Moving out

Top five recharges

These are the things we most often have to put in charges for:

1. Cleaning Your property should be returned in such a state that it could immediately be let to the next tenants. Think about how you would feel if it was you moving into the property for the first time. Would a greasy oven and dust under the bed be acceptable?

2. Keys Not returning your keys on time is expensive. We need to know that all property keys are safe. You will be charged for a locksmith, a new lock and an administration charge.

3. Damages Anything damaged beyond reasonable ‘wear and tear’ can be charged for.

4. Decorating Having to repaint walls to cover marks where posters used to be is most common.

5. Rubbish/ item removal All those things that have accumulated in your house and garden over the last year will need to go with you or be properly disposed of. Also, beware of leaving things you think the next tenants might appreciate – you could be charged for their removal.

Things to do as you leave

It’s easy to forget some basic things when moving out. Here’s a last-minute checklist before you leave:

• Check everything is clean from top to bottom, lampshades to skirting boards. Including the insides of windows and behind furniture

• Check all furniture is back in its original place

• Check all windows and doors are locked and secure

• Make sure you have removed all items and rubbish from the property.

• If you have a gas boiler, make sure it is switched off and not timed to come on

• Switch off any electrical appliances

• Take meter readings for settling your utility accounts- do NOT tell them Oxford Brookes is taking over the supply: we aren't

• Check the fridge/freezer is empty, clean and defrosted. Leave the door open to prevent mould

• Leave some bleach in the toilet. This will stop limescale

• Empty the vacuum cleaner and any bins

• Check the external bins are neat and ready for collection

• Take a last walk through the property. Try to look at it from the perspective of someone first moving in

• Say goodbye to the house

• Return your keys

Bills

• Tell your suppliers a few weeks in advance of the move. The best way to do this is usually to visit their website and complete an online form. Make sure you have meter readings and your forwarding address handy.

• When advising the company that you are moving, they will probably ask if you know who the new occupier will be. Please do not say Oxford Brookes University. We will not be responsible for bills after your contract ends: the property owner/ the new tenants will.

• Establish how you are going to apportion the costs among housemates. If someone moved out early, they will still be liable for standing/ fixed charges, but it would be unfair to charge them for usage of electric and hot water if they weren't there. 

For more information on sorting out bills - including if someone leaves early- see our section on this.

Returning your keys

When returning keys, make sure you complete our key return form (below)

Getting keys back on time is important

If your keys do not reach us by 1pm on the day your contract ends, you will be charged. Charges are likely to be in the region of £75.

Why so strict? In most cases we are contractually obliged to provide ‘vacant possession’ immediately after your tenancy ends. If we don’t have your keys, we can’t legally call the property vacant. This means we will have to change the locks and recharge the costs to you.

I am renting the same property next year

Even if you are renting the same property next year, keys must still be returned to the us. Your tenancy agreement has fixed dates and does not cover the period between one ending and the next beginning.

How to return your keys

1) Via the drop-box beside the entrance at the Lloyd Building (Headington Campus, opposite Co-Op). 

• Make sure your keys are labelled, either with the original number tag, your name or address

• Email us after dropping them so that we know you have returned them.

2) Via recorded delivery 

• Use this address: The Accommodation Bureau, Abercrombie Building, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP

• Make sure the keys are in a strong envelope

• Only use recorded delivery

• Make sure you post them early enough to arrive by the end of tenancy date

Further information

Moving out early

If you are moving out significantly earlier than your housemates, it is not fair to leave all the cleaning to them. You need to clean as much as you can, take photos to demonstrate what you have done and let us know you have left early (we recommend handing back your keys). This way you will be able to evidence that you did your fair share if there are any charges when everyone leaves.

Take a look at our bills section for information on what to do if housemates leave early.

Allocating tasks fairly to housemates

Click this link or the document below to get a template listing the main tasks that need to be completed at the end of the tenancy. You can use this to fairly allocate tasks amongst housemates using a points system.

Cleaning guidance

Cleaning is a lot easier if you know the techniques for doing it. We recommend looking online for cleaning guides which will make things vastly easier. You can also check out our own guide.