Ending your tenancy

• Know what date and time you need to vacate your property
• Read your inventory/check-in report as you must leave the property and items in the same condition
• Agree with the landlord/agency who will represent the household regarding the deposit return.

You will need to return the property in the same condition as you moved in. If required, book a professional clean.

Agree cleaning arrangements, the whole house is responsible to ensure that all rooms and communal areas are cleaned, don’t forget about the garden.

Arrange for cleaning to take place a day or two before giving back the keys and once all belongings have been removed. This will allow time for you to check it has been cleaned properly.

Fix or replace any immediate, small problems you can see.

These should be minor things, such as replacing light bulbs, returning furniture to its original positions or replacing mattress covers.

Make arrangements to move out on time and any help needed to do this.

The whole household will be charged for leaving items or rubbish at the property.

You must hand back the property in the same condition as indicated on your check-in report. Any variations will result in a charge. Moving out late will also incur additional charges for the whole household. These charges are easily proven and can be deducted from the deposit by the agent so make sure your entire household is aware.

Notify your utility providers (including the council) about your vacating date: you must provide final meter readings and a forwarding address.

The household most likely paid a six-week deposit at the start of the tenancy and no doubt you will be keen to have the amount returned in full. Ensure you are proactive and have a good understanding of the timeframe and process involved with getting your money back.

There are three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes:

• Deposit Protection Service
• MyDeposits (mostly used by private landlords)
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Each of these schemes have their own processes and prescribed information which outlines how deposit disputes are dealt with. You should always try to resolve any disputes with your landlord/agent first as the scheme may not rule in your favour and therefore leave you out of pocket if they find you are in the wrong. 

Eviction

If your landlord threatens you with eviction, the best course of action is to seek legal advice immediately.

It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants by using methods such as changing locks while they are out, physically throwing them out, or preventing tenants getting into part or all of their home. If this happens, call the police.

Landlords must follow certain procedures to evict you. The first step your landlord has to take is to ask you to leave, which is usually done via a written notice in which the landlord serves notice of their intention to seek possession of the property. This may of course be mutually beneficial, as you may well be wishing to find alternative accommodation. If, however, you think the landlord is being unfair or unlawfully trying to evict you, you should seek legal advice at this point and speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The written notice served by the landlord must comply with several specific requirements set out in the law. A landlord cannot evict you from a property nor are they allowed to change the locks without a possession order. Bailiffs (enforcement officers) are the only ones who should execute this order.

Book an appointment

This is a complicated area and you should always seek expert legal advice. If you are unsure about how to access local legal advice, go to the MySurrey Hive to speak to an adviser who can offer appropriate referrals to local legal advice. 

Decline of contract renewal

If you want to stay on but your landlord does not wish to renew your tenancy they must issue notice in the form of a Section 21 notice. If you receive one of these contact the Students' Union to ensure it has been issued correctly as there is certain legal requirements for this document.