Bargaining Skills & "win/win" results

If you're thinking about moving out of a rented property, it is essential that you follow certain steps to ensure the conditions of your tenancy agreement are not broken.

If you're thinking about moving out of a rented property, it is essential that you follow certain steps to ensure the conditions of your tenancy agreement are not broken. The main clauses of your tenancy agreement to concentrate on are the termination and notice clauses, so when you are ready to terminate your contract you should:-

1.  Check your termination notice, in your agreement it's number 41, page 8. It says 'the Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Tenancy by giving one month's notice in writing to expire at any time on or after six months from the Commencement Date such notice to be delivered by hand or first class post by the...Tenant to the Landlord'.

2.  Let the agent know IN WRITING and make sure you have proof of delivery of the letter, eg send it recorded delivery or deliver by hand and get a receipt with a signature and the person who signs to print their name.

3.  Request, again in writing, that the agent has received your correct moving out date and confirm you are giving the required notice and a list of things you need to do to secure your full deposit back, for example, professionally clean the property, ensure the property is in the same state and has the same items that are noted in the inventory; ensure any gardens are clean and tidy. Check the cooker, it often gets overlooked!  
4.  Agree with the agent if and how they are going to carry out viewings for potential tenants and what notice you require. Also ask them to confirm that they, not you, will be showing potential tenants around the property.

5.  Ask for a copy of the inventory if you haven't got one and go through room by room checking that the right items are in the right rooms and that there are no more stains or marks than those noted on the inventory. If you have made any agreed alterations, make sure you have IN WRITING confirmation that you could make the changes.

Now read our Top 10 Tips to Vacating a Rented Property to ensure you have a smooth move to your next rental property!