Moving out of rental property

Svenena

I'm moving out of a rented flat today, going to return the keys at lunchtime. I emailed the LA asking when they were doing the checkout inspection and said I would like to be present. They have emailed back to say they will probably do it tonight, but aren't sure what time and I don't need to be there.

Is it important to be present at checkout? I've only rented rooms in shared houses before, so I've never bothered, whereas this is a whole flat. What should I be looking out for if I do go along? I was thinking like if they pointed out I had missed dusting a surface (unlikely!) I could wipe it there and then, or if they commented on a door handle being loose I could remind them that I reported it in writing when it happened as it wasn't my fault. Is this the kind of thing that makes my presence necessary?

nick1977

Svenena wrote: »

I'm moving out of a rented flat today, going to return the keys at lunchtime. I emailed the LA asking when they were doing the checkout inspection and said I would like to be present. They have emailed back to say they will probably do it tonight, but aren't sure what time and I don't need to be there.

Is it important to be present at checkout? I've only rented rooms in shared houses before, so I've never bothered, whereas this is a whole flat. What should I be looking out for if I do go along? I was thinking like if they pointed out I had missed dusting a surface (unlikely!) I could wipe it there and then, or if they commented on a door handle being loose I could remind them that I reported it in writing when it happened as it wasn't my fault. Is this the kind of thing that makes my presence necessary?

I would say from my experience it is worth being there, for the exact reasons you state above. I was present at checkout of my last place, and was asked questions in just about every room - most of them minor but t was still good to be there to give my explanation. It's good to be able to mention things that you might have improved too, and all in all might result in you getting your deposit back quicker as at least you can answer questions straight away rather than waiting for them to contact you.

Nick

Svenena

Thanks Nick, I think the point about being able to answer questions straight away is a good one.

I'm only concerned about a couple of things, and was wondering whether any LLs could give their input on how they would be viewed?

As I mentioned before, one of the door handles is loose - it comes right out, but can be put back in. I can't work out what the mechanism for holding it in place is, or I might have attempted to fix it myself. This just happened one day - I just held it to open it and it slid out. I reported it at the time but they never fixed it (presumably as they knew I was moving out soon).

There was a new sofa placed in the flat at the start of my tenancy (13 months ago). It's white. The seat is discoloured from where people have sat (presumably from fabric/dirt from sitting elsewhere??). Are they likely to charge me to get it professionally cleaned? Is this wear and tear? It cost £90 new (from Ikea). I have attempted to clean it, but without success.

One of the kitchen taps, the top plastic bit (which has the coloured ring indicating which temp it is) has been broken since I moved in. As it was balanced on top, and I didn't turn it when I checked the inventory, I didn't notice. I never bothered reporting it as it was so insignificant (assume this was also the case for the previous tenant). I had a look online but couldn't find a replacement for this tiny part of the tap. There is a similar set of taps available online for £12, but the kitchen is clearly many years old, so I assume they couldn't even charge this. Although maybe they could charge extra for fitting it? Not sure whether it's a simple job to fix taps or not. I think that this is something they may have overlooked in the past, but as they are increasing the rent for the next tenant, and making some improvements (such as replacing the ancient fridge and oven, installing a shower, and retiling the bathroom) I think they may be more likely to want to fix things like this (I would). Am I going to be charged for new taps and getting them fitted?

The carpet is very worn where I had my computer chair. I can't remember off the top of my head if the carpet was new when I moved in, but the rest of it looks in much better condition. Will this come under wear and tear?

I know some of these will be up to the interpretation of the LA/LL, but I'm just looking for some guidance on what others would do about these things. I'm hoping to be able to get to the check out, but as the LA indicated it would take place "this evening" and I have a work event to go to later, I'm not sure I'll be able to make it.