Check-Out

Check-Outs

Check-Out


The Check-Out Inspection is conducted once the property has been vacated to identify any variances between the initial Inventory and Schedule of Condition and the property’s current state. Our clerk will assess the standard of cleanliness, the condition of all fixtures and furnishings, and identify any missing items or unauthorized disposals. The report also documents any new items left on the premises and records any damage sustained during the tenancy.

To ensure transparency, the report features time-stamped photographic evidence of each room and includes final meter readings to facilitate the accurate settlement of utility accounts.

Any required repairs or damages are categorized in a dedicated section of the report. This includes a clear distinction between Fair Wear and Tear and Tenant Negligence. Under current legislation, deductions cannot be claimed for pre-existing conditions or the natural deterioration of the property over time.

Important Disclaimer: This inspection is visual in nature and does not assess the mechanical functionality of plumbing, including baths, showers, taps, or sinks.

In the event of a dispute regarding deposit deductions, the Check-Out report serves as a pivotal evidentiary document. Should an agreement not be reached, the case may be referred to the Deposit Protection Scheme for independent adjudication. An adjudicator will conduct a comparative analysis of the Check-In and Check-Out reports to reach a final, binding decision.

For further guidance on industry standards regarding fair wear and tear, please visit the TDS website via the link below.


Tenancy Deposit Scheme

What are the most common disputes?

Cleaning

Tenants must return the property in the same condition as it was found, including the same level of cleanliness. The Inventory report will specify whether the property was cleaned to a domestic or professional standard. If the property is not returned in the same condition, tenants should be charged for any additional cleaning required.

If a professional clean was conducted at the start of the tenancy, the landlord must provide an invoice or receipt as evidence of this service. A domestic clean performed by the tenants would not be considered equivalent to a professional clean.


Mould/Condensation

Mould-related issues are the second most common source of disputes. Tenants often claim that mould results from underlying property problems, while it frequently stems from inadequate ventilation. For example, bathrooms typically have extractor fans that need to be left on long enough to remove moisture after showering.

If an extractor fan is not available, a window should be left open to let condensation escape. Additionally, drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation can cause moisture to accumulate on walls, eventually leading to mould growth.


Redecoration

Marks and stains on walls are generally considered 'wear and tear.' If walls and ceilings were freshly painted at the start of the tenancy and show numerous marks by the end, tenants may be liable for repainting, depending on the length of the tenancy.

However, if the walls and ceilings were already marked at the start and additional marks appear during the tenancy, you typically cannot charge tenants for repainting the entire area unless there is significant damage. In such cases, you may only charge a nominal amount or a contribution towards the redecoration.


Damage/Negligence

Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property and its fixtures and fittings throughout the tenancy. According to the contract, if damage or negligence is evident, tenants are liable for the cost of repair or replacement. However, betterment rules must be considered before charging tenants for such costs.

For example, if a carpet is damaged (e.g., burn mark or stain), tenants may only be responsible for a portion of the replacement cost. If the carpet was newly fitted before the tenancy and the tenants vacate after a 12-month lease, they may be liable for the full replacement cost, though the length of tenancy will also be considered in such cases.


Our FAQ's

• Description of the fixtures and fittings along with photographic evidence

• Cleanliness of the property and any fixtures/fittings

• Smoke alarms and CO2 detectors tested and in working/non-working order

• Number of keys handed back to the Agent

• Windows, blinds, curtains, doors and flooring checked

• Kitchen cabinets, utensils/pots (if returned/are missing)

• White goods listed and tested for power as well as cleanliness

• Locks tested and in working/non-working order

• Bulbs if they are in working order/need to be replaced if otherwise • Any defects will be highlighted

• Any actions for repair will be specified

• Meter readings provided as per the start of the tenancy (serial number of the meters will be provided)

No. Tenants do not need to be present during this process as this will be carried out by a third party clerk. We can however meet the Tenants if they wish to handover the keys in person.

Yes, we can still perform a Check-Out report, as long as you are able to provide us with the original Inventory of which we can make comments against.

Usually, we have a 48 hour turnaround, though we do have requests that require the report to be submitted within 24 hours. Should you need this to be sent to you urgently, please let us know and we will arrange this at no additional cost.

Yes, both parties will have an opportunity to make any comments they feel are adequate. Should Tenants wish to comment on any of the clerks assessment or photos taken, they can do so via the Additional Comments section of the report. The revised version will then be assessed by the clerk to confirm they are appropriate, once agreed, an updated document/link will be sent via email.

You can do this by clicking the 'Make a Booking' button, or by emailing us at ... .

Do you have a dispute that you need assistance with?

Get in touch for a consultation with our ARLA qualified specialists

Review Reports

The Inventory and Check-Out reports will be thoroughly analysed. Any discrepancies will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and relevant documentation such as emails, invoices, and other records will be requested to evaluate the issues accurately. Additionally, any disrepairs that occurred during the tenancy will be considered, as they may be classified as wear and tear.

Damage Check

In the event that there are damages in the property, a contractor will be required to provide a quote for a repair as required. This will be used to determine costs for deduction. If there are cleaning commissions, these too would require cleaners to re-attend and only rectify the areas in question (not a full professional clean).

Contact Tenants

Tenants will be notified of any discrepancies or disrepairs identified by the inventory clerk that are deemed to be due to tenant negligence and will be charged against their deposit. Tenants will also be given the opportunity to provide comments or justifications if they believe that deductions should not be applied.

Finalise Deductions

Reaching a mutual agreement on the charges that will be made is a fundamental step in this process. It would be in the Landlord's best interest to be fair in the charges being made as to avoid claims going to dispute as you may find that the arbitrator may rule more in the favour of the Tenant if such claims are deemed to be unfair to the Tenant/s.