Your end-of-tenancy checklist

A week before you move

Read your tenancy agreement again — what does it say about cleaning, painting and returning keys? Book a cleaner if the agreement asks for one. Repair anything small you can fix yourself.

On move-out day

Walk through every room and take clear, dated photos — same angles as your move-in photos, ideally. Take meter readings (electricity, water, gas) and photograph the meters. Empty bins. Defrost the freezer if you're leaving it.

Handing over

• Return every key and remote — count them with your landlord or agent.
• Get a written acknowledgement that you've handed everything back.
• Confirm the address for your refund and the bank account it'll land in.

After you leave

Open the return on ShieldDeposit. Your landlord has a window to propose any deductions. If you agree, the money is on its way within ten working days. If you don't, we settle it item by item.