Practical Tips for a Smooth End-of-Tenancy Handover

A smooth end-of-tenancy handover usually depends on getting organised early. From 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England will be periodic assured tenancies, so landlords should not assume a tenancy will simply expire on a fixed date.

If the tenancy is ending, whether because the tenant has given notice or both sides have agreed on an end date, a bit of planning goes a long way. It helps to:

• arrange a joint check-out inspection and have the original inventory or check-in report to hand
• discuss any cleaning, rubbish removal, or small jobs the tenant still needs to sort out before leaving
• remind the tenant to take final meter readings and contact utility suppliers and other service providers about closing accounts
• agree how and when keys, fobs, alarm devices, and any parking permits will be returned
• ask for a forwarding address in case anything needs dealing with after the tenancy ends
• if the property is being re-let, agree beforehand how viewings will be handled.

Good handovers tend to prevent bad arguments. It is usually worth confirming the arrangements in writing. If a problem comes up, deal with it promptly and keep a record.

If the tenant does not return the property in the condition required by the tenancy agreement, the landlord may be entitled to propose deductions from the deposit. Any deduction should be reasonable, supported by evidence, and reduced to allow for fair wear and tear. In deposit disputes, the quality of the check-in and check-out evidence often matters greatly. Clear inventories, dated photographs, meter readings, and any invoices or quotations can all help.

Where gas, electricity, water, broadband, or other utility accounts are the tenant’s responsibility, charges up to the end of the tenancy will usually be a matter between the tenant and the supplier. Even so, landlords should notify suppliers when the tenant moves in and again when the tenant moves out, providing the relevant dates and meter readings where possible. Keeping copies of those notifications is sensible.

A blanket tenancy term that prevents the tenant from changing utility suppliers is likely to be unenforceable. Usually, the better option is to require the tenant to tell the landlord if the supplier changes and to provide the new supplier’s details and account number.

Landlords will usually be responsible for utility charges and other property outgoings during any void period, so suppliers should be notified as soon as liability reverts.

From 1 May 2026, if a tenant has moved out but the tenancy has not yet legally ended, council tax liability should not usually pass back to the landlord simply because the property is empty. Landlords should carefully record the actual tenancy end date and promptly notify the local authority.

If an energy supplier tries to charge the landlord for a period that was the tenant’s responsibility, despite having been given the tenant’s details and the relevant meter readings, the landlord should first use the supplier’s complaints procedure. Ofgem also provides guidance on energy complaints and how to escalate them if necessary.