Moving out this summer?  Take note of these useful tips.

• Check your contract to see if there are specific things that you have agreed to (e.g. getting the property professionally cleaned).
• Check your contract to see whether you have to give notice to the landlord that you will be moving out of your property.  Even if your contract doesn't mention this it is a good idea to inform your landlord one month before you are due to move out that you will be doing so.
• Give your landlord a forwarding address so that they can return your deposit to you.
• If you have signed a joint and several contract your deposit is likely to only be returned to your 'lead/head' tenant who will then have the responsibility of sending it on to the other tenants.  Make sure you have your fellow housemates contact details. 
• Inform relevant people of your change of address, e.g. the University, bank, mobile phone companies.  The landlord does not have the responsibility to forward on any mail which arrives for you.  Alternatively you may wish to arrange with the post office for your mail to be redirected for a period until you have informed everyone of your change of address, more details here.
• Take meter readings for your utilities and send details to the utility companies to arrange for final payments.  Often the landlord will not release your deposit until they are satisfied that you have paid all of your utilities.
• Students can claim back part of their TV licence if you have 3 full months or more remaining, more details here.
• If you have arranged with the landlord that you are leaving behind items for the next group of tenants e.g. a washing machine, make sure you get this in writing from the landlord to avoid the landlord charging you for leaving behind items without notice.
• Leave the property in a clean and tidy condition, take photographs to show how you have left the property and if possible do an exit inspection with your landlord.
• The landlord should provide you with a written list of any deductions which they wish to make from your deposit so that you can either agree or go to the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme (TDPS) to dispute the amount.  If you think you have been unfairly charged contact AWARE for advice, staff are available all summer to help.  Do this as soon as possible as the TDPS have strict time frames in which tenants can dispute a deduction.
• Remove all rubbish and belongings from the property, don't leave it all to the last minute, start clearing out your rubbish now and put it out on your collection day.  Recycle as much as possible, either leave items in your green box for collection on your collection day or take it to the Recycling Centre opposite the play area in Royal Victoria Park (near Argos).
• If you have bought furniture you no longer need consider donating it to the Genesis Furniture Project.
• If you have any bulky items you need to dispose of you can call Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 and arrange for up to 3 large items to be collected for £13.50 (this is a lot cheaper than what your landlord could charge you if you leave these items behind - on average £50 per item).
• For more information from the Student Community Partnership regarding disposal of waste at the end of your tenancy download their leaflet here.

Opening hours: Term time, Mon-Thu, 9am-5pm, Fri 10am-5pm. Vacation periods, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm.For advice and information, call 01225 38 6906