As your student year wraps up and summer begins, it's time to start thinking about moving out of your student home. At Parklane Properties, we know how busy things get during this time; exams, goodbyes, packing…it can be very overwhelming. That’s why we have created a simple, no-fuss checklist to help you move out smoothly and (hopefully) stress-free.
1. Start Early
Don’t leave everything until the last minute, that’s when you’ll hit panic mode. Start sorting and packing at least two weeks before your contract ends. Begin with things you don’t use every day, seasonal clothes, books, decorations, and extra kitchen bits. Just think…what can you live without for two weeks?
2. Check Your Contract End Date
Double-check when your tenancy officially ends, you don’t want to get that wrong. You need to be fully moved out and have returned your keys by this date to avoid extra charges.
3. Clear Out and Clean Up
You are expected to return the property in the same condition you found it. That means:
Remove all your personal belongings and all rubbish should be disposed of in the correct manner. Any unwanted clothes could be donated to charity to be reused and recycled via the clothes banks.
Empty cupboards and the fridge - make sure all food is disposed of, the fridge and freezer cleaned (and defrosted!)
Take all rubbish out to the outside bins and ensure they are collected in your main council refuge collection. Make sure you start this in plenty of time! You must ensure all rubbish fits in the bin as you may be charged by Leeds City Council if you leave bags of rubbish outside your property.
Clean all rooms, including the oven, bathroom, and skirting boards - Make sure you move items, and double check all draws and cupboards - you don’t want to accidentally leave behind your favourite top!
Tip: Assign tasks to each housemate and tick things off as you go. If you all get stuck in, these jobs will be completed much quicker. Pop on the music and make it a fun task!
4. Take Photos
Once everything’s clean and cleared, take date-stamped photos of each room. This acts as proof of the condition when you left the property.
5. Check the Inventory
Review the inventory you received at the start of your tenancy. Make sure everything is still in place and undamaged. If anything’s broken or missing, report it to us as soon as possible. Don’t forget to check simple things like light bulbs. Make sure any light bulbs that don’t work are replaced - it is quick and simple for you to pop to the shop to replace and saves you getting an amount deducted from your deposit. When you move out, make sure you also check that you have locked doors and windows and switched off the lights.
6. Sort Out Utilities
Take final meter readings and notify your utility providers (gas, electricity, water, broadband). Settle any outstanding bills and keep confirmation receipts.
7. Redirect Your Post
Update your address with your bank, university, and any subscriptions. Royal Mail also offers a redirection service to forward your post (a small fee does apply)
8. Return Your Keys
You can drop your keys off with us any time. If you are leaving earlier than your contracted end date, please contact your Property Consultant to arrange to hand over your keys during our opening hours.
All keys must be returned no later than 12 noon on the last day of your tenancy. Most of our tenancies end on 30/06/2025, 31/07/2025 or 31/08/2025 so check with your Property Consultant if you’re unsure. Remember you cannot stay in your property on the last day of your tenancy.
On the last day of your tenancy, keys can be dropped off before 12 noon behind Caffeine Addict on Otley Road: 25/27 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AA. Please pop them in an envelope with your full name/s clearly written on the front or inside.
Between 9am and 12 noon on the last day of your tenancy you may have to wait in a queue so please try to return your keys earlier.
If you return your keys by post, please send them securely by recorded delivery and include only your full name, not your address, in the envelope.
Keys must be returned before the deadline to avoid a £30 charge per key.
Lock replacement costs may also apply if keys are returned after the deadline.
9. Deposit Return
We’ll inspect your property and aim to return your deposit quickly. To help avoid deductions, make sure the property is clean, undamaged, and all rent and bills are paid.
The team will be on hand should you have any questions, you can call 0113 230 4949 or email ls6@parklaneproperties.com
Thank you for choosing Parklane Properties!