Moving out standard

We want to provide homes that are safe, secure and clean. Our moving out standard has been agreed by our residents and employees. It is a list of all the things we need you to do to help us get the property ready for the next resident as quickly as possible.

What is a moving out standard?

This is the standard that we expect you to leave your property in either before you move to another of our properties or leave altogether.

Before you leave you must allow access to the property for it to be inspected. You will be notified of any repairs or improvements you must make.

Once you have left the property it will be inspected again to ensure that any repairs that you were requested to undertake have been carried out. If the property doesn’t meet the standards outlined and there is evidence of damage, neglect, or misuse, we will charge you the cost of getting the property up to the required standard.

Your responsibilities

Utilities and Services

  • ensure gas cards and keys/fobs (communal) are left in the property

  • leave meters debt free

  • notify utility providers when your tenancy is ending

  • re-direct your post

  • notify Housing Benefit of your move

  • contact the phone company

Doors and Windows

  • ensure the property is left secure with all doors and windows shut

  • return front door and/or communal keys to us and leave all other keys in kitchen drawer (back door, patio, window keys)

Decoration

  • repair any damage, for example holes or cracks in walls

  • ensure the property is in good decorative order (neutral colour and no torn/soiled wallpaper)

Floors

  • remove floor coverings, except vinyl in the bathroom(s) and kitchen

Cleaning 

  • remove all belongings

  • wash down kitchen cupboards and worktops

  • clean toilet, bathroom fittings and tiles

  • wipe clean fixtures and fittings, windows sills and ledges, radiators and pipes, doorframes and handles, picture rails, skirting boards and fire surrounds

  • windows cleaned inside

  • sweep and clean floors

  • sweep out bin stores and outbuildings

  • clear loft areas

  • empty and clean garage

Outside your property

  • ensure all garden areas are free from rubbish

  • cut lawns and hedges to a manageable level

  • fill ponds

  • if you have erected a shed or greenhouse you may need to remove this and any concrete base, however we will advise you accordingly

Alterations

  • non standard electrical fittings must be returned to their original state, e.g. any light fittings or switches you have had installed (if you are unsure, please speak to us first)

  • non standard or glass doors must be returned to full wooden doors (missing doors replaced, including handles)

  • any fixture and fittings you have removed or damaged must be replaced

  • any alterations made without our written approval must be returned to their original state

Miscellanious 

  • please note you will not be able to gain access once your keys have been returned

  • furnished tenancies – leave all furnishings

Further information

You must book a termination inspection once you have decided to move out. If you are unsure about what needs to be done to your property in order to avoid a recharge, your Allocations and Lettings Advisor will be able to advise you during your termination inspection.