The notice periods and form needed depends on:

• the type of rental agreement
• who is giving notice / ending the tenancy
• the reason for ending the agreement.

Steps to moving out

1 Give the correct amount of notice in writing 

Make sure you understand the minimum notice period that applies to your rental situation. A tenant should check what costs may apply if they end a tenancy early, such as rent and maintenance until a new tenant is found.

• Landlord ending a tenancy, including evictions
• Tenant ending a tenancy
• Mortgagee ending a tenancy

2 Move out of the home by the end date 

A tenant should do everything they can to move out by the date on the termination notice. A tenant must return all keys and other security devices such as garage door remote or carpark fob.

3 Leave the home clean and empty 

A tenant must make sure they have:

• removed all their belongings
• left the home in a similar condition to when they moved in
• repaired, or paid the cost of repairing, any damage (beyond fair wear and tear).
• a copy of the condition report completed when they first moved. This can help with any disputes about the condition of the home.

4 Conduct a final inspection of the property with the landlord or agent 

The landlord must do a final inspection of the property once it's empty. The landlord must give the tenant(s) a reasonable chance to be at the final inspection. For more information see property condition reports.

5 Getting the bond back 

At the end of the tenancy the bond must paid out. The tenant can help this process by leaving the property empty and clean by the specified date.

The landlord can make a claim against part or all of the bond if the tenant does not leave the home in a similar condition to when they moved in. The landlord can also make a claim for other costs or money owed such as for missed rent, bills or damage.

See more on releasing a bond.

6 Tenant change of address 

A tenant should update their address details with any business, government or personal contacts who needs it. This includes:

• Gas, water, power providers
• Phone and internet providers
• Department of transport for driver’s licence or vehicle registration
• Electoral commission
• Medicare
• Any concession and support cards
• Insurance companies e.g. health, home and car
• Transperth for smartrider
• Local Council if the tenant has a dog or cat.

When things go wrong? 

Find out what happens if:

• the tenant ends the lease early
• the landlord ends the lease early
• there’s a disagreement about the return of the bond
• the tenant needs to end a lease due to family or domestic violence
• the tenant is facing eviction
• the tenant is listed on a tenancy database.

Get help and support

You can get help or lodge a complaint with Consumer Protection

Circle Green has resources available or can help with a variety of rental issues.