DIY InventoryGeneral information for England as at October 2026, not legal advice. Notice rules and deposit rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; check gov.uk or a qualified adviser for your situation.
When you move out of a rented home: give notice in writing (in England, usually at least two months for a periodic tenancy), pay your last rent, clean to the check-in standard, repair anything you damaged, remove all your belongings, take dated photos and meter readings on the last day, return every key, tell your suppliers and the council, and give your landlord a forwarding address for the deposit. The rest of this checklist puts it in order.
Two months before: give notice
Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies (rolling, with no fixed end date) under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. As a tenant you can usually end one by giving at least two months’ notice in writing, ending at the end of a rental period, unless you and your landlord agree something different. Check gov.uk or Citizens Advice if your tenancy is unusual or you’re in a joint tenancy.
- Send notice by email or letter, keep a copy, and note the date it ends.
- If you share a joint tenancy, a notice from one tenant can end it for everyone. Talk to your housemates first.
- Ask the landlord or agent when the check-out will be, and whether you can be there.
- Find your check-in inventory, your tenancy agreement and the deposit’s prescribed information (it names your deposit scheme).
One month before: plan the move
- Book removals or a van, and arrange parking if needed.
- Read your check-in report room by room and list anything you need to fix: picture hooks, a broken shelf, a missing bulb.
- Ask permission before repairs or touch-up painting, and use matching paint.
- Report any repairs that are the landlord’s job now, in writing, so they’re not blamed on you later.
- Return or replace anything you moved: furniture into the right rooms, curtains rehung.
- Sell, donate or book a tip run for things you won’t take.
Two weeks before: utilities, post and paperwork
- Energy and water: tell your suppliers your moving date, so you can give final readings.
- Council tax: tell the council you’re moving (gov.uk/council-tax).
- Broadband and TV: cancel or move your contract.
- Post: set up a mail redirection and update your bank, employer, doctor and insurers.
- Voting: register at your new address (gov.uk/register-to-vote).
- Driving licence: update your address (gov.uk).
- Rent: check what your final payment covers. Don’t withhold the last month’s rent and tell the landlord to “use the deposit”: it can lead to arrears and a dispute.
The last few days: clean and clear
Cleaning is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions. Go room by room using the end of tenancy cleaning checklist: the oven, hob, extractor, fridge, bathroom limescale, skirting boards, windows and floors. Then:
- Empty every cupboard, drawer, loft, shed and garden.
- Take all rubbish away; don’t leave bags by the bins.
- Mow and weed the garden if the tenancy makes you responsible.
- Replace dead bulbs and test the smoke alarms.
Moving out day checklist
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photograph every room and item, with the date and time | Your evidence of the condition you left it in |
| Read and photograph the gas, electric and water meters | So you only pay for what you used |
| Return every key, fob and remote, and get a receipt | Missing keys can be charged |
| Lock windows, close doors, set heating as agreed | Avoids frost damage or a security issue |
| Give your forwarding address and bank details in writing | So the deposit can be returned |
| Attend the check-out if you can | You can point out wear and things recorded at the start |
More on readings: meter readings when moving house.
Do your own check-out report
Your landlord or agent may do a check-out inspection, but it helps to have your own record. Take photos from the same angles as the check-in, with close-ups of anything worn. DIY Inventory walks you through each room’s checklist, burns the date and time into every photo, records meters and keys, and can start from your earlier check-in report to show each item then and now. You get a professional PDF the moment it’s signed, for £30 per report. See the example report or the check-out inspection guide. Prefer paper? Use the free check-out report template.
After you move out: getting your deposit back
- Ask the landlord to confirm how much of the deposit they’ll return, with any deductions itemised.
- Once you agree the amount, it must be returned within 10 days (gov.uk).
- If you disagree, reply in writing, then use your deposit scheme’s free dispute service, usually within three months of the tenancy ending. See how to dispute deposit deductions.
- Normal wear and tear can’t be charged; see fair wear and tear vs damage.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Wales, contract-holders under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 usually give at least four weeks’ notice on a periodic contract. In Scotland, private residential tenants usually give 28 days’ notice. In Northern Ireland the notice depends on how long you’ve lived there. Check gov.wales, mygov.scot or nidirect, or your tenancy agreement.
Questions
How much notice do I need to give my landlord to move out?
In England, for most periodic tenancies since 1 May 2026, at least two months in writing, unless your landlord agrees to less. Check your agreement or Citizens Advice if unsure.
Should I be at the check-out inspection?
Yes, if you can. You can point to the check-in report, explain wear and tear, and agree or question anything on the spot.
Can I use my deposit as my last month’s rent?
It isn’t a good idea. The deposit is security for the whole tenancy, and not paying rent can lead to arrears, charges and a dispute.
What should I photograph when moving out?
Every room from the same angles as the check-in, close-ups of the oven, fridge, bathroom, carpets and any marks, the meters, and the keys you hand back.
When will I get my deposit back?
Within 10 days of you and your landlord agreeing the amount. If you can’t agree, the disputed part stays protected in the scheme until it is resolved.
Updated 27 October 2026