There are many reasons for wanting to move on from your rental home to a brand-new property from s1homes.
Perhaps you’re relocating for a new job or a growing family means you need more space.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to end a tenancy agreement correctly.
Here’s our easy guide to doing it the right way.
Working out what kind of tenancy you have
Regardless of who your landlord is, you will be on a fixed term tenancy, which ends on a certain date, or on a periodic tenancy, if you pay your rent either on a monthly or weekly basis.
Sometimes, a fixed term tenancy can become a periodic tenancy, if the fixed period has ended but your tenancy has continued to roll on.
Finding out which type of tenancy you have affects the next step: how you give notice.
Giving your notice
If you wish to end your tenancy, you must inform your landlord in advance. You can usually give notice at any time, unless you have a break clause or a tenancy agreement that says otherwise. The notice you give has to end on the first or last day of your tenancy period.
If you’re on a fixed-term, you can move out early without paying rent for the full period only if there’s a break clause in the agreement or your landlord agrees. If you don’t have a break clause you can only leave once the fixed term ends, but you can try to reach an agreement to end your tenancy.
Likewise, with a periodic tenancy, notice is usually one calendar month, if you pay monthly, and four weeks if you pay weekly.
If you want to give notice but you’re still unsure about which rule applies to your personal circumstances, then contact Citizens Advice. They will be happy to offer help and guidance.
Don’t just walk away
Simply upping and leaving can create problems for you down the line.
If you don’t give sufficient notice, you may build up debts from unpaid rent and you’re unlikely to get a reference – both can make it hard to secure future accommodation.
If, however, you want to move out right now because the landlord is not doing what they should in terms of maintenance and repairs, the law is on your side.
You can get support from Citizens Advice on your rights and how to ensure your landlord carries out their responsibilities.
Moving out
You must leave the property in the condition you found it to ensure your deposit is returned.
Your contract will tell you if you have to get the property professionally cleaned or you just need to get handy with the bleach and marigolds yourself.
If you have an inventory, check it to ensure everything is in place.
It’s a good idea to record the sparkling condition you leave it in by taking a few photos. Similarly, take photos of the meter readings on the day you move out – this could prove handy, if there is any dispute.
Contact all utilities companies – broadband, gas, electricity – before you leave so you are no longer charged for services. And don’t forget to contact the council to remove your name from the council tax bill.
If you’re looking for your next rental property, you can find a wide range of choices on s1homes.