Ending Your Tenancy
When the time comes to move out of your current property, either due to a decision made by yourself or you have reached the end of a tenancy agreement, it’s important to understand your options to make an informed decision on your next steps.
1. Checking Your Tenancy
Before making a decision on vacating a property it’s important to check the type of tenancy agreement you have. You’ll either have a ‘Fixed Term Tenancy’ or a ‘Periodic Tenancy'. Depending on your tenancy type, the steps to vacating the property will differ.
2. Fixed Term Tenancy
A fixed-term tenancy is a tenancy that ends on a specific date; you will therefore have to pay rent until the end of your tenancy.
The only way you can leave a fixed-term contract early is by getting an agreement from your Landlord.
3. Periodic Tenancy
A Periodic Tenancy means you can leave your tenancy at any given time if the notice is provided. Periodic Tenancies include rolling contracts.
4. Giving Notice
Whatever type of tenancy you have, you will be required to give notice in order to vacate the property to avoid paying additional costs. Your notice must be provided in the correct way to avoid running the risk of paying rent or other bills once you have moved out of the property.
The amount of notice you are required to give depends on your tenancy. If you are in a periodic tenancy that runs from month to month you are required to give 1 month's notice, whilst if it runs from week to week you must give 4 weeks’ notice.
5. Leaving When Your Fixed Term Tenancy Ends
When you come to the end of your fixed-term tenancy you are not expected to give notice unless your contract states to do so. However, giving notice that you will be leaving at the end of your tenancy will ensure everyone is on the same page and may speed up the process of returning the deposit and getting a reference if needed.
6. Moving Out
When you vacate a property you should ensure it is in the same condition as it was when you moved in, to avoid any deductions from your deposit.
All household bills should be paid before moving out and you need to contact your suppliers to give them your leaving date prior to moving out to avoid being charged after leaving the property. Finally, after your last rent payment is cleared make sure you cancel your standing order.
If you are coming to the end of your tenancy and would like more information about the process contact our property management team today on 0113 203 4161, or if you're looking for your next home, take a look at the properties currently available to rent here.
