Moving out smoothly, with your full deposit back

This guide is for tenancies that began on or after 15 January 1989. If you have an older, protected tenancy, see Are you a protected tenant?.

When you are ready to move on, a little planning makes it easy, and helps your whole deposit come back to you.

Giving notice

Since 1 May 2026, assured tenancies, the usual kind of private tenancy in England, run on a rolling basis with no end date (gov.uk). You end yours by giving notice.

• In writing. A letter, email or text is fine, and a landlord cannot insist on a particular method. Keep a copy.
• How much notice. Your tenancy agreement should say. The most a landlord can ask for is two months, and if your agreement says nothing, you give at least two months (gov.uk).
• Which date. Gov.uk says to time your notice so the tenancy ends on a rent day or the day before.
• Want a different date? Ask us. You and your landlord can agree a shorter notice period or an earlier end in writing.
• Joint tenancy? One tenant giving notice usually ends it for everyone, so talk to each other first.
• Changed your mind? You can stay if we agree in writing.

If your tenancy started before 1 May 2026, the notice period in your agreement may still apply. Gov.uk explains how.

Leaving your home ready

• Clean to the standard your home was in when you moved in.
• Check it against your inventory, and take your own photos once it is empty (Tenancy Deposit Scheme).
• Return every key.

Normal wear from everyday living, such as faded paint, small scuffs or worn carpet, is fair wear and tear, and a landlord cannot charge you for it (Tenancy Deposit Scheme).

The final details

• Read your meters on the day you leave and give the readings to your suppliers (Citizens Advice).
• Tell the council and your water company you are moving.
• Give us your forwarding address, so your deposit and any final letters reach you.

Getting your deposit back

We protect your deposit with the Deposit Protection Service, a government-approved custodial scheme, as the law requires. Once we agree with you how much comes back, it must be returned within 10 days (gov.uk). If we cannot agree, your scheme offers a free dispute resolution service. There may be a time limit for raising a dispute, so contact the scheme promptly (gov.uk).

Find out more

• How to end your tenancy (gov.uk)
• Tenancy deposit protection (gov.uk)
• Deposit disputes and problems (gov.uk)
• In disputes, be fair: wear and tear (Deposit Protection Service)