Moving Out
of a Shared Flat or House
by Tim Saunders
Tuesday, 24th March 2009
So, you’ve finally decided to move out of your shared flat
or house. What’s the next step?
Much like the way you ensured everything was in place before
you moved in; you need to take care of much the same when
moving out. Also, despite good and bad times you
may have experienced during your stay, when it comes to
saying goodbye always ensure that you leave on good terms.
This will allow your flatmates or landlord to give you a
favourable reference.
Give Your
Notice in Writing
Check your rental
agreement to see how many days notice you’d need to give. If
it’s not mentioned or if you didn’t have a written
agreement, it usually depends on how you pay the rent. If
you pay it weekly, it would be a week’s notice and if you
pay monthly, you’d need to give one month’s notice.
Usually, a month’s notice in writing is required. Don’t
forget to write the date the notice period begins and the
day you’d be vacating the shared property very clearly, then
sign it. Retain a copy for your reference.
Clean Up
Your Space
Take the time to clean up your
room and even shared spaces like the bathroom and living
room. If there are any repairs or replacements to be made,
get them done. Return keys for the closet, storage, bedroom,
main door or any other area you’ve been given access to.
Clear out all your things. If you neglect to do the
cleaning, you can be charged for the cleaning costs.
Moreover, it says a lot about you as a person and how
responsible you are. Taking care of cleaning can leave a
good, lasting impression on your current flatmates (and
subsequent new flatmates) so it’s worth the effort.
Take Care
of Your Financial Obligations
Also, if you can, clear up any monies owed issues like your
share of rent, electricity, gas, and other utility bills.
Retain receipts or proof of payment. Sometimes, you may
still be liable to pay some bills after you move out. eg.
services like phone bills, the internet, etc where the exact
amount may not be available at the time of moving out. Work
out how this will be taken care of with your flatmates.
Discuss also how the rent deposit will be returned to you
and get confirmation of the same.
Please refer to the article “Ways to Ensure Your Rent
Deposit is Returned to You” which will be available on our
website next week.
Review Your
Tenancy Contract or Agreement
If you had a written contract drawn up, review it to check
that you’ve fulfilled all obligations and met all the terms
of the agreement. If you’re a co-tenant or a sub-tenant,
you’re equally liable and accountable to the terms as
specified. As long as your name is on the agreement, you’ll
be liable for rent as well as other charges like bills and
payment for damages.
Ask to be taken off the tenancy agreement before moving out,
and have an agreement to this effect signed by both of you
or all of you if the house or flat is shared by more than 2
persons. If any dispute or conflict arises, try to sort it
out mutually. Find common ground to work things out.
Finally, try not to forget to leave a forwarding address and
number where you can be contacted!
