How to Get Your Deposit Back in Full: A Tenant’s Move-Out Checklist

When a tenancy comes to an end, a few simple steps can help you avoid unnecessary deductions from your deposit. Cleaning thoroughly, checking the property against the inventory and keeping a record of its condition before you leave can all help make the move-out process smoother.

There is no guarantee that a deposit will be returned in full, as deductions may be made for things such as damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning, unpaid rent or other sums properly due under the tenancy. But good preparation can help you leave the property in the best possible position.

Give your notice correctly and in writing

Since 1 May 2026, most private tenants in England with an assured periodic tenancy can give two months’ notice to end their tenancy, ending on the day the rent is due or the day before. A shorter notice period can also be agreed in writing.

Give your notice in writing, keep a copy and make sure you know the date your tenancy will formally end. Agreeing the move-out date with your landlord or letting agent early can also help avoid confusion.

Check your inventory

If an inventory or check-in report was completed at the start of your tenancy, find your copy and go through it room by room.

It provides a record of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy and can be used alongside the check-out report when assessing whether anything has changed beyond normal wear and tear.

Clean thoroughly

Cleaning is one of the biggest causes of deposit claims. The Deposit Protection Service reported that 29.38% of deposit claims in 2025 related to cleaning, making it the leading reason for claims for the fifth consecutive year.

Give the property a thorough clean, including floors and carpets, windows, appliances, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and any outside areas included in the tenancy.

Professional cleaning is not automatically required. The aim is to leave the property to a similar standard of cleanliness to that recorded at the start, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear cannot simply be charged to the tenant. Minor scuffs, fading and deterioration from ordinary use may be considered fair wear and tear, depending on factors such as the property’s age, condition and length of tenancy.

Take photographs before you leave

Once you’ve removed your belongings and cleaned the property, take dated photographs of every room, as well as any fixtures or fittings that could be relevant.

Take final meter readings too. It could be advisable to take photographs once your belongings have been removed and recording final meter readings when leaving a rented property.

Keep these records somewhere safe in case there is later a disagreement about a deduction.

Return keys and settle outstanding balances

Return every key, fob and access card provided to you, including any additional copies made during the tenancy.

Arrange final utility bills and meter readings. Any rent, bills or other sums properly due under the tenancy may be deducted from the deposit if they remain unpaid.

It’s also sensible to provide your landlord or letting agent with a forwarding address.

Understand how your deposit is returned

Once you and your landlord have agreed how much of the deposit should be returned, the agreed amount must be transferred within 10 days.

If you disagree with a proposed deduction, your deposit remains protected while the dispute is dealt with. All three government-approved schemes in England and Wales offer free dispute resolution services, allowing both sides to provide evidence for an independent decision.

Check the inventory, clean thoroughly, take photographs and keep a record of the property’s condition before you leave. These simple steps can help reduce the risk of unnecessary deductions and give you useful evidence if a dispute does arise. For full gov.uk information take a look at the link here.

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