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Tenant Advice Guide: Moving In, Maintenance, and End of Tenancy

Thu 13 Mar 2025

Katie Johnson MARLA, Associate Residential Lettings

Tenant Advice Guide: Moving In, Maintenance, and End of Tenancy

By Scriven & Co, Chartered Surveyors & Letting Agents – Serving Quinton, Halesowen, Oldbury, and Surrounding Areas

At Scriven & Co, we want to ensure your tenancy runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you're moving in, managing day-to-day maintenance, or preparing to leave, here’s a helpful guide to keep things straightforward.

Moving In: Getting Started on the Right Foot

Moving into a new home is exciting, but a few key steps can help you settle in comfortably:

1. Check Your Inventory

  • On move-in day, you'll receive an inventory report detailing the property’s condition and contents. Carefully review this and report any discrepancies within the provided timeframe to avoid future disputes.
  • Take photos of any issues you notice as additional evidence.

2. Understand Your Tenancy Agreement

  • Read through your tenancy agreement thoroughly to understand your responsibilities, rent payment dates, and notice periods.
  • If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.

3. Utilities and Council Tax

  • Ensure utility accounts (gas, electric, water) are set up in your name.
  • Remember to register for council tax with your local authority.

4. Emergency Contacts

  • Keep a record of emergency contacts, including Scriven & Co’s details and relevant services like gas, electricity, and water providers.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Home in Good Shape

A well-maintained property makes for a more enjoyable home. Here’s what you should know:

1. Routine Maintenance

  • Regular cleaning and basic upkeep are your responsibility. This includes tasks such as clearing gutters, changing light bulbs, and keeping the garden tidy (if applicable).
  • Report any maintenance issues promptly to help prevent small problems from becoming major repairs.

2. Reporting Repairs

  • For urgent repairs (e.g., leaks or heating issues), contact Scriven & Co immediately by telephone where possible for immediate action.
  • For non-urgent repairs, email or telephone to let us know.

3. Preventing Issues

  • Avoid blockages by disposing of waste correctly. For example, avoid putting oil or food scraps down the sink.
  • Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries if needed.

End of Tenancy: Ensuring a Smooth Move-Out

When it’s time to leave your property, following these steps will help you avoid delays or deductions from your deposit:

1. Give Proper Notice

  • Refer to your tenancy agreement to confirm how much notice you need to give. If you're unsure, our team can clarify the process.

2. Cleaning and Repairs

  • Clean the property thoroughly before returning the keys. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets.
  • Ensure any damage caused during your tenancy is repaired.

3. Final Inspection

  • Following your final day, we’ll conduct a check-out inspection against your original inventory. Ensuring the property is in the same condition (excluding fair wear and tear) can help you secure a full deposit return.

4. Utility Accounts and Keys

  • Remember to take final meter readings and inform your utility providers.
  • Return all keys to our office to complete the process.

Need Support? We're Here to Help

Our dedicated team at Scriven & Co is committed to helping tenants enjoy their rental experience. Whether you're just moving in or preparing to move on, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

For more information or to report a maintenance issue, contact us at 0121 422 4011 (option 2) or visit our office in Quinton.

Scriven & Co – Your Local Property Experts Since 1937