Be aware of what you could be charged for

Nobody wants to lose money over a dirty microwave when you move out, which is why it's important to clean your flat thoroughly before you leave – and it pays to know what could land you a cleaning or damage charge. 

From your own room to shared spaces, the accommodation team will check everything over once you've left. If things aren't up to scratch or something's been damaged, there might be a fee. 

To help you avoid any surprise charges, here's a breakdown of the common things students get billed for: 

Keys 🔐

• Replace lost bedroom key
• Replace lost front door key
• Replace locks due to loss of keys
• Gain access to room our of hours if locked out
• Replace post locker key
• Replace accommodation access card/Student ID card
• Replace bike locker key

Cleaning charges 🫧

This includes the entrance, corridors, lounge, bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom. 

• Vacuum carpet
• Shampoo carpet
• Rubbish removal
• Wipe clean furniture/work surfaces/windows/sink & drainer/bin/seating
• Wipe clean and degrease walls
• Remove food, defrost and clean fridge/freezer
• Degrease and clean bath, shower, toilet and wash hand basin
• Sweep and mop flooring

We'll be looking for any damage to:

• Bed base
• Chest of drawers
• Desk
• Desk chair
• Kitchen chair
• Kitchen table
• Mattress
• Wardrobe
• Mirror
• Cooker
• Hob
• Freezer
• Fridge
• Microwave
• Microwave combination oven
• Sink & drainer
• Work surface
• Waste bin
• Fire blanket
• Fire extinguisher refill/replacement
• Smoke/heat detector
• Extractor fan
• Socket
• Vacuum cleaner
• Wash hand basin
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Radiator/Wall heater
• Shower unit (including the shower head) 
• Pair of curtains
• Net curtains
• Blinds

There might be other items that aren't mentioned here, but if something is broken or damaged, you could still be charged for it. 

The cost you're charged will also cover the actual repair or replacement price, plus any call-out fees, disposal costs, and VAT where appropriate. 

More good to know information

It's not worth losing part of your deposit over something you could sort so quickly, so make sure you give everything a quick once-over before you go.