Giving notice: how to leave a house properly

How you leave decides whether you see your caution again, and whether the landlord speaks well of you afterwards. In a city this size the second matters more than people expect.

Give notice in writing

Whatever the agreement says, and if it says nothing, one month is the reasonable default. Written, dated, and keep a copy.

The two weeks before

• Fix small things you broke. It is cheaper than the deduction.
• Clean properly, including behind and under things
• Repair nail holes and touch up paint if you can
• Settle any outstanding bills and keep the receipts
• Arrange the final walkthrough with the landlord in advance

On the day

• Photograph every room, empty and clean
• Take a final meter reading and photograph it
• Walk through with the landlord and agree deductions there and then, in writing
• Hand over every key and get a receipt saying so
• Ask for the caution balance by mobile money, so there is a record

If they will not return it

Written request first, referring to your photographs and the agreement. Most disputes end there. If it does not, and the sum is significant, get advice.