If you are moving out of one of our homes, we’ll arrange a pre-leave inspection before you move out.
The inspection gives us the opportunity to look around your home with you and identify any repairs, damage, cleaning or alterations that may need to be addressed before your tenancy ends.
It also gives you the chance to ask questions, discuss any concerns and, where possible, put things right yourself. This could help you avoid or reduce any costs you may otherwise be charged for when you leave.
Before the inspection
- Please let us know if the date or time of your appointment doesn’t work for you. We’ll do our best to arrange another time that’s convenient.
- Please make sure there is clear access to windows, doors and worktops. This allows us to complete the inspection properly and make sure we can check everything we need to.
What to expect during the inspection
- We will arrange a time and date to visit your home, taking your availability into account wherever possible.
- Your inspector will introduce themselves before walking through your home with you, room by room.
- They’ll complete a pre-leave inspection form, recording the condition of your home and its fixtures and fittings.
- This is a good opportunity to tell us about any concerns you have or ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. We want to work with you to make leaving your home as straightforward as possible.
- Once the inspection is complete, we’ll install a key safe so you can leave your keys securely when you move out. The code will be included on the pre-leave form we leave with you.
What happens next?
After your inspection, we’ll give you a copy of the completed pre-leave form, along with clear information about anything that needs to be done before you move out.
If we identify any repairs, alterations, cleaning or clearances that may be rechargeable, we’ll include these on the form along with an estimated cost and an explanation of how the cost has been worked out.
Please remember that these are estimates and the final cost may change. We’ll confirm the final cost once the locks have been changed and the work required has been fully assessed.
If you disagree with anything we’ve identified, you can discuss this with the team and raise any concerns you have. We can also talk to you about your options, including whether some items can be left for the incoming resident.
You can find answers to some frequently asked questions below.
What happens if we can’t complete a pre-leave inspection?
We understand that sometimes circumstances may mean you’re unable to attend a pre-leave inspection.
If we can’t complete the inspection, we won’t have the opportunity to discuss any potential costs with you beforehand or work with you to resolve any issues before you move out.
You may also miss the opportunity to discuss items you’re unable to remove and understand the next steps in your move.
If your appointment isn’t convenient, please let us know rather than missing it. We can usually move the appointment to another date or time. We want to work with you wherever we can.
What if you have a lot of items and you can’t afford to clear them?
If you have a lot of belongings to clear from your home, we offer a discounted skip scheme which may help you remove unwanted items at a lower cost.
Speak to us during your pre-leave inspection to find out more.
What if you’re a family member and the resident has died?
We understand that dealing with someone’s home after they’ve died can be a difficult and emotional time. We want to make the process as straightforward as possible and will work with you wherever we can. We’ll discuss a suitable date and time for you to attend the home with our inspector and will work around your circumstances as much as possible. If you don’t live locally or don’t intend to visit the home, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss the options with you.
We would not hold the deceased resident’s next of kin personally responsible for rechargeable repairs.
If you have any concerns about the condition of the home or what needs to be cleared, please let us know as soon as possible.
What if there are rechargeable repairs and you can’t complete them?
If you’re unable to complete the repairs or clear the home yourself, we may need to charge you for the work required. Having a pre-leave inspection means you’ll have a better understanding of what may need to be done and the potential costs involved.
We can work with you to understand what needs to be completed and, where appropriate, our Income team can discuss whether a payment plan may be available.
What happens if you have to leave your home unexpectedly?
We know there may be times when you need to leave your home unexpectedly or in an emergency and don’t have time to complete a pre-leave inspection.
If this happens, please email movinghome@havebury.com as soon as you can to let us know what has happened.
We understand that, in these circumstances, it may not be possible to remove all your belongings before you leave. Please tell us as soon as you can if you’ve had to vacate your home. We can then work with you to discuss what happens next and, where possible, help you arrange to collect any belongings you’ve had to leave behind.
Find out more about ending your tenancy here.
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