Moving out of a property can be an anxious time, but before doing so, you have to go through an end-of-tenancy inspection. This process determines whether you receive your full deposit back or incur deductions.
By understanding what landlords and letting agents look for in terms of end-of-tenancy inspection and knowing your legal rights, you can have a smooth transition and a successful handover.
What Happens During an End-Of-Tenancy Inspection?
The primary goal of the end-of-tenancy inspection is to compare the property’s current state to its condition at the end of tenancy. The landlord or letting agent will complete a walk-through of the property prior to the tenant leaving. This involves checking appliances, furniture, and general overall cleanliness.
How to Prepare for a Thorough Inspection
Do a quick check in walk-through first, before the thorough inspection happens. Aim to return the rental property to the same condition shown in the original check in report, then photograph the property’s condition in daylight.
The landlord or letting agent will cross-reference the original inventory list with the current one and see if there are any disparities. The property will be checked to see if it has been cleaned to a professional level and is ready for the new tenant to move in. They will look for things such as dust, rust on the kitchen appliances, and general dirt in the rooms. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide devices are tested to ensure they’re still in working order. Letting agents and landlords often take photos to keep on file; this is also a good idea for the tenant to consider, proving the condition in which the tenant left the property is acceptable.
It’s recommended that tenants are present during the end of tenancy inspection. This allows resolving disputes with the letting agent or landlord and hand over the keys in person once the condition of the property is deemed acceptable.
The Role of the Check-Out Inventory
The check-out Inventory is a formal report that documents the state of the property room-by-room. This isn’t just a list of furniture; it includes the condition of walls, flooring, and fixtures.
The Paperwork That Saves Arguments
Ask for the original inventory report and the check in report, and keep copies. At the inventory check out, an inventory clerk should match the inventory report to what’s there now.
For a tenant, this inventory document benefits both parties. If, prior to moving in, you noticed any issues, these can be raised at the time. This also prevents the landlord from charging you unnecessarily or taking an amount from your deposit, despite the tenant not being at fault.
As the landlord or letting agent, it provides a record of where improvements or replacements are necessary. Final meter readings are also recorded at this time in terms of gas, electricity, and water, as well as assessing if all bills are up to date.
Understanding Fair Wear and Tear of a Property
One of the most common points of confusion during an end-of-tenancy inspection is when both parties aren’t aware of the difference between property damage and wear and tear. Normal wear and reasonable wear are fine; they’re part of living. Damage that boosts landlord’s maintenance costs is where deposit deductions often start.
Wear and Tear of a property refers to the natural decline in condition of a property through everyday use, such as frayed edges on a carpet after years of use, minor scuff marks on walls or slightly faded wallpaper, and curtains that have been bleached somewhat by the sun.
Tenant Liability, however, is for avoidable damage. This could be in the form of cigarette burns, unaddressed spills, broken furniture, or holes in the walls. The cost of repair will likely be deducted from the tenant’s deposit.
Red Flags at an End-of-Tenancy Inspection
During an inspection, certain “red flags” can cause a landlord or letting agent to scrutinise the property more closely. If walls feel damp or are showing signs of mould, it might indicate a lack of ventilation or an unreported leak, whether that be from the tenant’s property or a neighbour. Any damage that could be easily fixed and hasn’t prior to a tenant moving in is also a red flag you need to be aware of. Looking for faulty wiring, especially if it’s exposed, or low water pressure that isn’t mentioned, is also something to watch out for. Lastly, and the most obvious, is if a tenant, landlord or letting agent is dismissive or rude during the inspection, take it as a sign not to go ahead with moving into the property. Their behaviour at the beginning of a lease sets the standard for the tenancy.
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Get QuoteThings Landlords Cannot Do During an End-of-Tenancy Inspection
As a tenant, you have legal protections at the end of the inspection and during your time living in the property. A landlord or letting agent is not allowed to do the following:
- Enter without notice: 24 hours is usually the notice given to a tenant before arriving.
- Searching through personal items: Under no circumstances should the landlord or letting agent go through your personal items. They are there to inspect the building and adhere to the inventory.
- Cause discomfort: Frequent and unnecessary visits without cause are a breach of your right to quiet enjoyment of the property and can often cause discomfort for the tenant.
- Unreasonable demands: The landlord or letting agent cannot force you to pay for a professional deep clean if the property is already in the same state of cleanliness as when you moved in.
Dispute Resolution
The Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) is there for a reason. It holds your deposit and also provides a legal structure so that in these circumstances, you are protected as much as the landlord and letting agent. These schemes offer free dispute resolution services where an independent adjudicator reviews the evidence from both parties and makes a final decision. In extreme cases, you can also seek help from Citizens Advice or a legal professional such as a solicitor.
Deposits and the Final Clean
Your tenancy deposit is held in a tenancy deposit scheme, which helps settle deposit disputes and tenancy deposit disputes. If the landlord claimed extra costs, reply in writing to avoid deposit disputes and reduce messy deposit deductions on your security deposit.
How to Prevent a Dispute
When trying to avoid the outcome of a dispute, a tenant is legally allowed to photograph the property on the day they move in, as well as the day they complete a deep clean. This avoids any instances where the landlord or letting agent accuses the tenant of property damage or of any items that are missing. It’s essential to report repairs and any faulty appliances immediately to avoid disputes between both parties.
Book professional end of tenancy cleaning, or do an exit clean that looks “show-home tidy.” During the check out inspection, point out clean filters and working electrical systems. If the agent says, “We’ll see,” you can say, “Cool—let’s check the photos together.”
What is the end-of-tenancy inspection inventory
The end-of-tenancy inspection inventory is also available for you to go over prior to moving in and out of the property. You can request to keep a copy to go through it yourself and make sure there are no issues further down the line. The final point in preventing disputes between a tenant and landlord is that both should be present for the inspection to address any problems, hand over keys to the house, and finalise the deposit.
Overall, if you are navigating the legal complexities of property ownership or rental, being an informed tenant or homeowner is key. By making sure cleanliness and maintenance are dealt with frequently, you are protecting yourself as well as preserving your deposit.
Protecting your Full Tenancy Deposit
A smart way to protect your full deposit is to treat the tenancy agreement like a mini rulebook and follow a simple tenancy checklist during the tenancy, not just at the end. Ask if your landlord does a periodic inspection and request mid term inspection reports in writing, because they can flag issues early (and stop “surprise” complaints later).
Keep the property’s cleanliness steady with small resets: wipe skirting boards, check light fittings, and deal with spills fast. If you’ve got pets or heavy footfall, book carpet cleaning before your end of tenancy clean so stains don’t set. Do a final sweep of the entire property for missing items listed in the inventory, including remotes and spare keys. It’s the little stuff that trips tenants and landlords alike.
FAQ on End-of-Tenancy Inspection
Yes. It helps you compare the property’s condition to the check in report and sort issues on the spot.
Bring daylight photos, the original inventory report, and your check in report.
Normal wear and reasonable wear are expected. Avoidable damage can lead to deposit deductions.
They can’t force professional cleaning if the home is left in the same condition as your check in evidence.
Your tenancy deposit sits in a tenancy deposit scheme. Use reports and photos if the landlord claimed costs, and reply in writing to avoid deposit disputes.
