Moving process

Tenant fees

You shouldn’t have to pay any fees prior to moving into to a property. Landlords and agents are banned from charging most tenant fees. The only costs you should expect to pay prior to move-in are: a holding deposit, a security deposit and rent.

A week before you move in

• Check your paperwork and make sure you’ve done everything you have to to get the keys eg. paying deposit
• paying first month’s rent
• providing signed guarantor form
• completing standing order forms for future rent payments

Keep a record of the condition of the property

Make sure you keep a record of the condition and what is provided in the property. This might seem like hard work on your move in day but it is crucial to ensuring you get your deposit back. Take photos of the current condition of the rooms and any damage you notice. Check that this is noted in the inventory.

The inventory

The landlord should complete an inventory – this is a list of what is in the property and, more importantly, what condition the property is in. They should give you a copy to check and sign. Make sure that you

• note any changes – ensure all damage no matter how small is included
• sign and date
• keep a copy 
• give/send the amended version back to your landlord

If the property isn't up to standard

In most cases, problems with the property do not stop the contract from being binding.
Report any issues in writing to the landlord. Always keep a written record of any correspondence between you and your landlord.

Seek advice from the University of London Housing Services before you walk away from a property as you may remain liable for rent.

Bills

Take meter readings for electricity, gas and water (if applicable) as soon as you move in and keep a note of these. Even if bills are included in your rent, still take a meter reading if you have access to the meter.

• Find out who supplies your utilities Ofgem offer advice on how to find out who your utility suppliers are.
  Contact the current supplier and open a new account in your name. Have your meter reading from the day you moved in to ensure that you are not charged for any previous tenants’ bills.
• Find out from your local council when your bins get emptied and how your local recycling scheme works
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours – this can reduce risks of future disagreements and help to reduce risk of burglary.

Within 30 days of the date your landlord/agent receives your deposit, you should receive confirmation that your deposit has been protected. Contact your landlord or managing agent if you have not received this information.

If you need further advice on this, you can contact the University of London Housing Services.

One month before

• Check your tenancy agreement for moving out and deposit return arrangements. Failing to do what the contract says can result in delays in getting your deposit back, or deductions
• Have you informed your landlord/agency that you will be moving out?
• Make sure you know which deposit scheme is holding your money
• Start thinking about recycling or donating any usable items that you don’t need

Two weeks before

• Start planning how you are going to clean the house with your flatmates. If the house is not left in the same condition as when you moved in this may result in deductions from your deposit.
• Consider arranging mail redirections with Royal Mail

One week before

• Re-check your inventory and arrange a check out inspection with your landlord/agent
• Clean the property thoroughly
• Notify utility companies of your move out date

• Remove all remaining rubbish from the property
• Take photos of the property
• Take meter readings
• Keep copies of all useful documents e.g. emails with landlord, photos, tenancy agreement
• Lock up the property and return the keys

Two to four weeks after the end of the tenancy

Have you heard from the landlord about your deposit? If not, write to them to request information.

If you don’t agree with any deductions made, try to negotiate with your landlord in writing using the tenancy agreement, the inventory and your photos.

Check your tenancy agreement to see what your landlord can deduct money for, this might include

• unpaid rent (including arrears owed by other join tenants)
• damage to property (but not if this was caused by normal usage/fair wear and tear)
• replacement of missing items
• cleaning

If your negotiations do not work and you still feel that the deductions have been wrongly made or incorrectly calculated, you and your landlord may wish to refer your dispute to the deposit protections scheme. You can seek advice and support from the SOAS Housing Adviser or University of London Housing Services about how to do this.

Three months after end of tenancy

This is the deadline for raising a dispute with the tenancy deposit protection schemes.

The University of London Housing Services can offer advice on any deposit disputes.