Guidelines for Vacating Tenants

This document is produced in an effort to avoid any confusion at the time of checking out that may arise with dilapidations or the return of deposit monies.  Please read the notes carefully in order to avoid both time and embarrassment when the property is finally inspected.

The Deposit Protection Service are holding a damage deposit in your name in respect of the premises you currently occupy.  At the end of your notice, we advise that the property and contents will be checked against the original inventory, which you signed at the start of the tenancy by an independent Inventory clerk.

The following points are given for information and we would advise that we are instructed by our client, the landlord, to strictly adhere to the stipulations as detailed below.  Leaving the property in good, clean and tidy condition and in accordance with the points listed below will save both time and embarrassment for all parties.

Important note:  when keys have been handed to our independent inventory clerk on check out date you will be unable to return to the property to rectify any damages we may find and monetary deductions will be made from your deposit as deemed necessary.  It is therefore in your own interests to ensure that you read this document thoroughly and leave the property in accordance with these guidelines.

Monetary deductions from your deposit will be made for any of the following:

  • Nicotine stained ceilings
  • Cigarette burns in carpets and/or soft furnishings
  • Areas of badly scratched, torn or defaced wallpaper/wall coverings
  • Areas of badly chipped skirting boards or defaced painted woodwork
  • Excessive oil patches on driveways and/or garage floors

In addition, if the following points have not been carried out to our checker’s satisfaction, a charge will be made (and deducted from your deposit) for each and every dilapidation:

Tenancy Checkout Guide

A guide to help tenants prepare for checkout.

There is only one standard to aim for. The cooker must be immaculately clean.  Top, sides, back, storage drawer, exterior and interior and all accessories should be entirely free of grease, burnt on foods and fats.  The grill pan (if any) should be entirely free of crumbs, be thoroughly clean and have no evidence of grease marks or staining.

The cooker hood must be clean and free from grease and the filter must be replaced with a new one at the end of the tenancy.

This should be emptied, switched off and defrosted and moved out of position to be cleaned. The exterior and interior door seal should be clean; the door left ajar and the electricity supply switched off.

These should be emptied, washed out with soapy water or thoroughly wiped to be free of dust and other accumulated dirt. All surfaces should be free from streaks, grease and dust. Drawers and shelves to be emptied completely.

Lampshades to be cleaned inside and out where fitted. Switches, cables and plastic covers should be cleaned and free from grease, especially in the kitchen.  All light bulbs to be operable, unless otherwise stated on the original inventory.

There should be no evidence of limescale staining to toilet pans or enamel surfaces. All sanitary ware including taps should be thoroughly cleaned. Please use the correct cleaning materials and not scouring pads etc.  Drain holes should be clean and tops of shower attachments bright and shiny. Shower curtains should be cleaned and free from mildew or replaced as necessary.

(including nets) and loose chair covers should be washed and cleaned, as required, and re-hung/re-positioned properly.

Throughout should be steam-cleaned, shampooed or vacuumed as necessary and loose rugs and mats beaten.

On all floors should be cleaned thoroughly on both the exterior and interior and all windowsills and ledges wiped down and left clean

Should be left weed free, with all lawns cut and edged in the proper manner. All lawnmowers should be cleaned and free from accumulated grass etc.  All garden waste should be cleared away.

All dustbins should be emptied. Please ensure rubbish (including garden refuse) has already been cleared away prior to your vacation or left at the front of the property (and not within its boundaries) for collection.

Should be swept out and left tidy and free from leaves and accumulated dirt and debris.  All old batteries, oil cans, boxes etc should be disposed of prior to your departure.

Should be cleared of all personal belongings not listed on the inventory.  Windows should be wiped clean and all accumulated dirt etc swept away.  If applicable, all doors should be locked or securely fastened.

• All extending tables to be fully extended.

• All kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, pots and pans to be left on the work surface for inspection.

• The property must be left secure with all windows closed and doors (including garage, shed and outbuildings as appropriate) locked.

All keys should be handed to Belvoir along with your forwarding address (including post code) and details of the utility suppliers to the property.

Do not leave keys in the property.

You must have your post re-directed by The Post Office ( forms obtained from post office ), to take effect from your move-out date. Ingoing tenants are not obliged to forward mail on to you and Belvoir does not take the responsibility of forwarding mail. Any mail received in property after tenants have vacated will be returned to sender.

It is your responsibility as tenant to ensure that all the relevant authorities are informed of your leaving and that all meters are read and final accounts paid. We may seek evidence that all accounts have been paid by asking for receipted final accounts before releasing deposit monies

IF YOUR RENT IS PAID BY STANDING ORDER YOU MUST CANCEL THIS MONTHLY PAYMENT YOURSELF, AS YOUR BANK WILL NOT TAKE INSTRUCTION FROM A THIRD PARTY, AND BELVOIR CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENTS BEING RECEIVED AFTER THE TENANCY HAS CEASED.  AN ADMINISTRATION FEE OF £30 WILL BE CHARGEABLE FOR EVERY OVERPAYMENT THAT HAS TO BE REFUNDED.

 

Final note:       

Once you have returned the keys and attached form to the inventory clerk, you are deemed to have left the property and taken all belongings with you.  Any furniture, clothing or other goods remaining at the property, and not listed on the inventory, will be disposed of.  Should we need outside contractors and/or a vehicle or skip to remove rubbish, boxes or goods left behind, payment for this service, which will include an administration charge, will be deducted from your deposit.

You may like to consider engaging a reputable cleaning company to clean the property to the standard required by Belvoir Lettings Northwich & Congleton,and we would be pleased to provide you with details of companies you might invite to quote.

We hope you find these guidelines useful in helping to ensure that all is in order and that we may return your deposit in full and as timely as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact Belvoir on 01606 783599 if you would like to discuss any point in more detail.

 

 

 

Please see below an example of what you may be charged if the property is not returned in a satisfactory condition

Minimum call out charge for replacement of any items, repairs, cleaning, gardening etc £45.00

 

This covers the contractors first hour

£17.50 per 1/2 hour increments will be charged therafter.

All materials will be charged for separately

Removal of any items left at the property minimum £35.00 plus tipping charges

Carpet cleaning Average sized room £65.00

Cooker cleaning

£55.00 Single oven, £65.00 Double oven, Hob £35.00, Extractor £30.00 replacement filters charged separately

All costs exclude VAT which will be charged at the rate currant on the date of invoice

Please complete the below and hand to the inventory clerk

Forwarding

Address        _____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

____________________________

Post Code    _________________

 

Utility Suppliers for

Gas              ________________________  Account Number _______________________

Electricity   _________________________ Account Number _______________________

Water         _________________________ Account Number _______________________

 

Signed         _________________________         Date        ____/____/_________