Final Inspection & Check-Out
At a Glance
The check-out inspection is usually the final stage of your tenancy. During the inspection, your landlord or letting agent will compare the property’s condition to the inventory completed when you moved in.
Most inspections are straightforward, but taking a few simple steps beforehand can help reduce the risk of disagreements and make it easier to get your deposit back.
What Is a Check-Out Inspection?
A check-out inspection is carried out after you’ve moved out of the property, or on your final day before handing back the keys.
Its purpose is to assess the condition of the property and identify any differences between when your tenancy began and when it ended.
The inspection may be carried out by:
- Your landlord
- A letting agent
- An independent inventory clerk
The findings are often recorded in a check-out report, which may include written notes and photographs.
Can I Attend the Inspection?
If possible, yes.
Being present allows you to:
- Answer any questions about the property.
- Discuss any concerns immediately.
- Point out any repairs you’ve reported during the tenancy.
- Agree factual matters while you’re both there.
While you don’t have a legal right to attend every inspection, many landlords and letting agents are happy for tenants to be present if arrangements are made in advance.
If you can’t attend, ask for a copy of the check-out report once it’s been completed.
What Will Be Checked?
The inspection will usually cover every part of the property, including:
Cleanliness
The property will normally be compared to the standard recorded in the original inventory.
Damage
The inspector will look for damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as:
- Broken fixtures or fittings
- Holes in walls
- Cracked windows
- Damaged flooring
- Burn marks
- Missing items
Fixtures and Furniture
If the property was furnished, they’ll usually check that all furniture and supplied items are present and in reasonable condition.
Appliances
Items such as ovens, hobs, extractor fans, fridges and washing machines are commonly inspected for cleanliness and condition.
Outside Areas
If you’re responsible for a garden, shed or parking space, these may also be inspected.
How the Inventory Is Used
The original inventory and check-in report are often the most important documents during the check-out process.
The inspector will compare:
- The property’s condition when you moved in.
- The property’s condition when you moved out.
Photographs taken at both stages may also be used.
If there wasn’t a detailed inventory when your tenancy began, it can be more difficult for a landlord to prove that damage or poor cleaning occurred during your tenancy.
If Damage Is Found
Finding damage doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose part of your deposit.
Several factors should be considered, including:
- Whether the damage was caused by normal use.
- The age and condition of the item at the start of the tenancy.
- Whether the landlord has evidence to support the claim.
- Whether the issue is simply fair wear and tear.
For example, a well-used carpet showing signs of age is very different from a carpet with a large burn or permanent stain.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection has been completed, your landlord or letting agent will normally review the findings.
If they believe deductions are necessary, they should explain:
- What the deductions are for.
- How much they’re claiming.
- Why they believe the costs are reasonable.
You don’t have to accept every proposed deduction.
If your tenancy deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme and you can’t reach an agreement, you can usually ask the scheme to resolve the dispute through its free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.
How to Prepare for a Successful Check-Out
- Finish cleaning the property.
- Remove all personal belongings.
- Compare the property with your inventory.
- Take dated photographs of every room.
- Record a video walkthrough.
- Take final meter readings.
- Return all keys as agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I disagree with the check-out report?
Ask for a copy of the report and review it carefully.
Compare it with your own photographs, videos and the original inventory. If you don’t agree with any proposed deductions, explain why and provide any evidence you have.
Do I have to be present during the inspection?
Not always, but attending can help answer questions and resolve issues straight away.
If you can’t attend, ask for a copy of the completed report.
What if there wasn’t an inventory when I moved in?
Without a detailed inventory or check-in report, it may be more difficult for a landlord to show that damage or poor cleaning occurred during your tenancy.
This can become important if there’s a dispute over your deposit.
Can my landlord charge for normal wear and tear?
No.
Landlords can’t usually claim for deterioration caused by ordinary everyday use of the property.
Key Takeaways
- The check-out inspection compares the property's condition against the original inventory.
- Attend the inspection if you can, or request a copy of the report afterwards.
- Take your own photographs and videos before leaving.
- Fair wear and tear isn't something you should normally be charged for.
- If you disagree with proposed deductions, you can challenge them and, if necessary, use your tenancy deposit scheme's free dispute resolution service.
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