Key Return Policy

To ensure a smooth transition at the end of your tenancy, it is imperative that you adhere to the following detailed key return instructions. Failure to comply may result in additional charges and responsibilities:

Return Location and Deadline

All keys must be returned to our Property Management team, who are located at Thornley Groves Mayfair Court, 306 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 6NS. It is essential that you return the keys no later than the specified end date of your tenancy. The deadline for key return is set at no later than 2pm on the designated end date. It is crucial to meet this deadline to avoid any complications.

This office will be open 9:30AM – 2:30PM on Saturday 29th June & Sunday 30th June 2024

Don’t forget - Click the button below to download the move out form, this needs to be completed and handed in with your keys.

Download the Form

It is of utmost importance to note that you should not put the keys through our office letterbox. By doing so, you accept full responsibility for any subsequent loss of keys and the resulting lock changes required for the property. To avoid any potential complications and financial liabilities, please make sure to personally hand over all the keys to our Property Management team at the specified location.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these detailed instructions for returning your keys. By doing so, you contribute to a smooth transition process, avoid additional charges, and enable us to complete the necessary procedures promptly and efficiently.

Pro-rata Rent Charges

Failure to return all keys to our Property Management team by the specified deadline will lead to pro-rata rent charges. These charges will be calculated based on the additional period of time until the keys are returned. It is essential to return the keys promptly to avoid incurring these charges.

Missing or Lost Keys

In the event that any keys are missing or reported as lost, we are left with no alternative but to change the locks for security purposes. Should this unfortunate situation arise, all associated costs incurred for lock replacement will be deducted from your security deposit. It is in your best interest to ensure the safekeeping of all keys to avoid such expenses.

Checkout Inspection

Once we have received all the keys in proper condition, we will make arrangements for a thorough checkout inspection of the property. This inspection aims to assess the condition of the premises and identify any potential damages or discrepancies. It is important to return all keys promptly to initiate this inspection process and finalise your tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving Out

Yes, we highly encourage early key returns. Returning your keys before the official end date of your tenancy offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows us to efficiently manage the check-out process and prepare the property for the next tenants, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved. Returning your keys early also gives you peace of mind. Once you've handed in your keys, you no longer have to worry about their safety or the possibility of misplacing them. It frees you from any responsibility or potential charges associated with lost or damaged keys. Moreover, returning your keys early allows us to promptly finalise the necessary paperwork, ensuring a swift and accurate conclusion to your tenancy. It simplifies the overall process and allows us to address any outstanding matters promptly. So, if you're able to return your keys before the last day of your tenancy, we highly recommend doing so. It benefits both you and our team, ensuring a seamless moving-out experience.

Unfortunately, no. We need to sign your keys back in with our property management student team in Fallowfield to complete the necessary paperwork.

Whenever possible, please nominate one tenant to return all the keys.

Yes, you can. However, please use a 'signed for' or other tracked mail service so that you have proof of delivery. For security reasons, please only write your name on the envelope and not the property address.

We anticipate our busiest days for key returns to be on 30th June. As mentioned earlier, we recommend returning all keys prior to the official end date of your tenancy to avoid any queues. 

How you must leave the property: Step 1, 2, and 3

Inventory: Please refer to the inventory you received and signed at the beginning of your tenancy. It is essential that all items are returned to their designated positions as indicated on the inventory. Any lost or damaged items should be replaced, and all refuse must be completely removed.

Personal Possessions: Before the final check-out inspection conducted by the designated Property Manager, it is your responsibility to remove all of your personal belongings from the premises. Thornley Groves cannot be held accountable for any items left behind. In accordance with your tenancy agreement, we reserve the right to make a claim against your deposit to cover the cost of removing such items.

All of your Landlord’s furniture should be returned to the original room and position it was in on your inventory. 

How you must leave the property: Step 5

Other Checks:

  • Light bulbs and Batteries in Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: all light bulbs should be left in working order, if one requires replacement you must do this prior to returning the keys to us. Likewise with batteries within Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms, they were working upon your move in to the property so they must be left in working order when you move out.
  • Damages to walls: If you have caused any damage to walls this must be rectified prior to your move out i.e sticky marks from blu-tac to be suitably cleaned away. 
  • Window Key: should be left within the relevant window or on the windowsill. 
  • Take Meter Readings and ensure all appliances are turned off. 

Mail

To ensure the smooth transition of your mail to your new address, we kindly request that you make arrangements for redirection through Royal Mail. Please be aware that Thornley Groves does not provide a redirection service and cannot assume responsibility for any undelivered mail.

Standing Order

If you have been using a Standing Order to pay your rent, it is important that you cancel it after your final rent payment has been deducted from your account. Failure to do so may result in your bank continuing to make payments unnecessarily.

Deposit Return Policy

Upon completion of the checkout inspection, we will provide a comprehensive report to all parties involved in the tenancy. This report will outline our findings, including any necessary repairs or maintenance, along with itemised costings and quotations where possible. Assuming all rental payments have been made in full and no further works are required at the property, we will promptly and fully refund your security deposit. Please note that this policy applies only to traditional deposits and not to tenancies utilising Reposit.

If the checkout inspection reveals any items or damages beyond fair wear and tear, the landlord may propose deducting a certain amount from the tenant's deposit.

In cases where deductions are proposed, we will contact you to provide a detailed explanation of the deductions and their respective breakdown.

We are committed to working with landlords and tenants to reach a mutually agreeable resolution when deductions are proposed.

In the rare event that a landlord and tenant cannot reach an agreement on the deposit's value to be returned, you have the opportunity to raise a dispute with the relevant deposit protection scheme. Any undisputed portion of the deposit will be returned to you promptly. Please note that this policy applies only to traditional deposits and not to tenancies utilising Reposit.

Each deposit scheme offers an alternative dispute resolution service. Following the checkout inspection, we will inform you of the specific scheme related to your deposit and provide guidance on how to initiate a dispute, should it be necessary.

Deposit Return Policy - Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure efficient processing of your deposit, please contact the lead tenant you nominated at the beginning of your tenancy. They will act as your point of contact at the end of the tenancy.

Please complete and return the move-out form included in this mailer. Ensure that you provide forwarding addresses, bank details, and final meter readings. We require this information before we can initiate the deposit return process.

 

Once all tenants have moved out and returned the keys, we will conduct the final move-out inspection. Due to the high volume of move-outs in June, these inspections will take place throughout July. Subsequently, we will notify your nominated lead tenant of the inspection outcome via email.

Once the check-out inspection is completed, your assigned Property Manager will contact the lead tenant and provide their contact details.

 

 

We recommend that your lead tenant communicates via email. Phone calls may not allow us to provide comprehensive responses, and we aim to efficiently address all inquiries from our customers.

During the peak period of move-outs in Manchester (July and August), we aim to commit to responding to all emails from lead tenants within seven working days.