So, you've finally decided to move out of your shared flat or house. What's the next step?
Much like the way you ensured everything was in place before you moved in; you need to take care of much the same when moving out. Also, despite good and bad times you may have experienced during your stay, when it comes to saying goodbye always ensure that you leave on good terms. This will allow your flatmates or landlord to give you a favourable reference.
Check your rental agreement to see how many days notice you'd need to give. If it's not mentioned or if you didn't have a written agreement, it usually depends on how you pay the rent. If you pay it weekly, it would be a week's notice and if you pay monthly, you'd need to give one month's notice.
Usually, a month's notice in writing is required. Don't forget to write the date the notice period begins and the day you'd be vacating the shared property very clearly, then sign it. Retain a copy for your reference.
Take the time to clean up your room and even shared spaces like the bathroom and living room. If there are any repairs or replacements to be made, get them done. Return keys for the closet, storage, bedroom, main door or any other area you've been given access to.
Clear out all your things. If you neglect to do the cleaning, you can be charged for the cleaning costs. Moreover, it says a lot about you as a person and how responsible you are. Taking care of cleaning can leave a good, lasting impression on your current flatmates (and subsequent new flatmates) so it's worth the effort.
Also, if you can, clear up any monies owed issues like your share of rent, electricity, gas, and other utility bills. Retain receipts or proof of payment. Sometimes, you may still be liable to pay some bills after you move out. eg. services like phone bills, the internet, etc where the exact amount may not be available at the time of moving out. Work out how this will be taken care of with your flatmates. Discuss also how the rent deposit will be returned to you and get confirmation of the same.
Please refer to the article "Ways to Ensure Your Rent Deposit is Returned to You" which will be available on our website next week.
If you had a written contract drawn up, review it to check that you've fulfilled all obligations and met all the terms of the agreement. If you're a co-tenant or a sub-tenant, you're equally liable and accountable to the terms as specified. As long as your name is on the agreement, you'll be liable for rent as well as other charges like bills and payment for damages.
Ask to be taken off the tenancy agreement before moving out, and have an agreement to this effect signed by both of you or all of you if the house or flat is shared by more than 2 persons. If any dispute or conflict arises, try to sort it out mutually. Find common ground to work things out.
Finally, try not to forget to leave a forwarding address and number where you can be contacted!
Much like the way you ensured everything was in place before you moved in; you need to take care of much the same when moving out. Also, despite good and bad times you may have experienced during your stay, when it comes to saying goodbye always ensure that you leave on good terms. This will allow your flatmates or landlord to give you a favourable reference.
Give Your Notice in Writing
Check your rental agreement to see how many days notice you'd need to give. If it's not mentioned or if you didn't have a written agreement, it usually depends on how you pay the rent. If you pay it weekly, it would be a week's notice and if you pay monthly, you'd need to give one month's notice.
Usually, a month's notice in writing is required. Don't forget to write the date the notice period begins and the day you'd be vacating the shared property very clearly, then sign it. Retain a copy for your reference.
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Clean Up Your Space
Take the time to clean up your room and even shared spaces like the bathroom and living room. If there are any repairs or replacements to be made, get them done. Return keys for the closet, storage, bedroom, main door or any other area you've been given access to.
Clear out all your things. If you neglect to do the cleaning, you can be charged for the cleaning costs. Moreover, it says a lot about you as a person and how responsible you are. Taking care of cleaning can leave a good, lasting impression on your current flatmates (and subsequent new flatmates) so it's worth the effort.
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Take Care of Your Financial Obligations
Also, if you can, clear up any monies owed issues like your share of rent, electricity, gas, and other utility bills. Retain receipts or proof of payment. Sometimes, you may still be liable to pay some bills after you move out. eg. services like phone bills, the internet, etc where the exact amount may not be available at the time of moving out. Work out how this will be taken care of with your flatmates. Discuss also how the rent deposit will be returned to you and get confirmation of the same.
Please refer to the article "Ways to Ensure Your Rent Deposit is Returned to You" which will be available on our website next week.
Review Your Tenancy Contract or Agreement
If you had a written contract drawn up, review it to check that you've fulfilled all obligations and met all the terms of the agreement. If you're a co-tenant or a sub-tenant, you're equally liable and accountable to the terms as specified. As long as your name is on the agreement, you'll be liable for rent as well as other charges like bills and payment for damages.
Ask to be taken off the tenancy agreement before moving out, and have an agreement to this effect signed by both of you or all of you if the house or flat is shared by more than 2 persons. If any dispute or conflict arises, try to sort it out mutually. Find common ground to work things out.
Finally, try not to forget to leave a forwarding address and number where you can be contacted!
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