How to prepare for a successful checkout?

MarcusAurelius

Hi all,

Any tips how to best prepare for a checkout to maximise the chances of getting the deposit back?

What are the typical faults that get penalised, but can be avoided?

Thanks!

Guest101

Use the inventory, get it back to that standard.

Wear and tear excluded.

MarcusAurelius

Guest101 wrote: »

Use the inventory, get it back to that standard.

Wear and tear excluded.

Well, hope it's that simple.

Naturally, faulty light bulbs must be replaced.

How can I get credit for any improvements or items I can leave behind, such as curtains, furniture?

Yorkie1

You will get no automatic credit for additional stuff you're leaving behind. The obligation is to leave it in exactly the same state as you found it, less fair wear and tear.

Did you have to replace any furniture / curtains of the LL's during the tenancy, or are these extra? Are you sure the LL won't charge you for disposing of what s/he might consider to be abandoned furniture etc? If all is amicable then it won't have a negative effect but is unlikely to have a positive effect unless your LL is in a kindly mood.

The main thing is to ensure that the property is thoroughly clean. Inside the oven and cupboards. Down the toilet. Remove scuffs from door frames or skirting boards, unless you have written or photographic proof that they were like that when you moved in.

Take lots of photos as you won't be able to get back in afterwards to dispute anything. Make a note and photo of all relevant meter readings (including water if metered).

jtr2803

I was literally about to ask the same thing as we will be going through this in a few weeks times!

Triple check your contract, ours says we have to have carpets professionally cleaned and provide receipts. I can see the oven seems to be a common one so I might get that done just so there is no argument!

MarcusAurelius

Yorkie1 wrote: »

You will get no automatic credit for additional stuff you're leaving behind. The obligation is to leave it in exactly the same state as you found it, less fair wear and tear.

Did you have to replace any furniture / curtains of the LL's during the tenancy, or are these extra? Are you sure the LL won't charge you for disposing of what s/he might consider to be abandoned furniture etc? If all is amicable then it won't have a negative effect but is unlikely to have a positive effect unless your LL is in a kindly mood.

The main thing is to ensure that the property is thoroughly clean. Inside the oven and cupboards. Down the toilet. Remove scuffs from door frames or skirting boards, unless you have written or photographic proof that they were like that when you moved in.

Take lots of photos as you won't be able to get back in afterwards to dispute anything. Make a note and photo of all relevant meter readings (including water if metered).

Great, thanks!

allthingsmustpass

I wouldn't do too much for it, certainly not get any expensive 'professional' cleaning done. Your only obligation is to have it in the same state it was in when you moved in, except for fair wear and tear. Any clause that says you should iron the curtains or whatever other nonsense can be ignored.

The fact is, if they are going to try and rip you off they have decided to do so before they enter the door. Don't give them an easy excuse to use but at the same time don't go bending over backwards for these a.holes, your reward will be an attempt to steal your deposit in most cases anyway.

That sounds rather cynical I know but I speak from experience. The agent will not be thorough at all, ultimately their aim is to remain on the clock whilst doing some errands in the town so their primary objective will be getting out the door. You can use that to your advantage and book the checkout on a friday afternoon if you don't want them snooping around too much.

The decision of whether to attempt to steal from you will come later in the office and bear no relation to the state you left the place in…. unless you give them an obvious reason to use.

When they attempt to hold back some of your deposit dispute it with the deposit protection scheme and they will back down. They hope you will roll over, and some do, which is why they will try it on.

Guest101

jtr2803 wrote: »

I was literally about to ask the same thing as we will be going through this in a few weeks times!

Triple check your contract, ours says we have to have carpets professionally cleaned and provide receipts. I can see the oven seems to be a common one so I might get that done just so there is no argument!

Nope u don't. U need to clean them to the standard u received them in. U can do this yourself.

tbs624

MarcusAurelius wrote: »

How can I get credit for any improvements or items I can leave behind, such as curtains, furniture?

What "improvements"?

Did you make these with prior written agreement from the LL?

Leaving behind anything of your own, such as curtains and/or furniture may well land you with a charge for their removal. If you don't want the items a charity may come and collect, provided the items have appropriate fire safety compliance labelling. Otherwise, get the LL to confirm in writing that they are happy for the items to be left but don't expect "credit".

You need to leave the property in the same condition as when let to you ( as confirmed by the incoming jointly signed inventory), save for an allowance for "fair wear and tear". Note that FW&T does not mean dirt and/or damage ( other than the type of "damage" that would naturally occur over time such as flattening of carpet pile/fading due to sunlight etc)

You may want to take detailed and date evidenced photos of the property before you move out - including such things as close ups of skirting boards, door handles, tops of cupboards, inside cupboards, any kitchen white goods and bathroom sanitary ware etc