Moving In or Moving Out? Start Here.
From getting your inventory and preparing for your first day in your new home to cleaning, check-out and returning your keys, here's what you need to know when starting or ending your tenancy with ELC.
Moving In
Once you’ve paid your deposit and first month’s rent, your property will be available from the start date stated in your tenancy agreement. Your deposit and first month’s rent must be paid as arranged before you move in, with your deposit lodged with SafeDeposits Scotland within 30 working days. We’ll send you an inventory with accompanying photographs by email, which records the property’s condition at the start of your tenancy. Please check this carefully and let us know of any discrepancies within one week. If we don’t hear from you within this timeframe, we’ll assume you’ve accepted the inventory as provided. Your new home will also be professionally cleaned before your move-in date, so it’s ready for you when your tenancy begins.
Before You Move In
Your inventory is particularly important, so take the time to check it properly. It provides a record of the property's condition at the start of your tenancy and can be referred to when you move out. Before you start unpacking, make sure you've:
Your Inventory
The inventory and accompanying photographs provide a record of the property’s condition when your tenancy begins. Go through the inventory carefully and compare it with what you find in the property.
If something isn’t accurately recorded, let us know within one week of receiving the inventory. Once this period has passed without any discrepancies being reported, we’ll assume the inventory has been accepted.
Check the condition of:
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Fixtures and fittings
- Furniture, where provided
- Appliances
- Kitchen and bathroom areas
- Gardens, garages and other relevant areas
- Any existing marks, damage or defects
Property Condition
We arrange for your new home to be professionally cleaned before your move-in date.
The inventory and photographs will then provide a record of the property’s condition when your tenancy begins.
If you discover a maintenance issue after moving in, don’t wait until the end of your tenancy to report it. Let us know as soon as possible so the appropriate action can be considered.
Moving Out
When your tenancy is coming to an end, you’ll need to provide notice in line with your tenancy agreement. We’ll then send you a letter explaining the next steps.
The property should be returned in a professionally cleaned condition, reflecting the standard it was in when you moved in.
The easiest way to prepare is to work through the cleaning and check-out tasks systematically and give yourself enough time before the final check-out.
If you need help, we can provide contact details for reliable cleaners and carpet cleaning specialists.
Cleaning Checklist
- Clean windows inside and out
- Clean window sills and bannisters
- Dust skirting boards
- Dust radiators
- Clean and dust sockets
- Clean ceiling and wall lamps, shades and similar fittings
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly
- Remove stains from carpets
- Have carpets professionally cleaned if you have kept pets
- Clean laminate, vinyl and tiled floors
- Empty cupboards and drawers of your belongings and clean them
- Remove all food
- Clean kitchen units, cupboards and drawers
- Clean the oven, cooker and hob
- Clean the cooker hood and replace the filter where required
- Clean the tumble dryer filter
- Clean the liquid/powder compartment of the washing machine
- Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer, then leave the doors open
- Clean plates, glasses, cutlery and cooking utensils where these are provided with the property
- Clean the bath
- Clean the shower
- Clean sinks and taps
- Clean tiles
- Clean mirrors
- Clean pictures with glass
- Clean ornaments
- Vacuum upholstered furniture
- Empty the vacuum cleaner and fit a clean bag where applicable
- Remove all rubbish from the property
Other Check-Out Tasks
Empty the property of all personal belongings. Please don't leave anything for the next tenant, as removal costs may be charged for items left behind.
Replace missing, broken or damaged items on a like-for-like basis where appropriate.
If you've moved any landlord-provided furniture, return it to its original position.
If bedding is provided, leave it cleaned and ironed.
Mow the lawn and leave the garden tidy. Empty the garage of your belongings and leave it tidy.
Lock the garage, windows and doors before leaving.
Arrange a mail forwarding service through the Post Office.
Return all keys as instructed, including any additional keys or access devices provided during your tenancy.
Final Property Check
Before you hand the property back, walk through every room and check that you’ve completed the necessary cleaning and removed everything that belongs to you.
The property should be left in a clean and appropriate condition for the final inspection.
We’ll compare the property’s condition with the inventory and photographs from the beginning of your tenancy.
There will be no access to the property after check-out, so make sure you’ve collected all personal belongings before you leave.
If you need help getting the property ready, we can provide contact details for trustworthy cleaners and carpet cleaning specialists.
Your Deposit
The inventory and photographs from the beginning of your tenancy provide an important reference when you move out.
The property’s condition at check-out will be considered against the condition recorded when you moved in.
Where damage, missing items or cleaning issues are identified, these may be considered as part of the deposit process. Normal wear and tear is treated differently from damage.
If you’d like to understand some of the costs that can arise from common end-of-tenancy issues, our Deposit Deductions Calculator can help you estimate potential charges.
