Unless you are in breach of your tenancy, you can live in the rental property until the end of your lease agreement. You can stay even if ownership of the property changes hands. Use this moving out checklist to avoid end of tenancy disputes and unexpected costs.
End of tenancy checklist
- Give your landlord the proper written notice that you will be ending your lease agreement
- If your lease agreement is for a fixed term, plan to move out on the end date of your agreement. If you move earlier, you might be responsible for costs related to breaking your lease
- If you are leaving the premises, but others are staying, make sure that your landlord is aware of this. You may need to sort out whether your name needs to be removed from the agreement and bond
- Make sure your rent is paid to the end-date
- Clean and tidy the property, including gardens. Repair any damage you have caused to the property
- Check the condition of the property against the original property inspection sheet (229.3 KB PDF). Complete and sign the inspection sheet and keep a copy for yourself. You can also take photos of how you left the property
- Don’t leave any rubbish or unwanted items behind or you will be charged for removal. Contact your local council to find out how to get rid of unwanted items
- Tell your energy suppliers that you are leaving and organise final meter readings
- Hand the keys back, including all copies you were given at the start of the lease
- Make sure you change your address and arrange to have your mail forwarded.
- If you have a bond guarantee from Housing SA, make sure you respond to the email they send at the end of a lease and tell them you are not extending the lease.
- Give your forwarding address to the landlord or property manager. Make sure Consumer and Business Services (CBS) have your forwarding address for correspondence.
- Ask your landlord for a reference. A reference might help you secure accommodation in the future.
- Discuss your bond refund with your landlord and claim your bond.
Contact CBS Tenancies
Email: ocbatenancyadvice@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
Post:
GPO Box 965
Adelaide SA 5001
