We all know that
moving can be stressful and time-consuming, but before you start packing your
boxes, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before move-in day.
As stressful and
time-consuming as moving might be, it can also be exciting as you are moving on
to better and greater things. However, as a tenant, there are certain things
that you need to keep in mind before you move into your new dream home:
- Lease agreement:
You’ve thought
about moving for some time, and finally decided it’s time to move out of your
current home. But first, make sure to review your lease agreement and
familiarise yourself with all the terms and conditions therein. For example,
it’s very important to know how long your required notice period is. Once you
have familiarised yourself with all the terms and conditions, you will have a
much better understanding of what is expected of you before you move out.
- Letting your landlord know:
Most lease
agreements stipulate that a tenant must give at least one month’s written
notice before moving out. So, make sure to prepare your notice and communicate
this to your landlord within the appropriate timeframe. In your notice, you can
stipulate what date you will be moving out, what you might need in order to
restore the property to its original state and you can request your deposit.
However, if you plan on cancelling your lease early, make sure to request and
receive permission from your landlord prior to moving out. If you don’t do
this, legal action can be taken against you.
- Inspect the property and fix any damages
caused by you:
Depending on
your lease agreement, you could be the one responsible for returning the
property to its original state before you move out. That is why it is so
important to be familiar with the terms and conditions found in your lease
agreement. You need to inspect the property and look for any damages that could
have been caused by you or damages that occurred while you were occupying the
property. Make sure to take care of these damages, otherwise, your landlord
could keep your deposit or only pay back a portion of it in order to pay for
repairs.
- Sort out all accounts linked to your
property:
Before moving
into your new home, make sure that all accounts linked to your previous home
have been cancelled or moved and that you do not owe anything. These accounts
include electricity, water, Wi-Fi, TV subscriptions etc. Also, ensure that all
your service providers are aware of the move and provide them with your new
address.
As a tenant,
your home was never really yours, however, it remains your responsibility to
ensure that the property is restored to its original state. Think to yourself,
“Would I be happy if I received the property in this state?” It is recommended
not to overlook these steps, as it will help to make the whole moving process
run a lot smoother and you will get your deposit back quicker. It’s a win-win
situation for both the tenant and the landlord.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. (E&OE)