Whether moving to another rental property or stepping onto the property ladder for yourself, ending your current tenancy agreement can be a stressful moment. However, those frustrations will be far greater if you allow simple mistakes to result in financial issues.

From avoiding bills and fines to getting your full deposit returned, these six simple steps will keep you on the right track. Here’s all you need to know.

1. Inform Those That Need To Know

Of course, you’ll want to tell friends and family about your moving plans, not least because they might offer to help. However, you also need to ensure that all of the associated companies and institutions have been informed in advance. Failure could result in unnecessary bills and fees.

The list includes council tax, DVLA, TV license, and home contents insurers. Above all else, you need to tell the bank.

2. Set Up Mail Redirection

In addition to sorting out billing, registrations, and legal necessities, you should set up a mail redirection service. If moving to a new permanent address, you can have letters and packers rerouted directly there. If moving to a temporary address, they can be stored at the post office.

You can’t trust that the next tenant or homeowner will be an honest person. Given that you won’t want them to read your post, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Clean Up

As a good tenant, you should have kept the property in great condition throughout the agreement. But a deep clean just before leaving is essential as over 20% of deductions relate to this issue. This should include thoroughly cleaning the floors, oven, and bathroom. Taking photos is vital too.

If there were already marks when you moved in, you’ll want to remind the landlord of those. While the DIY option is for the best, some agreements may require a professional service. Do check.

4. Know Your Rights

Even if you’ve been a perfect tenant, the property will have encountered wear and tear, especially if you lived in the property for years rather than months. Common issues include worn carpets, boiler issues, and weary-looking walls. Either way, a landlord can’t deduct you for reasonable wear.

If you do face reductions, you are well within your rights to challenge those. Those battles tend to last around six weeks, but can be a lot shorter if you know where things stand.

5. Settle Bills

As you leave the property, knowing that your rent has been fully paid is just the start. You should also ensure that broadband accounts and other household bills are squared off. Otherwise, those fees could follow you. Aside from spiralling, it could even result in legal battles and court cases.

Taking photos of gas, water, and electricity meters when you leave is vital too. Failure to do this could put you in a vulnerable position should the landlord or next tenant become awkward.

6. Get Your Deposit Back

There are many factors to consider during the moving process, but getting your deposit back will soften the financial blow. While landlords can initiate the return of this money, they often won’t. Therefore, it’s imperative that you begin this process as quickly as possible.

As long as the landlord agrees and doesn’t have a reason to make deductions, your funds will be returned in next to no time. The only thing left to do is enjoy your new home in style.