Your move out guide

📑 Paperwork & Documents: Your Essential Checklist

Finding and organising the correct paperwork is the most crucial step for a smooth move-out and securing your deposit return. Use this checklist to locate and gather every required document.

Original Tenancy Agreement (AST):
- Why you need it: To confirm the notice period required, the deposit amount, any specific end-of-tenancy clauses (e.g., professional cleaning requirements), and the official end date.
Check-In Inventory and Schedule of Condition:
- Why you need it: This document, signed at the start of the tenancy, is your evidence of the property's condition when you moved in. It is essential for disputing any unfair deductions from your deposit.
Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) Details:
- Why you need it: Your deposit must be protected by law in one of three government-approved schemes (Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, or TDS). You need the Prescribed Information and the unique reference number for the scheme to officially initiate the deposit release or raise a dispute.
Proof of Rent Payments:
- Why you need it: Bank statements showing timely payments can prove you've met your obligations, sometimes required if there are any arrears claims.
Utility Account Final Bills/Proof of Transfer:
- Why you need it: You may need to prove that all utility bills were paid up to the move-out date and that the account was correctly closed or transferred.

📬 Change of Address Checklist

It is vital to inform relevant organisations about your move to prevent identity theft, missed correspondence, and issues with credit records. A full master checklist and downloadable PDF is available here.

Organisation	Action Required	Key Details to Update
Royal Mail	Set up mail redirection (takes 3-5 days to start).	Start date, Old/New Address, Names covered.
Financial Services	Notify banks, building societies, and credit card companies.	Ensure all accounts (current, savings, loans) are updated.
HMRC	Inform them of your new address, especially if you receive Tax Credits or have tax liabilities.	Address for Self-Assessment, PAYE, and any benefits.
DWP/Benefits	Update your address for Universal Credit, Pension, or other benefits.	Provide proof of move if requested.
Driving Licence (DVLA)	Update your address on your driving licence and vehicle V5C logbook (it's legally required).	The update is free of charge.
Electoral Register	Re-register at your new address to ensure you can vote.	Can affect credit score if not done.
Insurance Providers	Home/Contents, Car, Pet, Life Insurance.	Crucial: Your policy may be invalidated if the address is wrong.
Doctors/Dentists	If moving out of the catchment area, register with new providers.	Notify the old practice you are leaving.
Employer	For payroll and pension correspondence.	Crucial for P60 and payslips.

🌐 Broadband, Phone & TV: Finalizing Connectivity

Disconnecting or transferring your internet/broadband service is often overlooked but requires a notice period. It might be the perfect time to look for a new broadband deal, especially if you are moving area or have different connectivity requirements at your new place. We have gathered the top broadband deals from our trusted partners here.

Contact Your Provider Early: Most broadband contracts require a minimum 30-day notice period to cancel. Check your contract terms to avoid being charged for an extra month.
Transfer vs. Cancel:
- If you are staying with the same provider, ask if you can transfer the service to your new address. Be aware of any relocation fees or a new contract minimum term.
- If you are moving to a new area or a new provider, ensure the cancellation process is completed and you receive instructions for returning any leased equipment (routers, TV boxes). You can begin your search for a new provider here.

⚡ Utilities Management: A Step-by-Step Guide

Below are steps to help you move your utility bills over to your new place, or cancel them if you are moving somewhere where everything is set up. Instead of going through this manually, you can use Tili, the free digital home move service. Note: Use Tili if you have a new address confirmed.

1. Energy (Gas & Electricity)

This is one of the biggest causes of deposit disputes, as landlords can hold funds if they get stuck with your final bill.

Step	Action	Key Takeaway
Notify	Contact your current supplier (or the new one if you're leaving a property).	Do this at least 48 hours before moving.
Take Readings	On the day you move out, take final meter readings (gas and electricity) and take photos of the meters as proof.	Write down the time and date alongside the readings.
Provide Details	Give the supplier your new address so they can send you the final bill.	Do not rely on mail redirection for this.
Final Bill	Pay the final bill immediately upon receipt and keep the proof of payment.	Provide this proof to your landlord/agent.

2. Council Tax

Council Tax is billed daily, so you must inform the Local Authority/Council you are leaving to get an accurate final bill.

Notify the Council: Inform the local council that you are vacating the property and provide your exact move-out date and your new address.
Final Bill: The council will issue a final bill or a refund, covering the period up to the move-out date.

3. Water

Water companies generally operate regionally, and the process is straightforward:

Contact Your Water Company: Provide the exact date you are vacating the property.
Metered Properties: If the property has a water meter, take a final reading on the day you move out and submit it.
Unmetered Properties: The company will calculate the final usage based on your move-out date.
New Occupant Details (if known): Providing the landlord's or new tenant's name/address can sometimes help speed up the transfer process.

Remember, you can offload a lot of this manual process by using the free digital home move assistant, Tili.

Your move out guide.