Navigating the Process of Serving Notice to Landlords: A Tenant's Guide
Understanding the proper procedures of serving notice is crucial for tenants to ensure the process runs smoothly. Here we look at the essentials of serving notice, offering insights and tips to help tenants navigate this process with ease.
1 - Understanding your tenancy agreement
Before you do anything, find your tenancy agreement and read it. This document will outline the terms and conditions regarding tenancy termination, including the required notice period and any penalties for early termination. Understanding these terms is essential, as failing to comply with them could result in financial repercussions or legal complications.
Bear in mind that if you are in the middle of a fixed term contract it is likely fees will apply if you want to leave early – i.e. you will be liable for the rent until a new tenant moves in as well as paying any landlord fees associated with finding a new tenant.
2 – Serving notice
Your tenancy agreement should say how much notice you must give the landlord if you want to leave the property.
- One month’s notice is typical, and you must give it in writing (an email would be sufficient).
- Confirm the date you will be moving out.
- Make sure you keep a copy for your records.
- Your landlord, or managing agent, should confirm receipt of the notice - chase them if they do not.
3 - What you need to know from your landlord or managing agent
Make sure you know:
- Where should you return your keys?
- Who will be conducting a check out of the property and when will it take place?
4 - Preparing for the end of the tenancy
After serving notice, tenants should prepare for the next steps in the process;
- Rent - Make sure that your rent payments are up to date. Do not keep back rent because you think that it will be taken out of the deposit.
- Bills - Do not leave bills unpaid. This might have an impact on your references and credit rating.
- Find your Inventory – The inventory will detail what the property looked like when you moved in. Read and review it and make sure you are retuning the property in the same condition that you took it. If you have had permission to undertake any works at the property it would be worth finding the emails/texts that confirm this in advance.
- Clean and Tidy – Do not underestimate how long it will take to pack and clean. Remove all your possessions, clean the house, dispose of rubbish and take meter readings. Try to leave the property in the same condition that you found it in. Take photos that show how you have left the property. Dispose of any unwanted furniture via a local collection service. Do not leave excessive rubbish out the front for collection or furniture in the property (unless agreed) or you will be charged for its removal.
- Return the keys - Return all sets of keys that were provided. If you do not, the landlord may charge you for changing the locks.
- Utilities – on the day you move make sure you take meter readings, advising all the utility companies. Make sure you contact the local authority to confirm you are moving and that you will no longer be responsible for council tax.
- Deposit – Find your log in details to the government scheme your deposit is held with. You can then log in your self as soon as you vacate and confirm the bank account your money should be sent to.
5 - Once you have moved
- Make sure you cancel any standing orders – The manging agent can’t do this for you
- Your deposit – Your deposit should be protected by one of the government schemes. Log in to your account and confirm the bank account your money should be sent to.
Conclusion
Serving notice to landlords requires careful attention to detail and adherence to contractual obligations. By understanding the tenancy agreement, following the proper procedures for serving notice, and maintaining thorough documentation, tenants can navigate this process with confidence and minimize the risk of complications or disputes. Effective communication and cooperation between tenants and landlords are key to ensuring a smooth transition during the lease termination process.
We don’t need to manage your tenancy to help you. Should you have any queries regarding the above or any other tenancy related query please do not hesitate to contact the office. We are here and ready to help.
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