Well, here we are launching our new website and blog just as we come towards one of the busiest times of the tenancy year. Whilst it has been an odd year for us all, with lectures and work moved online and limits placed on our social activities as well, we are all experiencing a return to some sort of normality. For tenants and landlords alike, June and July mean end of tenancies and a busy time for everyone.
As a small, family-run property portfolio, Cavill Properties pride ourselves on being open, honest and approachable in all tenancy matters. The end of tenancies can be extremely challenging for everyone, so read on for our hints and tips to help you organise yourself and your housemates to make the moving out process as straightforward as possible…
Tip #1
This may sound really obvious, but be clear on your moving out day and time. Cavill Properties always starts the end of tenancy process at least 2 months before your actual moving out date to make sure everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities.
Tip #2
Once you know when you have to move out, find out which of your housemates will be around right to the end of your tenancy (or just who will be last to leave if it is before the actual end date). That person will be responsible for the final hand over of everyone’s house keys and any final cleaning and tidying that needs to be done. At Cavill Properties, we will always do an end-of-tenancy check with the last person to make sure all is left clean and tidy and there are no surprises for us or you.
Tip #3
Now you know both of the above, make your cleaning plans as soon as possible. It always takes way longer to clean a house that you think. Remember, you moved into a clean house so you need to leave the house clean as well. You need to remember cleaning in all those places that were clean when you moved in like under your bed and around skirting boards. Don’t forget the oven and fridge/freezer as well as the rest of the kitchen, and the bathroom. There is a lot to clean! Cavill Properties Tenants are provided with a checklist to work through, as well as an opportunity for a pre-moving-out check so there is time to give missed areas some extra attention.
Tip #4
Make sure your landlord knows now about any small damages that may have occurred (accidents do happen!). It is much easier for your landlord to fix small issues now than it is on changeover day itself. If they need a tradesman, they are in high demand on this day and so prices can go up! If you are a Cavill Properties Tenant, you will know we like to come round quickly to sort any issues, however big or small and regardless of fault, so that you can continue to enjoy living in your home.
Tip #5
Know your rights. Your deposit should be lodged with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme which will gives you a right to support in the event that you feel you have been unfairly treated in the moving out process or unfairly charged deductions against your deposit. You should know which scheme you are supported by and be able to contact them directly in the case of dispute. Cavill Properties uses the MyDeposits scheme https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenant/
We hope that the above information is useful and gives you some clarity on the whole process. UniPol have a useful section on their website that reiterates much of the above, along with a guide to some of the costs of repairs and cleaning.
https://www.unipol.org.uk/advice/students/know-your-rights-contracts,-deposits,-repairs-an/deposits
Remember, get your planning done now and make sure you and your housemates know exactly what you need to do. If you are one of our tenants and have any questions, get in touch via the contact details that you have and we’ll happily clarify anything with you.