Guide for Tenants

Check Out Appointment

It is most important that you ensure the following are taken care of:

• That all cleaning has been completed prior to this time to the same standard as at the start of the tenancy.
• That all personal items have been removed.
• The garden is returned to the same standard as at the start of the tenancy.
• The property is ready to be handed over in a ‘like for like’ condition as at the start of the tenancy taking into account the length of the tenancy.
• The Tenant is ready to vacate and return keys to the inventory clerk or letting agent.

The Inventory Clerk acts as an independent and reasonable body when compiling or checking the property against the Inventory.

At the termination of the tenancy the inventory will be checked and any obvious or significant discrepancies will be reported to the Managing Agent/Instructing Principal. This report will indicate whether, in our opinion if the tenant is liable for the deterioration or whether it is considered fair wear and tear. Normal fair wear and tear will be assessed on the length of the tenancy and type of occupancy using the guidelines supplied to us by AIIC our professional body.

Check-Out Advice

Here are some handy tips that you need to know before a check-out.

• All items should be placed in the rooms described on the inventory.
• All China, Glassware, Kitchen Utensils etc, should be clean and accessible. Any packed away during the duration of the tenancy must be unpacked, cleaned and returned to the correct position.
• It is expected that the property will be in the same condition of cleanliness as at Check-in, if cleaned to a professional standard at the start, then to a professional standard at the end.
• Bedding and linen should be clean and placed neatly in the airing cupboard or appropriate room.
• It is the tenants responsibility to return all furniture and items to their original positions at the end of the tenancy. Should the Inventory Clerk have to search for items it may result in charges being made to the tenant.
• All keys must be available, and labelled clearly.
• You must be ready to vacate the property and hand over the keys at the appointed time.

Cleaning

This must be thorough. The main areas of concern are:

• Kitchen and appliances, Sanitary ware clean and descaled, windows inside and outside, carpets steam cleaned, curtains and net curtains, hard floors, woodwork, furniture, wardrobes and drawer units, linens and bedding, fixtures and fittings.
• If the standard of cleaning is not satisfactory, Managing Agents or Landlords will employ a Contract Cleaner to bring the property to the same standard as at the start of the tenancy and the cost will be deducted from the tenants deposit.

Carpets

• All carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed. Depending on the agreement and/or length of tenancy they should be steam cleaned if steam cleaned at the start of the tenancy. The tenant will be charged to clean any staining or soiling.
• Compensatory costs will be made towards any further damage such as stains or burns. If a carpet is badly marked or damaged, you may be charged for part or all of the cost of replacement.

Crockery, China, and Utensils

These items will be checked for soiling and chips. If damage has occurred beyond fair wear and tear, compensatory or replacement costs will be included in the Check out report.

Decorations

It is accepted that during the course of normal day to day living a few marks and scuffs will appear on walls and woodwork. However, should the marking be found to be excessive charges will be included in the Check out report. For example, hooks and nails driven into walls: excessive furniture rubbings: pencil or crayon marks, tears to wallpaper, excessive damage to woodwork and making good to an unprofessional standard.

Beds

• Beds, bases and mattress, and pillows will be examined for staining and damage not previously recorded on the inventory. Charges will be made in the form of cleaning charges, or compensation, or a percentage of the replacement cost as appropriate.
• Linen and bedding, if any, should be left clean and pressed.

Polished furniture

• Polished furniture will be checked for scratches, ring marks, burns, soiling and damage to joints, and charges made as appropriate. Repair costs and re-polishing costs are high.
• It is in your interest to take steps to protect the furniture with mats etc.

Soft Furnishings

• It is expected that these will be in a similar condition to the start of the tenancy.
• Any staining, soiling or excessive discolouration will attract cleaning charges.

Keys

• All keys listed on the inventory should be kept safely and handed back at the end of the tenancy. Should any keys be lost, you may be charged for replacement keys or locks.
• If you have extra keys cut, these should also be returned.

Gardens

If the owner has not employed a gardener at the property, you will be required to maintain the garden as detailed in your tenancy agreement and return the garden in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. This includes the cutting of lawns, weeding of borders, and maintaining the garden according to the season. This may include trimming bushes and shrubs, but it is suggested this is confirmed with the Managing agent prior to taking action as they may need specialist treatment.

If the standard of the garden is found to be untidy, compared with the commencement of tenancy, most Managing Agents or Landlords will employ a contract gardener and the cost charged to the tenant.