verified_userReady to move out? start here.

Don't lose money at the final step.

Your Move-Out Journey

You've completed 1 steps 🎉

calendar_todayStep 1: Review Your Tenancy Agreement

Check how much notice you need to give

Don’t assume one month. Some agreements require longer.

Check how notice must be served

Email is not always enough. Some agreements require notice by post or through a specific process.

Check who should receive the notice

Your landlord or letting agent? Sending notice to the wrong person may cause delays or disputes.

notificationsStep 2: Close Utility Accounts & Avoid Extra Charges

Avoid unexpected charges and make sure your accounts are closed correctly before you move out.

Notify your utility providers and council in advance

to avoid early termination fees or unnecessary charges.

Check if your router needs to be returned

to avoid charges for unreturned equipment.

Take final meter readings before you leave

to ensure accurate final bills and any refund due.

Closing Your Utility Accounts? Read This Firstchevron_right

cleaning_servicesStep 3: Avoid Common Cleaning DeductionsCritical

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Most Deposit Disputes Start With Cleaning

54% of deposit disputes involve cleaning issues, making it one of the most common reasons renters lost part of their deposit. (TDS, 2025)

Scuff marks and footprints on wallsThese are easy to miss but easy to clean.

Kitchen hob and ovenGrease, burnt-on residue, and food build-up are common deduction triggers.

Extractor hood filtersDon’t forget to remove and clean them. This is a commonly overlooked area.

Shower screens and limescaleRemove visible limescale and water marks where possible

Moved furnitureReturn furniture to its original position before moving out.

View Complete Cleaning Checklistopen_in_new

photo_cameraStep 4: Final Checks Before You Leave

Remove all personal belongingsto avoid disposal charges or deposit deductions.

Take clear photos of the property's conditionto help support your deposit return if there's a dispute later ⭐

Make sure all keys and access fobs are returnedto avoid replacement charges.

The photos you take today could help protect your deposit tomorrow.

Not sure where to start? We’ll show you the 10+ areas landlords check most often.

cameraSee What To Check →

historyStep 5: Deposit Return

10 Days Post-Move

If you haven’t heard about your deposit after 10 days, follow up in writing and keep a copy of all communication.

Review Deductions

If you don’t agree with a proposed deduction, ask for photos, invoices and supporting evidence before accepting it.

Dispute Resolution

If no agreement is reached, raise a free dispute with TDS, DPS or mydeposits within 3 months of your tenancy ending

verified_userCheck Your Deposit

Not sure where your deposit is protected? Start here.

England has three government-approved tenancy deposit protection schemes. Use the links below to check your deposit details on their official websites.

Deposit Protection Service (DPS)open_in_new Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)open_in_new mydepositsopen_in_new

Can't find your deposit?

If your landlord or letting agent has failed to protect your deposit correctly, you may be entitled to compensation in addition to the return of your deposit. Compensation can be between 1× and 3× the deposit amount.

Example: A £1,500 deposit could result in up to £4,500 in compensation.

Contact Shelter for Free Advice

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Ready to move out?

A few photos on move-out day could help support your deposit return later.

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