The Zero-Stress Move-Out Guide: How to Get Your Full Deposit Back

Preparing a rental property for final inspection

Moving is stressful enough. Here is your cheat sheet to closing your account with 360 Properties quickly, cleanly, and without cost.

We loved having you as a tenant. As you prepare for your next chapter, we want to make the handover as smooth as possible. Our goal is always to return 100% of your deposit and do it quickly.

To make that happen, we need to tick off the legal and practical boxes in your Tenancy Agreement (AST). You can currently find these in Section 4 of your AST. Here is the strict "Definition of Done" to ensure you don’t face delays or deductions.

1. The "Professional Standard" Clean

The most common cause of deposit delays is cleaning. Per Clause 4.2 of your agreement, the property must be returned "in as good a condition as at the start." This doesn’t just mean a quick vacuum. To pass the check-out, please ensure:

• The Oven: This is the #1 failure point. It must be degreased and sparkling.

• The Walls: Please wipe down walls to remove scuffs or marks.

• Windows: Cleaned on the inside.

• Rubbish: The property must be entirely free of personal items and rubbish. Anything left behind is charged for removal

• Consider hiring professional cleaners if you want to guarantee a spotless finish. Take photos after cleaning to document the condition.

2. Utilities & Admin (Don't Pay for What You Don't Use)

Don't get stuck with bills after you leave. On your final day, you must:

• Meter Readings: Take a photo of the Gas, Electricity, and Water meters. Send these to the utility companies and to us immediately.

• Council Tax: You must contact the Council to close your account and provide your forwarding address.

• Mail Forwarding: We do not forward mail. Please set up a Royal Mail redirect before you leave, as we cannot be responsible for lost post.

3. Keys & Handover

We do not usually require a joint checkout appointment (we find it’s easier for you to just finish up and go).

• Timing: Keys must be returned within working hours on your final day.

• Location: Please leave all sets of keys in the property Lockbox (or the agreed safe location).

• Security: Ensure all windows are locked and the alarm is set (if applicable) before you close the door.

4. Deposit Return

Once the returned property has been checked we will contact you within 7 days to confirm the next steps.

a. No damage or issues - we will release the full deposit via the provider DPS. The lead tenant will get an email and text asking them to accept before payment is scheduled

b. Damage found - we will notifying you of the issues and costs to repair prior to submitting for payment via the deposit scheme.

Note: As you know, subject to signup, your rent included a "Courtesy Business-Grade Broadband" package. As per the terms of signup, if you leave with arrears then this becomes chargable at current market rate for the duration of your tenancy.  If the tenancy concludes smoothly, the broadband remains on the house. We want to part as friends, so let’s keep the handover clean to ensure this perk stays a perk.

Summary Checklist

• [ ] All Rent and bills paid?

• [ ] Property Professional level clean - including Oven and walls cleaned?

• [ ] Meter readings taken and providers notified?

• [ ] Council Tax account closed?

• [ ] Mail redirect setup?

• [ ] Keys in the lockbox?

  
  
  
  

  Thank you for staying with 360 Properties. We wish you all the best in your new home.