Exit inspections: Understanding your report

An exit report is a document that is created at the end of a tenancy. It details the condition of the property at the time of the tenant's move-out and identifies any areas that need repair or maintenance. Understanding their importance is always the first step, you can take a look at our previous article here.

How to read an exit report

To read an exit report, start by looking at the first page. This page will include a key for the symbols that are used throughout the report. Next, look at the section called "Maintenance Action Required." This section will list all of the areas that need repair or maintenance, along with a brief overview of the issue. If an inventory report was created at the start of the tenancy, the issues will be highlighted in comparison to the inventory report.

To view more information about a specific issue, scroll down to the section of the report that details that area i.e. An issue highlighted in the bathroom will be more detailed in the bathroom section. Each issue raised will also state who is responsible for the repair or maintenance.

Making deductions from the tenant's deposit

You have 10 working days from the end of the tenancy to decide on any deductions from a tenant's deposit. If you decide to make deductions from the deposit, you must be able to justify the deductions. This means being able to show that the repairs or maintenance were necessary and that the costs were reasonable.

If the deductions made are unable to be justified, the tenant can challenge them. The deposit protection company will then decide whether or not the deductions are fair and reasonable.

Fair wear and tear

The deposit protection company will always take a view on fair wear and tear. This means that they will not approve claims for any costs that are due to normal wear and tear. For example, the landlord cannot claim the cost of replacing a carpet that has become worn over time.

Tips for reading an exit report

Take your time: There is a lot of information in an exit report, so it is important to take your time and read it carefully
Ask questions: If you are not sure about something, ask us to explain anything that isn't clear
Keep a copy: You should keep a copy of the exit report for your records

Hopefully, this has helped you understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with an exit report. If you have any questions, you can get in touch with our team by emailing us ✉️

Wondering what other services our expert team offer? Take a look at our management services to see how we can help you.

Posted By

Hannah Pinder