Moving out of a rental property is never an easy task, and making sure everything is taken care of before returning the keys can seem like a daunting process. However, by following a simple checklist, you can ensure that everything is in order, from cleaning the property to handling any outstanding bills.
Go through this blog to discover the key tasks you need to complete before returning your keys.
6 Essential Steps to Take Before Returning Your Keys
01. Room-By-Room Cleaning
One of the most important tasks is cleaning the property thoroughly. You’ll want to leave every room spotless to ensure that you don’t lose your security deposit.
- Living Room: Dust all furniture, clean windows, and vacuum the carpets or rugs. If there are any marks on the walls, wipe them down gently.
- Kitchen: Clean all appliances, including the oven, fridge, and microwave. Don’t forget to wipe down the counters, wash the sink, and remove any food remnants from the cupboards.
- Bathroom: Scrub the sink, toilet, shower, and bath. Clean the mirrors, mop the floor, and check for any soap scum or mildew.
- Bedroom: Vacuum the floor and dust the furniture. Remember to clean under the bed and check the wardrobe for any forgotten items.
- Hallways and Staircases: Sweep or vacuum the floors, and wipe down any handrails or light fixtures.
With tenancy cleaning services, you can ensure every corner is cleaned to a high standard, offering deep cleaning that goes beyond a regular clean for a pristine property.
02. Damages Or Repairs
It’s essential to check for any damage or wear and tear that might have occurred during your tenancy. A little effort here can save you from unnecessary disputes with your landlord.
- Inspect the Property: Go through the property room by room, checking for cracks, leaks, or broken appliances.
- Fix What You Can: Minor repairs, such as filling holes in walls or fixing a leaky tap, can often be done yourself with minimal cost.
- Report Major Issues: For bigger problems, like a broken dishwasher or structural damage, inform the landlord and discuss how to handle them before the move-out inspection.
Addressing these issues before your final inspection shows responsibility and will help ensure you get your deposit back without complications.
03. Remove All Personal Belongings
This step is often overlooked, but it’s essential to double-check that all of your personal items are removed from the property.
- Check Every Room: Don’t forget hidden spaces such as under beds, in cupboards, or inside drawers.
- Clear Out the Garden or Shed: If you have access to outdoor spaces, make sure these areas are tidy and free of your belongings.
Leaving behind personal items can delay the return of your deposit and complicate the move-out process, so be thorough when packing up.
04. Return All Keys And Access Items
Returning the property’s keys and access items is a simple yet crucial task. You’ll want to ensure that the landlord or property manager has everything they need.
- Keys: This includes not only your front door key but also any spare keys, mailbox keys, and garage fobs.
- Access Items: Don’t forget to return any remote controls, parking permits, or access cards that came with the property.
Make sure to hand over everything in good condition to avoid any charges for replacements.
05. Check For Outstanding Bills
Before you leave, it’s important to settle any outstanding bills to prevent unexpected charges from piling up after you’ve moved out.
- Utility Bills: Make sure all utilities, including gas, electricity, and water, are paid up-to-date.
- Final Meter Readings: Take the final readings for gas and electricity meters and provide them to your utility providers.
- Cancel Services: If you’re leaving the area, cancel any subscriptions or services (such as internet or cable) that are tied to the property.
This will ensure a smooth exit and avoid any future payment issues.
06. Notify The Landlord Of Your Departure
It’s courteous—and often a requirement—to notify your landlord in advance of your move-out date.
- Give Notice in Writing: Check your lease agreement for the required notice period and submit it in writing.
- Provide a Forwarding Address: This will ensure that any remaining correspondence, including your deposit refund, reaches you.
Being proactive here will help facilitate a smooth handover and ensure everything goes as planned.
Final Takeaway
Returning your keys might seem like a small task, but it’s the final step in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free move-out process. By thoroughly cleaning the property and addressing repairs, you can leave it in top condition.
Handling all the necessary administrative tasks will help ensure you get your full security deposit back.
