End-of-tenancy checklist for landlords - Richard Kendall Estate Agents

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Inspect the property

Inspecting the property is one of the most important steps when it’s the end of a tenancy. This will allow you to identify if they have cared for and maintained your property. Once they have removed all their belongings from the property, you need to ensure you complete a thorough inspection. This inspection will allow you to confirm whether you return their deposit or not. As a landlord, you will need to provide a good reason with evidence to not return their deposit; otherwise, they could penalise you and involve the court. During this inspection, it is also important that you make sure the past tenants have removed all their items from the property.

Check previous payments

Finally, before exchanging the keys and returning the deposit for the property, we would recommend going through all your previous payments with them. This will allow you to guarantee that they have completed all their payments. We would also recommend checking if there are no outstanding council tax and utility bills under the address of the property before parting ways with the tenants. This will allow you to once again be certain they were good, respectful tenants before returning their deposit.

Deep clean

Once you have completed the process with the previous tenants and you are happy, we advise deep cleaning your property in preparation for new tenants. This is not a required step, but if the past tenants have not returned the property to its original state, you can claim part of the deposit towards the cleaning costs.

Re-list your property

Are you happy with your property? If so, the next step is to get it back on the market! After taking updated pictures of the property, it can then be listed and show encouraging new tenants for the future.

If you are an independent landlord or a new landlord entering the market for letting, we advise collaborating with an estate agent. This will reduce your involvement with clients and leave fewer tasks on your to-do list. Allowing you to rent out your properties stress-free.

Get in touch with us today if you are seeking advice

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As electrical contractors, CRE Electricians have had the pleasure of working alongside Richard Kendall in Wakefield for some time now, and we consistently experience a smooth and efficient partnership. What stands out is their exceptional organisation and communication skills. Getting access to properties is always seamless, keys are sorted promptly and the team always work for one another if someones out of the office. A special mention to Alannah, Jessica and Elisa who work especially hard to ensure a smooth experience for all involved in our electrical works. We look forward to continuing our working relationship! Thanks again guys, keep up the good work! Team @ CRE Electricians Chris 15/04/2025

Just completed upon my mum’s bungalow in Horbury Wakefield. This was a complex sale (Shared Ownership Scheme) involving Landlord, their Solicitors & Managing Agents working in conjunction with my Solicitors and the Purchasers Solicitors. It was extremely challenging and demanding but was successfully orchestrated and managed by their Senior Property Consultant Mandy Bennett based in their Ossett Agency. We fully recognise and appreciate this was only achieved through the hard work and persistence of Mandy supported by her fellow colleagues in the local area. We were always kept up to date at all stages and would highly recommend Richard Kendall’s Estate Agents. Steve 15/04/2025

From the outset it was a privilege to converse with Karen Marijewko. She made the whole process very straightforward. The Richard Kendall software system updating me regularly with viewings was extremely good. Overall a simple, clear and efficient process. Highly recommend this company and Karen. Mr Snow 15/04/2025

We would like to thank Catherine and Shireen for working so hard in our selling/buying. They were so knowledgeable, polite and extremely helpful. They gave us lots of support. All the other staff were helpful too, especially Margaret. Thank you so much. Kind regards, Sue and Keith. Sue 15/04/2025

Excellent service. Can't rate Leah enough at Ossett branch. She went above and beyond to get our completion through before the end March. Alan 15/04/2025

Richard Kendall Estate Agents guided us through a tough buyer’s market when other agents pushed us to drastically lower our property’s price. Despite our urgency to sell, they advised against a steep reduction, suggesting a modest drop instead. Their insight—that finding the right buyer takes time—proved spot-on. Within a week of the adjustment, a couple fell in love with our home and bought it, leaving us wondering if we’d undersold. Alison and the team were professional, communicative, and strategic—focused on value, not just a quick sale. Highly recommend! David 15/04/2025

A very good experience with Liz at Richard Kendals. She was always in touch either by email or phone call. I would highly recommend RK. For buying and selling. Thank you to Liz and everyone at RK. Excellent customer service. Christine 15/04/2025

Just want to give Alison Hopkinson 10/10 For helping me through my sale always ringing me letting me know about the progression of my sale thanks again Alison Antony 15/04/2025

Really helpful and friendly. Made sure i was kept up to date with all developments and helped everything go smoothly and quickly. Toni 15/04/2025

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