UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi,

My tenant has been telling me for a few months that she intends to move out at the end of her AST.  I'm ok with that, but I want to send her a letter telling her what she needs to do and what she can expect from me, as she keeps asking questions about it.  Does anyone know if there is a template letter anywhere on the internet for this?  All I can find is section 21 notices which are inappropriate.

Thanks

I assume you have a written AST Agreement?
If so then I would advise against any letter that may inadvertently supersede any clause in that tenancy agreement.
If the tenancy agreement is well written it should be clear what the obligations of the tenant are upon leaving the property.
At most you should write a letter instructing your tenant to read the appropriate clauses [ list clauses ].

Appreciate that some may claim that is not the 'nicest' way to handle the situation but if done professionally no reason why it would annoy the tenant.

Best of luck

You have been assured the Tenant will leave at the end of the fixed term of the AST? I mean, if the Tenant does not, then the AST continues as a SPT, regardless. You may still wish to serve a Section 21... you say it is inappropriate - why do you think that is the case? Is it because the Tenant has formally served notice on you, notice that is not even required? If a Tenant leaves as an AST's fixed term comes to an end then no notice is required at all... annoying, but true... your Tenant has appeared to give you notice, but how? Is it valid?

Now, onto your main questions... I advise Tenants what will happen at the end of the tenancy with a pleasant email where I attach the draft Check-Out we will go through on the day, which includes things like keys handover, meter readings, burglar alarm codes, checks for damage and checks for cleanliness. All very standard. What I have in the draft Check-Out document is examples of what will be checked and polite suggestions as to what the Tenant might pay particular attention to... or risk being charged for... just an example - cleanliness of oven as if the oven is not clean it will be professionally clean at a cost of £60. I then go through the Check-Out with them on the day and try to agree any deposit deductions there and then - they are always reasonable and I've not had an argument yet... once I obtain that agreement, we both go home and I arrange the deposit transfers.

My AST does have a section entitled - "END OF TENANCY AGREEMENT" and in there are clauses like - "To leave the Property and Contents at the end of the tenancy in the same places in which they were originally positioned at the commencement of the tenancy (as detailed by the INVENTORY AND SCHEDULE OF CONDITION)." and "To notify the Local Authority that liability for Council Tax is no longer the responsibility of the Tenant(s)." plus a few others. I do the latter myself anyway, along with utilities... but it doesn't hurt if it's done twice.