Moving out. This can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to decipher the specifications of your rental lease.
Everything, from the notice period to deposit deductions, depends on the type of agreement you’ve signed up for.
Let’s not forget the dreadful matter of the end of tenancy clean and how much elbow grease you need to put into it to whip your place into shape.
Knowing the type of contract you’re under helps move this process along smoothly. So, before you load up the moving van, take note of the following points.
What Is a Fixed-Term Tenancy?
As the name suggests, this is an agreement where both parties decide on a designated rental term, typically six months or a year.
The provisions of the agreement bind both sides during this period. This means that you can’t simply leave whenever you want, and the landlord can’t demand that you leave without a good reason.
Knowing exactly when your lease expires provides a sense of stability. However, the real issue arises when you need to leave early.
Fixed-term arrangements also have more specific requirements for property maintenance.
Many landlords expect their rental space to be in the same condition it was when you moved in.
Your contract can even mandate regular maintenance. In this case, you’ll probably want to use an end of tenancy clean service. Known deposit-drainers, like carpets and ovens, are some of the areas that often require professional attention.
How to Handle Early Termination of a Fixed-Term Tenancy
Trying to leave before a fixed-term rental agreement ends is one of the trickiest challenges of any relocation. Normally, you have to jump through some hoops to achieve this, but it is doable.
If your agreement has a break clause, you’re in luck! This clause allows either side to terminate the lease early.
Should there be no such provision, your landlord could arrange an early release. Nevertheless, this will depend on their circumstances.
They could ask you to pay rent until they find a new tenant, so be prepared for that. It’s also possible for them to request an initial payment to cover the time during which the property isn’t occupied.
Keep in mind that leaving early could affect your end of tenancy cleaning schedule as well. In that case, hiring a professional cleaner is advisable. They’ll help you meet the property manager’s standards while saving you a lot of time and effort.
You must ensure that your rental is well-kept, even if you’re not leaving it right now. So, consider enlisting expert help anyway if you don’t have the time or energy for extensive housekeeping.
What Is a Periodic Tenancy?
A periodic occupancy usually runs on a monthly or weekly basis. Typically, this type of tenancy begins automatically once a fixed-term contract expires, provided that neither party decides to extend or terminate it.
This makes periodic tenancies the better arrangement, particularly when you’re moving out. Oftentimes, you only need to give one month’s notice before moving out.
If your situation is likely to change, this type of accommodation will be quite helpful.
However, you must beware that this flexibility applies to landlords as well. If they wish to take back control of the property, they can give you two months’ notice anytime they wish.
This means that while you have the freedom to leave on short notice, you could also be asked to vacate sooner than expected.
Moving Out from a Periodic Tenancy
Moving out when you have a periodic tenancy agreement is much easier than it is with a fixed-term lease. You only have to make sure you meet your end of tenancy obligations and provide proper notice.
Having said that, you should start giving the end of tenancy maintenance some thought. Most property owners expect the apartment to be in an almost identical state to how it was at the beginning of your lease.
Many renters overlook key places like skirting boards, light fittings, or hidden corners. By trying to manage the cleaning themselves, albeit not meticulously, they end up losing part of their deposit.
Of course, usual wear and tear will be considered if you’ve lived in the property for some time, but that’s not an excuse for untidiness.
What Happens During the End of Tenancy Clean?
You must leave the premises spotless, regardless of the nature of your lease. A thorough cleaning requires more than some swift vacuuming and a light scrub.
This process typically includes:
- Maintaining the oven and fridge, along with polishing floors and surfaces.
- Scrubbing tiles and removing limescale from showerheads and taps.
- A thorough clean-up, especially if they show signs of wear or have stains.
- Wiping both inside and outside, if possible.
- General cleaning. Dusting, vacuuming, and making sure every wall, door, and surface is spotless.
Many landlords expect this degree of cleanliness. Falling short could lead to large deposit deductions.
If you decide to handle it yourself, create a detailed checklist of all pending chores to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Deposit Return and Disputes
Most tenants worry about their deposit when it’s time for them to leave.
Landlords in the UK are legally obliged to safeguard your deposit via a government protection programme. This ensures the objective handling of disagreements and the protection of your initial payment.
If your landlord wants to deduct any amount to cover property damages, they ought to show a thorough cost breakdown. If you disagree, you can contest the deductions via the deposit protection scheme, which will help mediate the issue.
Leaving the property in pristine condition lowers the likelihood of any conflicts. So, before you turn over the keys, make sure it matches the inventory report you received when you first moved.
It would also be wise to snap pictures of the freshly cleaned space as proof of successful maintenance.
Conclusion
In the end, the kind of arrangement you have determines how easy it is to move out. Fixed-term tenancies offer stability. Nonetheless, they can be restrictive if you need to leave early. Without a break clause, you’ll probably be bound by the contract until it expires.
Conversely, periodic tenancies provide flexibility with shorter notice times, thereby facilitating quick departure when necessary.
In any case, you have to ensure that you satisfy the landlord’s criteria for cleanliness and general maintenance. So, make sure you know your obligations, particularly concerning tenancy upkeep.
Lastly, bear in mind that, over time, small, consistent efforts can save you a great deal of money and stress.