How Do You End a Tenancy “Well”?
You’ve had a good tenancy and it’s now time to think of ending it. But what does it mean to end a tenancy “well”? To us, it’s simple: no surprises. That means no loss of income, no infringement of rights or responsibilities, and the rent deposit returned in full—so both tenants and landlords can move on with ease, without being caught out by old issues. Here is our advice.
For Tenants:
Don’t Assume You Can Leave Early
You may want to leave your rented accommodation before your term is up and that is up to you. However, vacating early normally doesn’t entitle you to a refund or reduction on your final rent. Some landlords may be receptive to negotiation, so inform them of your intention to end the tenancy as early as possible as some may allow a pro-rata rent. If you do come to such an arrangement, ensure you get it in writing, to make clear how much is owed and by what date.
Your End Date Is Not The Same As Your Start Date
Let’s begin with an example of a standard 12 month contract. If your contract began on 25 January 2025, you would need to move out of your rented accommodation by the end of 24 January, not on 25 January 2026. Think of it like a hotel – you are paying for nights. So, this means your contract includes 24 January 2026, but only up until 11.59 p.m. and not from midnight onwards. However, this is usually only a technicality. It isn’t practical for either a tenant or a landlord to have a tenant remain until literally the last second. Instead, agree with your landlord a good time for you to vacate, which is usually in the morning and in this example, 24 January 2026.
Check-In Inventory Matters
The landlord will use both the check-in and check-out inventory reports to determine the state of the property once you’ve left. Dig out the initial inventory report you were given and check that the condition is the same as you received it, excepting for reasonable wear and tear. As a minimum, you will be expected to leave the accommodation in a clean state. The cleaning may be carried out by you or if the report records “professionally cleaned”, you will need to arrange for professional cleaners to come in and be ready to provide an invoice or receipt as proof. It is best to begin looking for suitable cleaners early on, as an end-of-tenancy cleaning is not the same as a regular domestic cleaning – the price can vary. If you are part of a joint tenancy, agree on a budget for the cleaning with the others, and also nominate someone to check that the cleaner’s work has been carried out to requirements.
For landlords:
Keep Your Eye On The Final Rent Payment
It is common for tenants to cancel their rent standing order as soon as they know they will be leaving. So, it’s a good idea to remind your tenant when their last rent payment is due and the amount, and then make sure it clears your bank on time.
Final Inspection
It is wise to carry out an in-person final inspection one month before the tenant is due to leave to avoid the possibility of an argument over their rent deposit. During your final inspection, be sure to check for damages the tenant has not reported, as well as leaks and mould growth that could have been caught and dealt with earlier. Any missing items, including furniture, should be mentioned as soon as noticed in case the tenant has packed them away by mistake.
The Timing Of Your New Tenancy
If you are looking to continue renting the property out, know that new tenants may also have a one or two months’ notice period. Work backwards to determine how long your property could be sitting empty and start talking to agents as soon as possible if you will be relying on them to find your next tenant. There is plenty that needs to be done: paperwork filled in, questions asked and compliance matters completed. So, be proactive and keep the ball rolling until you have a new tenancy contract at hand.
Landlords – unsure where to start? Can a bad tenancy still end “well”? Give us a call on 020 3588 5115 and we will be happy to help.
Disclaimer: Marybow Property takes all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Our website, including the blogs, is not legal or financial advice and should not be construed as such. We reserve the right to change the information on this website at any time.