Tenant Guidance Notes

The following notes are intending as a guide for tenants to help during our check in/check out inspection report. By following these guidelines the process will run smoothly and unnecessary problems and delays can be avoided.

How should Tenants prepare for Check Out?

Tenants should remove all their personal possessions and complete all professional cleaning before the check out starts. Access must be provided at the agreed time and date or further charges may be incurred if our clerk is denied access, delayed or asked to return.

Tenants should ensure that all items shown in the inventory are placed in the appropriate rooms described (ideally in the position that they were in during the check in). This is to eliminate any risk of items being missed durig the property inspection and thus listed as “Not seen”. This could result in a replacement charge being levied, or a charge for excessive time spent searching for items. We will observe any conditional notes made on the inventory, along with any additional notes added to the inventory at the end of the tenancy.

Guidance for Tenants during Check Out

Decorations

It is accepted that there will be some wear and tear to decor, but tenants should aim to present the property to the same standard as at Check In. Normal wear and tear is defined as the result of day-to-day living. Excessive marks, furniture rubs, pencil and crayon marks are probably going to require some renovation and tenants will be charged for these works. We strongly advise that tenants get written permission from the agent/landlord before putting up shelves or pictures or installing satellite/cable services, as charges will result from holes, nails or screws in walls and/or tears to wallpaper.

Cleaning

Tenants will be expected to present the property in a clean and tidy condition. As a guideline you should aim to present the property in a similar standard of cleanliness as at Check In. Some tenancy agreements will require professional cleaning to be carried out, especially if one was conducted at commencement of the tenancy. Tenants should note that most Managing Agents/Landlords may employ a contract cleaner if the standard of your cleaning is not satisfactory and there will be at additional cost.

Flooring

The tenancy agreement may require that carpets are steam-cleaned at the end of the tenancy. If carpets are badly marked or damaged tenants may be charged some or all of the cost of replacement.

Kitchen surfaces and sinks

Kitchen surfaces will be examined for scrapes, cup marks, scorch and burn marks. If present, tenants will usually be charged for repair or replacement.

Beds

These will be examined and therefore should not be made up. When appropriate mattresses, bases, pillows and duvets will be examined for stains and damage.

Linen

If there is any linen on an inventory then you should make sure that it has been laundered and pressed and placed neatly in the appropriate room. Additional cleaning charges will be incurred if this has not done.

Crockery, china and utensils

When there are crockery, utensils or china listed on the inventory, we will check for cleanliness, chips, burn marks, loose handles etc. If damage is not agreed as being due to fair wear and tear tenants may be charged.

Polished Furniture

Polished furniture will be examined for scratches, ring marks, burns, soiling and damage to joints. Typically, repair costs and repolishing costs are high, so tenants are advised to protect vulnerable furniture from the outset of their tenancy with place mats, coasters, table cloths etc.

Soft Furnishings

Tenants should ensure that these are in the same condition as they were at Check In. Tenants will usually be charged for any staining, soiling, excessive discolouration or cigarette burns.

Gardens

If a gardener has not been employed by the landlord, tenants will be expected to keep the garden tidy. This will include cutting of grass, weeding of beds and maintaining the garden according to the season. If the garden is not to the same standard as at Check In, it is very likely that the Managing Agents will employ a gardener, the cost of which will be charged to tenants.