up to the correct date.<\/li>\n
  • If the property will be empty, arrange council tax payment for the vacant period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7. Release the deposit after inspection is complete<\/td>\n\n