On the day you return a rental home, movers, cleaners, and a handover inspection may all be scheduled close together. Preparing information in advance helps you distinguish what is complete, what still needs agreement, and who needs to respond. Start with the documents for your current rental rather than assuming the terms of a previous home apply to every one.
Read your agreement before setting a moving date
Check the contract and agreed messages for notice requirements, how to give notice, the end date of the tenancy, and handover arrangements. If wording is unclear, request a written explanation and keep it with your documents. Do not assume that sending a message in a channel you have used for general conversations satisfies the agreed notice procedure.
Put your moving day and return-of-home day separately in your calendar, even if you plan to do both on the same date. Moving and inspecting the home involve different people and appointments. Allow time for anything identified during the inspection.
Compare your records from move-in day
Review the photos of the home's condition and the furniture inventory from when you moved in. Check that each item is present and where it is. If you reported repairs or any equipment changed during your stay, collect those records too so you can explain the changes accurately.
- Keys, access cards, remotes, and equipment you received
- Furniture and appliances on the attached inventory
- Your own belongings that you need to remove
- Marks or repairs you previously reported, with dates
- Points still in dispute that you should ask to inspect together
Schedule moving and cleaning in a workable sequence
Ask the building about moving hours, lift booking, parking spots, and required documents before arranging movers. Then schedule cleaning after your personal belongings have been removed, using methods appropriate for the materials and the home's agreement. Do not paint, drill, dismantle, or make repairs on the owner's behalf without an agreement.
If you want to give something to the owner or next tenant, get their acceptance first. Do not leave items behind on the assumption someone will want them.
Inspect together and keep a handover record
Ask the person receiving the home to inspect it with you. Record its condition, relevant meter readings, and the number of items returned, as well as the date, time, and recipient. For any charges, request details and supporting evidence. Separate agreed items from those that still need checking.
Follow up on outstanding matters using one set of records
Keep the contract, move-in and move-out records, receipts, and appointment messages together. Note who owes an answer on each issue and when you have agreed to follow up. Deposit questions and disputes depend on the facts and rules applicable to your agreement; a general checklist alone cannot settle them.
For information about contracts or complaint channels, consult the Office of the Consumer Protection Board alongside your own documents.
Read about sorting belongings before moving and recording the day you receive the keys to connect your records from move-in to move-out.