Moving in & moving out

Congratulations on your new home! Moving can seem like a whirlwind of tasks, but don’t worry – we’re here to support you. Our handy checklist is here to make your move stress-free. 

Keys  

We aim to provide you with the keys to your new home as soon as our contractor has completed the compliance checks and your new home has had a valet. It can be up to 4pm on the sign-up day, however we will keep you updated throughout the process.   

Inventory  

At the start of your tenancy, you will receive an inventory which records the condition of the property. You will receive this through ‘Inventory Hive‘ and you will be required to log on and review the report. A condition report will also be completed once you move out. This helps avoid any disputes over the return of your security deposit.  

In both situations you will be required to review and make amendments and comments or simply accept the report if you are happy with the report. Please note you have 7 days to log on and review, if this is not completed then the report automatically approves, and you will not be able to make any amendments/ comments.  

1 month before your move 

• Order packing materials i.e. boxes and arrange a removal firm if required  
• Find a new school if you have children   

• Book days off work to ensure you have time to move in and prevent any unnecessary rush  
• Start to dispose of any unwanted items  

2 weeks before your move 

• Arrange your mail to be redirected 
• Arrange the utilities in your new home – gas, electricity, broadband, water and telephone 
• Arrange content insurance for your new home  
• If you are moving to an area with parking restrictions, ensure you are applying for the relevant permits and/ or making arrangements for your vehicle to be safely stored

1 week before your move 

• Inform your council you are moving, and speak to the new council (if applicable) to arrange payment of council tax  
• Change your address with your bank, DVLA, HMRC. Tv licensing, credit cards etc 

The day before your move 

• Pack an overnight bag with essentials for the first day in your new home  

Moving day 

• Carefully read the move in email you receive from ForLiving  
• Inspect your new home and identify any issues with your property and respond via the Inventory Hive within 7 days of move in day  
• Take photos as appropriate  
• Take meter readings of the new property  

After your move  

• Update the electoral register  
• Register with a doctor and dentist (if necessary)  
• Follow up on arranging utilities and content insurance  
• Ensure you have responded to Inventory Hive within 7 days  

Thank you for choosing to rent with ForLiving. As your journey with us comes to an end, we’re here to help you make the move-out process as easy as possible.

A successful checkout can reduce the chances of any deposit disputes occurring between you and the landlord. Below, we offer a thorough insight into the check out process to ensure you know exactly what to expect and to give you the best chance of getting your full deposit back or reduce any claims via Reposit.  

What happens before checkout  

You will receive an email shortly after you provide written notice from a member of ForLiving informing you of your specific responsibilities (unless otherwise stated in your tenancy agreements)  

When you moved into your home, you will have received an inventory by your landlord and should have taken photos of the property. We recommend that you utilise these when ensuring your property is left in its previous condition.  

As well as cleaning the property thoroughly before a checkout, you should take several other steps to improve your chances of receiving your deposit back in full, these include; 

• Make sure that all light bulbs are working 
• Defrost the freezer 
• Remove all remaining food containers from cupboards, fridges and freezers and ensure they are left in a clean condition  
• Informing your broadband, gas, electricity, water, and council tax you are leaving  
• Redirect your post and leave a forwarding address with your landlord  
• Ensuring all items are where they were when you first moved in and are left in the condition described in the inventory  
• Ensure any outside areas such as garden, has been cut, weeded and left in a tidy condition  
• Any bulk items are taken away with you and not left in the property and/ or disposed in the communal bin store  

It is important to take note of the meter readings before you leave and settle any final bills.  

What happens during checkout 

Your landlord will carry out an inventory once you have handed your keys in. It is important that you hand your keys in as instructed by your landlord, to prevent any delays which could lead to extra rent being charged on a daily basis.  

The landlord will utilise the check in inventory to cross reference and any issues will be raised and you will be notified. While doing this, your landlord will consider ‘fair wear and tear’ Damages such as chips, rips or burns wouldn’t be counted as ‘fair wear and tear’  

If there are no repairs, cleaning work needed at your property and there are no rent arrears your deposit will be returned if you opted for a TDS deposit. If you opted for a Reposit, this will be closed down with no charges raised.  

If there are problems with your property and/ or rent arrears we will inform if we need to deduct payments or raise a claim with Reposit. If you agree with the deductions/ claims you will be prompted to accept, however if you are not in agreement then you will be able to raise a dispute.  

The dispute will be looked at by an independent arbiter who will asses and award monied based on factual evidence presented by the landlord and yourself.