Tenants - Ending a tenancy process

Steps to take at the end of a tenancy - Tenants

When a tenancy is coming to an end, there are things the tenant can do to ensure the process goes smoothly – before, and on, the final day of the tenancy.

Step 1

Give or receive notice to end the tenancy

Periodic tenancy: Generally, a tenant must give at least 21 days’ written notice to end a periodic tenancy.

A landlord can also give you notice to end a periodic tenancy, the length of notice depends on their reason for ending the tenancy.

Fixed-term tenancy: A fixed-term tenancy cannot end early except in limited circumstances or when the parties agree.

Periodic tenancy: Notice to end a periodic tenancy must be in writing. It can be given on any day of the week, to end the tenancy on any day of the week. It must include specific details about the tenancy and if it is received by you from your landlord it must include a reason for ending the tenancy.

Ending a periodic tenancy

Fixed-term tenancy: To end a fixed-term tenancy at the fixed-term end-date, you need to give notice before it expires. If you want to end a fixed-term early, you will have to agree this with the landlord.

Ending a fixed-term tenancy early

If your landlord is selling the property they must get your permission to show potential buyers through the house.

Giving notice to end a tenancy

Selling the property

Step 2

Finalise rent and bills

Before moving out, you’ll need to make your final rent payment, settle any other debts in relation to the property, and cancel any services connected to the property, such as electricity, gas and internet.

You’ll need to pay the rent up to (and including) the final day of the tenancy.

If you pay for water, record the water meter reading on the final day of the tenancy. Do this after you’ve moved everything out and have finished cleaning the property.

You can also take a final meter reading for electricity.

Utilities and other payments

Step 3

Move out and clean the property

When moving out, leave the place clean and tidy. Remove all of your belongings and take away your rubbish.

The property needs to be reasonably clean and tidy when you leave. You don’t always have to get the carpet professionally cleaned unless this is needed to bring your property up to this standard. This may be an unenforceable clause even if it is in your tenancy agreement.

Find out about unenforceable clauses

Leave behind anything the landlord provided for you to use during the tenancy, such as furniture and appliances. You should return all the keys to the landlord.

If you made any minor changes to the property, the change must be returned to substantially the same condition as before (unless the landlord agrees an installation or change can stay).

Tenants making changes to the property

Step 4

Take part in the final inspection

You should arrange a time to make a final inspection with your landlord. Most landlords will want to do the final inspection before they agree to refund the bond.

Step 5

Request a refund of your bond

Your landlord should bring a bond refund form to the final inspection. You can also bring one in case they forget. This form needs to be completed and signed by the landlord and all the tenants named on the bond record.

If there’s unpaid rent or other outstanding costs, you’ll need to pay these or agree with the landlord that the bond be reduced accordingly.

You should only sign the bond refund form if you agree with what’s written on it. Never sign a blank form. If you disagree with the landlord, first try to talk to them and come to an agreement between yourselves.

Refunding bond

If you still can’t agree there are different options for managing a dispute.

Disputes

Step 6

Give the landlord your contact details

Leave the landlord with contact details so that mail can be forwarded to you and the landlord knows how to contact you about bond. You should also make sure your contact details are up to date with Tenancy Services for any bond matters.

This is also a good time to ask your landlord if they’re willing to give you a reference for future tenancies.

What's next

Next steps

Once you’ve moved out and received your bond refund that is the end of the tenancy. If you have any further issues, you can find out how best to deal with disputes.

Last updated: 30 January 2025