There is no point in burning bridges. You might think you might never see your landlord ever again but the world works in strange ways. It is only prudent to break off relationships on a good note. That means that the former landlord should not have a bad thing to say about you. This could work against you if you move close. Your new landlord might decide to evict you based on bad reviews. Here are a few tips on how to leave on a good note.
1. Clean House
Nothing is more annoying for a landlord and caretaker than a tenant who moved but left the house scattered with all sorts of debris. You might not be an untidy person by nature but often dirt accumulates in corners and under cabinets. Once things have been moved outside the house, make an effort to sweep up debris. Clean the bathroom. Do not leave the sink dirty with trash from the previous night. Take out the garbage. After leaving, leave the window open so that house can air out.
Another thing is leaving your things in the house. If you have decided to move out, move completely. Unless you are paying rent for an extra month you have no reason to leave some of your stuff in the old house. If you want to move out gradually then pay for that extra month. Your stuff being there is an impediment to admission of a new tenant.
2. Repairs
You might or might not be a careless person who breaks anything and everything around the house. There are several ways in which you can handle repairs in the house. First, you need to be aware of the building policy on these. You could hire someone to take care of the repairs. You could find a person on your own or you could ask the caretaker to suggest someone. Just make sure not to overextend yourself. Another option would be to ask the landlord to deduct the cost of the repair from your deposit. However, you could lose more money than you need to by doing this.
If you are not aware and willing to handle the repairs, the landlord could decide to keep your entire deposit for something very small. They might also give your new landlord a bad review. In the same spirit, you should talk to the caretaker about things that were broken when you moved in. This way, you are not charged for issues that are not your fault.
3.Notice
Imagine having a guest at your house only for you to come home one day to find them gone without a word? It would be very annoying even though he or she was just a guest and not a rent paying resident. Moving out of a house without giving notice is rude and can be grounds for loss of your deposit. You might be forced to pay for an extra month.
As soon as you decide to move to a new house, let the caretaker or landlord know. Tell them that you are looking for another house so they are ready. Once you find it and are certain of your move, confirm with the landlord so that they can start finding a new tenant for the unit. If you are sure at the beginning of the month, it might be more prudent not to ay rent for the month and simply spend your deposit. This will get rid of the tug of war that usually happens between tenants and landlords over the deposit.
4. Referrals
Everyone likes a person who gives them money. You could refer a new tenant to move into the vacated unit. This way, the landlord will not have to wait until a new tenant shows up. If the tenant is a good one who pays on time then you gain favor, that is, until you are forgotten.
However, while the need to remain liked by your former landlord is great you should not be dishonest. Do not mislead someone about the landlord and building. You should not mislead the landlord about the prospective tenant either.
5. Allow Prospects
While you are looking or waiting out the month, the landlord may arrange for some people to see the house. It is only polite to allow the prospective tenants ion to see the house. Clean up and answer whatever questions the prospect might have and be generally hospitable. This will help expedite occupation of the unit once you vacate. The landlord might also want to make some improvements, if it is not too much of an imposition on you then let it be.
6. Pay Up
Are you all caught up on the security fees? How about garbage collection fees? Have you also taken care of the fuel levy for the power? Whatever money you may owe the landlord, pay. Do not leave behind bills. If you are unable to come up with the whole amount then leave a promise to pay at a certain date and honor that.
7. Honesty
Why are you moving? Is it you or is it the landlord? Let your landlord know so they can improve and give the next tenant a better experience. If the landlord is willing to change, then you might not have to move. Give the landlord a chance to be better.
One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to be extremely nice and accepting of inconvenience so that the former landlord will like you. The idea here is not for you to remain chummy with this person. Not that chummy is bad. The idea is for you to remain cordial. For you not to leave behind a bad rep. The bottom line is, it is best to keep the peace. Leave on a good note. Not for the landlord or caretaker but for your own peace. Good luck!
