Tenant Guidance Notes

The conditional notes made to the inventory will be compared with any further notes added to the inventory at the tenancies termination, allowing our representative to ascertain fair wear and tear (reasonable day to day living) and responsibility for any dilapidations / maintenance / repairs / replacements

All items detailed in the inventory should be returned to their original position or placed in the rooms described (including any items that have been boxed and stored). Failure may result in the item(s) being listed as “Not seen” and a replacement charge being made, or a charge raised for excessive time searching for items.

It may be helpful for the tenant(s) to note the following guidelines at check-out;

All personal effects should have been removed and all cleaning completed before the Check-out commences. The tenant must provide access on the date and time agreed with the agent, as additional charges may be incurred if our clerk is denied access at this time, delayed or asked to return

Cleaning – It is expected that the property be presented in a clean and tidy condition and to a similar standard of cleanliness as at Check-in. Some agents will expect a professional clean to be carried out if one was conducted at commencement. Some tenancy agreements state that a property must be professionally cleaned at the tenancies termination If the standard of cleaning is not satisfactory, most Managing Agents/Landlords will employ a contract cleaner and their account will be added to any dilapidations.

Decorations – Although the décor should be as at check-in it is expected that there may be a few marks and scuffs as a result of day-to-day living, excessive marks, furniture rubs, pencil and crayon marks will likely result in areas being touched-up and you charged for these works. We would advise that written permission be sought from the agent/landlord before putting up shelves, pictures, installing satellite/cable services, as charges will result from holes, nails, screws in walls and/or tears to wallpaper.

Flooring – Depending on the agreement and/or length of tenancy carpets should be steam cleaned. If additional cleaning is required a contract cleaner will be employed. Carpets that are badly marked or damaged could result in you incurring a portion or all of the cost of replacement.

Kitchen Surfaces and Sinks - will be examined for knife cuts, cup marks, scorch and burn marks and you will be charged for either making good or replacement. Use of appropriate items is advised (ie; chopping boards)

Beds – Should not be made as they need to be examined. Mattresses, bases, pillows and duvets will be examined for staining and damage. Charges will be made in the form of cleaning charges, or compensation, or a percentage of the replacement cost as appropriate.

Linen – If any, should be laundered and pressed and placed neatly in the airing cupboard or an appropriate room. Otherwise cleaning charges will be incurred.

Polished furniture – These will be examined for scratches, ring marks, burns, soiling and damage to joints and charges made as appropriate. Repair costs and re-polishing costs are quite high it is therefore in your best interests to take steps to protect such furniture (Placemats, coasters, table cloths etc)

Soft furnishings – It is expected that these will be in a similar condition to the start of the tenancy. Be aware that curtains can become easily marked if windows are left open when raining. Any staining, soiling, excessive discolouration will attract cleaning charges, cigarette burns and damages will attract repair costs.

Crockery, china and utensils – Will be checked for soiling, chips, burn marks, loose handles and such like. If damage has occurred beyond fair wear and tear, compensatory or replacement costs will likely result.

Gardens – If the owner has not employed a gardener at the property, you will be required to maintain the garden. This includes cutting of lawns, weeding of beds and maintaining the garden according to the season. If the standard is found to be untidy compared with the commencement Managing Agents will likely employ a gardener with their account then being added to any dilapidations