Moving out of a rented house
Make the moving out process go as smoothly as possible by following our useful hints and tips.
Make every effort to leave the inside and outside of the premises in a clean and tidy state. Try to:
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Make a rota and start early
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Find out when your collection days are.
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Use the extra bin collections the university arranges for the student areas at the end of term
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Check the council website for recycling and removal of rubbish
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Put your recycled glass out for collection on Thursday 16th June
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Take unwanted items to Reading’s state of the art recycling centre and tip off the A33 near the football ground (signposted Civic Amenity Site) Open 8.00 am - 8.00pm every day
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Spring clean your house. You should leave the property and its content in the same condition it was let to you, allowing for reasonable wear and tear. Damage of extra cleaning costs may be taken from your deposit.
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We will provide you with RUSU Green Bags for items that can be reused by other students. Clear out and clean the fridge, freezer and cupboards. Any food you can't finish and don't want (that's sealed and within date) pop it into your RUSU Green bag.
We are collecting the following things in a good reusable condition:
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Sealed non-perishable food within the use by date
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Stationary
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Cookware (Pots, Pans, Utensils etc)
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Crockery and Cutlery (Please wrap any sharp items in a tea towel or newspaper)
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Homewear (Picture frames, Ornaments, Rugs etc)
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Bedding
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Clothes
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Furniture (Providing that it has a fire safety label if it is padded)
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Toys
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Bikes
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RUSU will also be collecting books
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Arrange meter readings and sort final invoices from the utility companies. This can easily be done online. Make sure you organise how and when all the housemates will pay. Most landlords do not return the deposit until all final bills are paid.
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Use the checklist you compiled when you moved in to match up items. Keep a note of any discrepancies. Make sure every item of furniture is in its original location.
If there's a gap between your moving out date and your moving in date arrange for the storage of your belongings.
Inform family, friends and relevant companies or organisations (e.g. doctor, bank, mobile phone service provider etc) of your new address
Pay off final bills. Discuss with current housemates how you are going to settle the final utility payments.
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There are a number of things you should do on the day you move out.
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Take and record readings from electricity, gas and water meters.
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Inform utility companies and other service suppliers that you are moving out. Give the name and address of the person to whom the final bill should be sent. On your suppliers' website, complete the Moving Home page. Show a copy of the confirmation email to your landlord or letting agent to prove final household bills will be paid. This should help with the return of your deposits
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Contact the TV license company and see if you are entitled to claim back any money. Most student contracts will allow for a refund of 3 months
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Discuss the return of your deposit with your landlord of agent. If you agree, ask for some written confirmation and when you should expect it retruned. Your deposit should be returned within a month. See below for further information on this
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Get all contact details for all tenants to settle the remaining bills.
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Re-direct post on the Royal Mail website
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Finish cleaning and take dated photos of the property
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When the landlord/agent does an inspection/checkout inventory, make sure you are there and that the current condition of the property is compared with the original inventory
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If your landlord/agent does not carry out an inspection/check out inventory before you leave, do one yourself with a witness and keep photos as evidence
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It may sound obvious, but DON'T leave your house or car unlocked at any time when you are moving out
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Make sure electrical and gas appliances are turned off, windows and doors are closed and securely locked
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Hand back all keys to your landlord or agent
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Contact your landlord/agent to arrange a final inspection of the property or check-out inventory.
Getting your deposit back will depend on the inventory and bill paying arrangements. Check your deposit protection scheme website and if you have any problems, put matters in writing, date the correspondence and keep copies. For further advice on getting your deposit back contact the Students' Union Advice team.
More helpful information can be found on the Tenancy Deposits Advice page on the Shelter website.
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The Students' Union would like your positive feedback on landlords to be put forward to the Student Landlord of the Year Award given out in May. Email stu.adv@reading.ac.uk
The University is also interested in your views along with evidential backup.
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Our SSHH campaign is a national campaign aimed at reducing the noise over the exam period and making a real effort to ensure the streets are clean and tidy when students move in and out of houses in the community. You can read more about it on the SSHH RUSU page.
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Use the Moving Out booklet and free bin bags available in June from the Students’ Union and Student Services. You can also download a copy of the Moving Out Booklet (PDF, 5MG)
Other information booklets are available from the Students’ Union Hub or on request from the Student Advice team.