YOUR END OF TENANCY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
With your tenancy coming to an end, you might well be starting to think about getting your deposit back, cleaning and collecting your belongings.
We’ve answered some of your questions to make the process of moving out that little bit easier!
Am I allowed to travel to collect my belongings?
On Thursday 21 May, the government announced that if you are a student who left their accommodation in England, you can now travel to recover your belongings, providing you continue to avoid public transport wherever possible and follow the latest travel and social distancing guidance of the nation where you are currently residing.
If you have belongings being stored by the University you should receive an email with details about booking your collection slot, this is to ensure the process is controlled and managed safely.
What can our landlord deduct from our deposit?
You’ve probably heard that it is not uncommon for students to face unfair deposit deductions. The deposit is your money, your landlord should only keep money from your deposit if you have caused them financial loss. Your landlord should provide evidence of their costs if they decide to make deductions. Reasonable deductions could include unpaid rent or damage to the property. They should only charge you a reasonable amount on a ‘like for like’ basis. For example, if you caused damage to a cheap old bed you shouldn’t be asked to pay for the cost of a high quality or brand new replacement.
Reasonable amounts of wear and tear don't count as damage. Your landlord should not deduct money from your deposit for things like faded curtains, small scuffs on walls or worn carpets.
Do I have to pay for professional cleaning?
Cleaning was historically among the most common reasons for deductions being made from deposits and the charges were often very high - this led to a change in legislation last year. If your tenancy started after 1 June 2019, the Tenant Fees Act means you can opt to clean the property yourself, rather than pay for professional cleaning or your landlord’s cleaning service.
You only need to clean the property to the same standard as it was when you moved in. If you’re not known for your cleaning prowess, or you have left the oven or carpet in a particularly bad state, we suggest you use professionals to avoid deposit deductions.
It is worth getting a few quotes in writing to secure the best deal, you can always try to negotiate the price. If one quote is much cheaper than the others, it’s usually a bad sign, unless they have been recommended. You may be asked to pay a small deposit but you shouldn’t pay until the job is done. You should also never pay in cash. Good services guarantee in their quote that they will come back to finish the job if the landlord is not happy.
If your landlord is not happy with the clean they should tell you immediately and give you a chance to put it right. If the property is left in a bad state, then the landlord/agent can charge you for cleaning - they do have to provide you with a receipt proving the cost though. If you are given a cleaning bill that seems unreasonable, please contact the Advice Centre. The agreed cleaning amount will then be deducted from your security deposit.
Do I need to do anything about utility bills?
One of the people named on the accounts will need to contact the utility companies to let them know when you’re leaving (or that you’ve left) and provide them with any final meter readings as well as a forwarding address.
If you can’t get a meter reading, you may get an estimated bill for now instead, which will be adjusted once you get the reading. Your landlord can deduct any unpaid bills from your deposit, so you need proof that you’ve paid everything and closed the accounts.
It’s really important to settle all outstanding bills as failure to do so can have a serious impact on credit score ratings - this could affect both you and your guarantor(s). Utilities companies can, and do, pursue outstanding debts, sometimes using bailiff companies. If you have problems paying a bill, contact the provider who can usually help by creating a manageable payment plan with you.
Do I need to do anything about Council Tax?
If you are a final year student then you are only exempt up until the end of the academic year, this means that if you remain in private rented accommodation you will become liable for council tax. You should inform the council when you move out of the property.
If you are a continuing student and will be returning to study after the holidays then your exemption will continue over the summer months.
Can I be forced out if I’m renting privately?
Landlords are now required under the Coronavirus Act 2020 to give students impacted by Covid-19 three months’ notice before they can seek possession of a property. This came into force on Thursday 26 March 2020. As a result, no renter in private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time.
Further advice and support can also be sought from the Student Union Advisor by visiting www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/advice.
