Moving Out Guide

A step-by-step guide to ending your tenancy, from giving notice to handing back the keys and getting your deposit returned.

Planning to move out?

This guide walks you through every stage of ending your tenancy — what to do, when to do it, and how to give yourself the best chance of a smooth checkout and a full deposit return. Please read it in full before you begin the process.

1. Giving Notice

Before you can vacate the property, you must give us notice in writing. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all assured tenancies are now periodic (rolling monthly) with no fixed end date. As a tenant, you can end your tenancy at any time by providing at least two months' written notice.

Once we receive your notice to vacate in writing, we will respond within 3 working days to confirm receipt of your notice, your confirmed move-out date, and the remaining rental amount due up to that

Notice Period - Minimum 2 months' written notice, unless a shorter period is mutually agreed in writing with the landlord

How to Give Notice - In writing, by email or letter addressed to RSPG Property Group. Verbal notice is not accepted

Our Response - Confirmation within 3 working days, including your move-out date and final rent calculation

Notice End Date: Your notice will typically expire at the end of a rental period (e.g. the last day of a calendar month)

When does notice start? Your notice period begins on the date we receive your written notice, not the date you decide to leave. Make sure you send your notice early enough to account for the full two-month period.

2. Property Viewings

During your notice period, we may need to show the property to prospective tenants. This is a condition of your tenancy agreement, and we ask for your cooperation to help minimise void periods for the landlord.

We will always give you reasonable notice before arranging a viewing and will endeavour to schedule them at a time that is convenient for you. We appreciate that this can be an inconvenience during what is already a busy time, and we will keep disruption to a minimum.

Your obligations: You are contractually required to allow viewings during the notice period. If an appointment is arranged and access is not provided, a call-out fee may apply. If you need to reschedule, please contact us as early as possible.

Tip: Keeping the property tidy and presentable during the viewing period can help find a replacement tenant faster, which may benefit you if you are looking to leave early or minimise any overlap with a new tenancy.

3. Rent, Bills & Final Payments

You are responsible for paying rent in full until your confirmed move-out date, not the date you physically vacate the property. Your standing order should remain active until we confirm that all rent has been received.

In addition to rent, you must ensure that all outstanding bills are settled before or shortly after your checkout, including council tax, utilities, and any other services in your name.

Rent - Must be paid in full up to and including your confirmed move-out date

Standing Order - Do not cancel until we confirm all rent has been received and your tenancy has ended

Utilities - Arrange final meter readings and settle all accounts (gas, electricity, water)

Council Tax - Inform the local council of your move-out date to close your account

Unpaid rent: Any rent arrears at the end of the tenancy may be deducted from your security deposit. Interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate may also be charged on rent that is more than 14 days overdue.

4. Preparing the Property for Check-Out

Under your tenancy agreement, you have two main obligations when ending your tenancy:

The property and its contents must be returned in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear
All rent must be up to date and all bills settled

Start your preparations by reviewing your copy of the inventory and schedule of condition from the beginning of the tenancy. This will remind you of the recorded state of each room, fixture, and fitting, and help you identify any items that may need attention.

The following general checklist will help you prepare:

Walk through the property room by room, comparing against your inventory
Repair any minor damage where possible (e.g. fill small nail holes, replace broken light bulbs)
Remove all personal belongings, anything left behind may be disposed of and the cost charged to you
Remove all rubbish from the property, nothing should be left other than in the designated wheelie bin
Ensure all furniture is returned to the rooms and positions noted in the inventory
Check that all electrical appliances and equipment provided by the landlord are in working order
If the property has a garden, ensure lawns are cut, beds are weeded, and patios are clear
Return all keys, fobs, and remote controls, internal keys for cupboards and windows should be left in their locks

5. Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

Thorough cleaning is one of the most important steps in maximising your deposit return. Below is a room-by-room guide to help you meet the expected standard.

🍳 Kitchen
Clean all surfaces, splashbacks, and tiled areas
Deep clean the oven, hob, extractor hood, and grill pan
Clean inside and outside of all cupboards
Defrost the fridge and freezer; clean inside and behind
Remove all food from cupboards
Clean the dishwasher, washing machine, and any other appliances
Ensure the floor is clean and not sticky
Empty and clean the kitchen bin

🛁 Bathrooms & WC
Clean all sanitaryware with a proprietary cleaner/disinfectant
Remove limescale from taps, shower heads, and glass
Clean tiles, grout, and sealant (remove any mould)
Clean mirrors and glass
Clean inside and outside of all cabinets
Ensure the floor is clean and dry

🛏️ Bedrooms & Living Areas
Vacuum and clean all carpets (professional cleaning may be required for heavy staining)
Clean or dry-clean curtains and press before rehangng
Dust and wipe all furniture, shelves, and surfaces
Clean all skirting boards and woodwork
Clean any mattress protectors; launder and press linen and towels
Clean inside all wardrobes and drawers
Clean windows (interior) and window sills

🌿 Garden & Exterior
Cut lawns and edge borders
Weed all beds, pathways, and patios
Sweep or jet-wash patio areas if heavily soiled
Remove any items you have added (pots, furniture, etc.)
Ensure sheds or outbuildings are emptied and clean
Leave garden equipment in working order

6. The Checkout

The appointed inventory clerk will contact you to arrange an appointment for your final checkout. This must be scheduled for a time when you are ready to close the door and hand back the keys, there will be no further access after this point.

During the checkout, the clerk will:

Check the condition of the entire property and its contents against the original inventory
Record gas and electricity meter readings
Photograph any areas of concern or discrepancy
Note any missing items, damage, or cleaning issues
Collect all keys, fobs, and security devices

Be present. We strongly recommend that you (or a representative) attend the checkout in person. This gives you the opportunity to discuss any findings with the clerk and avoid misunderstandings. If you cannot attend, please let us know in advance.

Disputed items: If there is a disagreement over the condition of any item, the checkout report will record both parties' positions. This forms the basis for any deposit negotiation and can be referred to the deposit protection scheme's free dispute resolution service if needed.

7. Final Bills & Mail Forwarding

Before and immediately after your checkout, please ensure you have dealt with the following:

Gas & Electricity
We will record your final meter readings during the checkout. Use these to provide closing readings to your energy supplier and settle your final bills.
Water
Contact your water company to close your account from your move-out date.
Council Tax
Inform your local council of your departure date so they can close your account and issue a final bill.
Broadband & TV Licence
Cancel or transfer your broadband contract and TV licence as appropriate.
Royal Mail Redirect
Set up a mail redirect with Royal Mail to ensure post is forwarded to your new address. This can be arranged online at royalmail.com.
Update Your Address
Notify your bank, employer, GP, dentist, DVLA, HMRC, insurance providers, and any subscriptions of your change of address.

Forwarding address: Please ensure you provide us with your forwarding address and contact details before you leave. This is essential for us to return your deposit and to contact you regarding any post-checkout matters.

8. Rent, Bills & Final Payments

Your deposit will not be returned at the checkout itself. The process works as follows:

Checkout Report - The inventory clerk produces a report comparing the property's condition at check-out against the original inventory

Proposed Deductions - If any deductions are proposed, they will be clearly itemised and supported by evidence (photographs, invoices, or estimates)

Agreement - If you agree with the proposed deductions (or there are none), the deposit is released

Refund Timeline - Your deposit will be refunded by the deposit protection scheme within 10 working days of all parties reaching agreement

Estimates Required - Where we need to obtain estimates for replacements or remedial works, there may be a short additional delay, we will keep this to a minimum

Deposit disputes: If you disagree with any proposed deductions, your deposit protection scheme offers a free, independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. Either party can refer the dispute to the scheme, and an independent adjudicator will make a binding decision based on the evidence. You do not need to go to court.

Common reasons for deductions: Damage beyond fair wear and tear, professional cleaning costs (if the property is not returned to the standard recorded in the inventory), missing items, unreturned keys, outstanding rent, and garden maintenance.

9. Moving Out Early

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, your tenancy is periodic (rolling monthly), so you can give two months' written notice at any time. There is no fixed term to "break" in the traditional sense.

However, if you wish to leave before your two-month notice period has expired, your landlord may agree to end the tenancy early in certain circumstances. Please note:

You remain responsible for rent and utilities until the end of your notice period, unless otherwise agreed in writing
If we are able to find a suitable replacement tenant to take over before your notice period ends, the landlord may agree to limit your rent obligation to the date the new tenant moves in
There may be reasonable costs associated with re-letting the property (capped at the rent remaining on the notice period under the Tenant Fees Act 2019)

Talk to us first. If you need to leave earlier than planned, please contact your property manager as soon as possible to discuss your options. The earlier we know, the more we can do to help, and the better the outcome is likely to be for everyone.

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If you're unsure about any part of the move-out process, or if your circumstances have changed — for example, your move-out date needs to be discussed — please contact us as soon as possible. We're here to help make your move as straightforward as we can.

This Hub is general guidance and does not replace your tenancy agreement or statutory rights.