My guide on end of tenancy check outs - YouTube

End of tenancy check outs, not something that a private landlord particularly looks forward

to or indeed a letting agent, a lot of private landlords that I speak to don't know what

they can and can't claim for, they end up saying to me, I let the tenant off, they had

the full deposit back, even though I know there is a little burn mark here or a scratch

there, they've been good tenants I just didn't want to cause problems.

That's completely fine if that's what you would like to do.

However, here are my tips on things you can do for a check out.

I know that not everyone likes to do them because you don't obviously want confrontation

but here's some useful tips for you.

So, first of all, you absolutely must use the inventory that you did at the beginning

of the tenancy with the photographs otherwise it is one persons word against the other.

This is your most vital document, the inventory.

Even if your property is as new and it's unfurnished, you still need an inventory.

The tenant leaves the property, the bedroom is bright purple, you've got to pay to paint

it back to white or magnolia, how can you prove that it wasn't purple at the start if

you haven't got an inventory or photographs?

Secondly, you must give the tenant the opportunity to be at the check out, arrange it for the

last day of their tenancy and arrange to meet them there.

This way you can agree on the deductions or return of the deposit with them at the appointment.

Number three, you must take meter readings and get a forwarding address from your tenants.

That way when you contact the utilities and the council tax to inform them of the end

readings and the start of your liability and the end of your tenants, if there are any

outstanding monies on the account they will deal with the tenant directly and it's not

your responsibility so do get a forwarding address.

So then, also, you need to have a look around the property and take into account things

like fair wear and tear.

You are not entitled to receive betterment and by that what they mean is you can't receive

a brand new carpet at the cost of the tenant.

So, say for example, the tenant has got an iron burn mark right in the middle of the

lounge carpet, I don't know why people iron on their lounge carpets but it does happen,

and you want a carpet to replace it, so you say, i need a new carpet, they should pay

for that full carpet, unfortunately that isn't the case.

They will take into account the age of the current carpet, the length of the tenancy,

the cost of a new carpet and they will work it out based on that, you can't just replace

the new carpet at the tenants cost.

What if you go to do the check out and your tenant isn't present and they've left a load

of items there?

Maybe they owe rent and you think, do you know what, I'm going to keep these items and

sell them and use it towards the rent, you can't do that and also you have to give them

chance to come and pick up their items even though they've abandoned them you must keep

them for 14 days otherwise you, yourself, can get into a lot of trouble.

Something that private landlords tell me before the end of the tenancy, is that their tenant

asks them if they can pay the last months rent before the check out and the landlord

says yes, fine.

Absolutely not, don't let your tenants use their deposit as their last months rent.

What if you come to do the check out and it's untidy, they've left items, there is re-decoration

needed.

Yes, you might have done an inspection, you might get on with them very well but there

might still be remedial works so don't let them pay the last months rent from their deposit.

If works are required then please do get independent quotes from contractors on letter headed paper,

they will bear more weight than you, as such, "making up a figure" because that is what

your deposit scheme will say, where have you got these facts and figures from?

You must take photos of anything that needs remedial work doing to it.

As much evidence as you can get as absolutely possible, and put everything in writing.

Put any agreed deductions, any quotes, send them all to your tenants, as the dispute scheme

will want to see evidence of all of this.

If you can't reach an agreement and it has to go to the deposit scheme then please do

try to negotiate, that will go in your favour as well.

If you really can't face doing your check out, by all means give me a call 01423 529250

and we can discuss homes4harrogate's bolt on check out service.

Or if you would like any more help or guidance please head over to the website www.homes4harrogate.co.uk,

I do hourly training sessions for landlords and run seminars and good luck with your check

out.