Moving out of rented accommodation
2 tasks in suggested order
1. Give your landlord a valid written Notice of Termination with the correct notice period
A tenant can end a tenancy without giving a reason, but must give the landlord a valid written Notice of Termination and the correct notice period. The normal tenant notice periods are 28, 35, 42, 56, 84 or 112 days depending on how long the tenancy has lasted.
Before the intended move-out date, early enough to give the full statutory notice period.
Send the written notice to your landlord. Use the current RTB tenant-ending-a-tenancy guidance and template.
Tenancy start date, intended end date and a written notice containing the required dates and your signature.
A fixed-term tenancy can create additional consequences if you leave early. Check whether a break clause, landlord agreement or another RTB-recognised exception applies.
Official source: Residential Tenancies Board
2. Complete the move-out checks and request the return of your deposit
Before leaving, pay rent and bills you are responsible for, take final meter readings, remove belongings and rubbish, clean the property, compare it with the inventory and take dated photos. The deposit should be returned as soon as possible after the tenancy ends unless there is a lawful deduction.
At the end of the tenancy and immediately after moving out.
With the landlord or agent; RTB dispute resolution is available if the deposit is withheld and the issue cannot be resolved.
Deposit receipt, inventory, move-in and move-out photos, meter readings and proof that rent and relevant bills are paid.
Possible deductions include rent arrears, unpaid bills, damage beyond normal wear and tear and insufficient notice.
Official source: Residential Tenancies Board
