What Does MOD March Out Cleaning Include? The Complete Portsmouth Military Housing Guide

If you’re a service family preparing to march out of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in Portsmouth or surrounding areas, you’re facing one of the most scrutinized inspections in military life. Unlike civilian rental properties where standards can be somewhat negotiable, MOD march out inspections follow strict, non-negotiable protocols that can affect not just your move, but potentially your service record and future accommodation eligibility.

The question “what does MOD march out cleaning include?” has a deceptively simple answer: everything. But understanding exactly what “everything” means, to what standard, and how it’s inspected is crucial for successfully marching out of your quarter without deficiencies, re-inspections, or the stress of failed march outs.

This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what MOD march out cleaning includes, room by room, with the specific standards expected by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) inspectors. Whether you’re leaving Portsmouth Naval Base married quarters, RAF Thorney Island accommodation, or any other MOD property in the area, this guide will help you understand requirements and make informed decisions about professional march out cleaning services.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding MOD March Out Standards
2. The Difference Between SFA and Civilian Rental Cleaning
3. The MOD March Out Inspection Process
4. Kitchen Cleaning Requirements
5. Bathroom Cleaning Requirements
6. Living Areas and Bedrooms Requirements
7. Windows and External Areas
8. Garden and Outdoor Spaces
9. Garage and Outbuildings
10. Common MOD March Out Deficiencies
11. The Traffic Light System Explained
12. What Happens If You Fail March Out Inspection
13. Portsmouth-Specific MOD Housing Considerations
14. Professional Cleaning for MOD March Out
15. Timeline and Preparation Checklist
16. Real Military Family Experiences

Understanding MOD March Out Standards

MOD march out cleaning standards are fundamentally different from civilian rental cleaning expectations. Understanding these differences is the first step to successful march out.

The “Zero Defects” Expectation

What It Means: While civilian landlords apply “professional cleaning standards” with some flexibility, MOD housing inspections aim for zero defects. The property should be returned to the same standard as when you received it – documented in your march-in inventory.

Why Standards Are Higher:

• Properties are service accommodation, not private rentals
• Maintaining property stock is MOD responsibility
• Standards reflect military discipline expectations
• Next family deserves same standard you received
• Affects broader service housing system

The Legal Framework

MOD Housing Policy: Service Family Accommodation is governed by JSP 464 (Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations) which sets out:

• Occupancy rights and responsibilities
• Maintenance obligations during tenancy
• March out standards and procedures
• Deficiency rectification processes
• Charges for non-compliance

Your Obligations: As an SFA occupant, you’re legally required to:

• Maintain the property to acceptable standards
• Report defects promptly during occupancy
• Return property in good, clean condition
• Allow reasonable wear and tear
• Rectify any damage beyond fair wear and tear

The Inspection Authority

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO): DIO manages MOD housing portfolio including:

• Property maintenance
• Allocation and march in/out processes
• Standard setting and enforcement
• Deficiency identification and rectification

DIO Inspectors:

• Trained to consistent standards
• Use detailed inspection criteria
• Apply objective assessment methods
• Document findings photographically
• Have authority to fail march outs

Fair Wear and Tear vs. Damage

Acceptable Wear and Tear:

• Light carpet wear in traffic areas
• Minor paint fading from sunlight
• Small marks from furniture placement
• General dulling from normal use
• Age-related deterioration

NOT Acceptable (Your Responsibility):

• Removable dirt, grime, or stains
• Damage from neglect or misuse
• Marks that can be cleaned
• Preventable deterioration
• Damage from children or pets (beyond minor)

Critical Distinction: “It was like that when we moved in” only matters if documented in your march-in inventory. Without documentation, you’re responsible.

The Difference Between SFA and Civilian Rental Cleaning

Military families often underestimate the difference between MOD march out and civilian end of tenancy cleaning. Understanding these differences is crucial.

Inspection Intensity

Civilian Rental:

• 30-45 minute walkthrough
• Comparison to inventory
• Photos of major issues
• Focus on significant problems
• Some negotiation possible

MOD March Out:

• 60-90+ minute detailed inspection
• Every room scrutinized systematically
• Photographs of all deficiencies
• Traffic light rating system
• Zero negotiation – pass or fail

Standard of Cleanliness

Civilian Rental:

• “Professionally cleaned” standard
• Some interpretation flexibility
• Focus on major areas
• Deposit deduction if failed

MOD March Out:

• “As received” standard (per inventory)
• No interpretation – objective criteria
• Every surface and area checked
• Re-inspection required if failed
• Potential service record implications

Inspector Background

Civilian Rental:

• Letting agent or landlord
• Variable experience levels
• Some properties first inspection
• Commercial interest in quick turnover

MOD March Out:

• Trained DIO inspector
• Consistent standards across estate
• Hundreds of inspections experience
• No commercial pressure
• Service commitment to standards

Consequences of Failure

Civilian Rental:

• Deposit deduction
• Financial impact only
• Dispute resolution available
• No further consequences

MOD March Out:

• Re-inspection required
• Delay to next accommodation
• Potential service record entry
• Future housing allocation affected
• Financial charges for rectification
• Stress during critical move period

Areas Inspected

Civilian Rental:

• Interior spaces primarily
• External if significantly poor
• Garden if obviously neglected
• Basic functionality checks

MOD March Out:

• Every interior surface
• All windows (inside and outside)
• Complete garden inspection
• All outbuildings and garages
• External areas thoroughly
• Functionality of all fixtures

The “White Glove” Myth

Reality Check: Contrary to popular belief, MOD inspectors don’t run white gloves over surfaces. However, they do:

• Check corners and edges closely
• Look behind and under appliances
• Inspect areas typically missed
• Compare directly to march-in photos
• Note deficiencies most people overlook

The MOD March Out Inspection Process

Understanding how the inspection works helps you prepare effectively.

The Timeline

Week -4 to -2: Notification

• Inform chain of command of departure
• Contact SFA (Regional) office
• Book march out inspection date
• Typically 2-4 weeks notice required

Week -2 to -1: Preparation

• Complete all cleaning and repairs
• Ensure property completely empty
• All keys accounted for
• Ready for inspection

Inspection Day:

• Usually morning appointment (0900-1100)
• Allow 1-2 hours for process
• You should attend if possible
• Inspector walks through systematically

Post-Inspection:

• Receive immediate verbal feedback
• Written report within 24-48 hours
• Traffic light ratings assigned
• Any deficiencies listed

What Happens During Inspection

Step 1: External Assessment Inspector begins outside, checking:

• Garden condition and maintenance
• External windows
• Guttering and fascias
• Paths and driveways
• Fencing and boundaries
• Garage and outbuildings
• General external presentation

Step 2: Systematic Interior Inspection Room by room progression, typically:

• Entrance and hallway
• Kitchen (most scrutinized)
• Living/dining areas
• All bedrooms
• All bathrooms
• Utility areas
• Storage spaces
• Loft (if applicable)

Step 3: Documentation Throughout inspection:

• Photographs taken of all deficiencies
• Notes made on inspection sheet
• Comparison to march-in inventory
• Traffic light ratings assigned
• Comments recorded

Step 4: Feedback Session At conclusion:

• Verbal feedback provided
• Major issues highlighted
• Expected outcome indicated
• Next steps explained
• Questions answered

The Traffic Light Rating System

GREEN: Satisfactory

• No deficiencies identified
• Property meets required standard
• Ready for next occupants
• March out successful

AMBER: Minor Deficiencies

• Some issues identified
• Generally acceptable condition
• Minor rectification may be needed
• Usually still passes but noted

RED: Major Deficiencies

• Significant issues identified
• Does not meet required standard
• Rectification essential
• Re-inspection required

Attending Your Inspection

Should You Attend? Advantages:

• Understand issues immediately
• Ask questions about deficiencies
• Context for any problems
• Can explain circumstances
• Immediate awareness of outcome

Disadvantages:

• Can be stressful to watch
• May feel defensive
• Can’t change outcome by being there

Recommendation: Attend if possible, especially if you’ve DIY cleaned. If using professional march out cleaning, attendance less critical as cleaning company handles any callbacks.

Kitchen Cleaning Requirements

The kitchen receives the most scrutiny during MOD march out inspections. Here’s exactly what’s required.

Oven and Hob

Oven Interior:

• All interior surfaces completely grease-free
• No carbon deposits anywhere
• Oven floor spotless
• Racks and trays clean and grease-free
• Heating elements wiped clean
• Fan cover clean (fan ovens)
• Between glass door panels must be clean (critical)

Why This Matters: Dirty ovens are the #1 cause of MOD march out failures. Inspectors specifically check between glass panels – if stained, automatic deficiency.

Standard Required: Oven must look nearly new. “Cleaner than before” isn’t sufficient – must match march-in condition (typically professionally cleaned).

Oven Door:

• Interior glass spotless
• Exterior glass clean and streak-free
• Between panels free of grease staining
• Door seals clean
• Hinges clean and grease-free

Hob:

• All burner caps and rings cleaned (gas)
• Ceramic surface spotless (electric)
• Control knobs clean
• Area around burners grease-free
• Pan supports clean (gas hobs)

Extractor Hood/Fan:

• Grease filters cleaned or replaced
• Interior hood degreased
• Exterior wiped clean
• Lighting functional and clean

Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerator/Freezer:

• Completely defrosted (if required)
• All interior surfaces wiped clean
• Shelves and drawers cleaned
• Door seals clean and free of mold
• Exterior clean, especially handles
• Top and sides wiped
• Behind unit accessible area cleaned

Dishwasher (if fitted):

• Filter cleaned thoroughly
• Door seals wiped clean
• Detergent dispenser clean
• Interior run through cleaning cycle
• Exterior clean

Washing Machine (if fitted in kitchen):

• Detergent drawer cleaned
• Door seal cleaned (mold-free)
• Filter cleaned
• Interior wiped
• Exterior clean

Microwave (if provided):

• Turntable cleaned
• Interior completely clean
• Exterior wiped
• Door and seals clean

Cupboards and Drawers

Interior:

• All cupboards completely empty
• Interior surfaces wiped clean
• Shelves clean top and bottom
• No sticky residues
• Corners and edges clean
• Drawer linings clean

Exterior:

• All door fronts clean
• Handles and knobs clean
• Edges wiped
• Top of wall units cleaned (commonly missed)
• Kick plates at base clean

Critical Note: Tops of wall units are always checked. Dust/grease buildup here is very common deficiency.

Surfaces and Sinks

Worktops:

• All surfaces completely clean
• No grease or sticky residues
• Edges and corners clean
• Behind appliances accessible area clean
• No staining (if preventable)

Sink:

• Basin descaled and clean
• Taps descaled and polished
• Around tap bases (limescale common in Portsmouth)
• Plughole clean
• Overflow clean
• Under sink area clean

Backsplash/Splashback:

• All tiles clean
• Grouting cleaned (whitened if stained)
• No grease marks
• Sealed edges clean

Walls, Ceiling, and Floors

Walls:

• All marks removed where possible
• Light switches and sockets clean
• No grease splatter
• Behind door cleaned

Ceiling:

• No cobwebs in corners
• Light fitting clean
• Smoke detector clean

Floor:

• Thoroughly cleaned (swept and mopped)
• Edges and corners clean
• Under appliances (if moveable)
• Skirting boards wiped clean
• No sticky patches or stains

Common Kitchen Deficiencies

Most Frequent Failures:

1. Oven not professionally clean (especially between glass)
2. Grease on top of wall units
3. Limescale on taps and sink
4. Dirty grout
5. Behind/under appliances not cleaned
6. Cupboard interiors sticky or marked
7. Extractor hood greasy

Bathroom Cleaning Requirements

Bathrooms must be sanitized to the highest standards for MOD march out.

Toilet

All Surfaces:

• Bowl interior spotless (no staining)
• Under rim thoroughly cleaned
• Seat clean top and bottom
• Lid clean both sides
• Cistern clean (top, sides, back)
• Base and area behind toilet clean
• Floor around base clean

Common Issues:

• Limescale ring in bowl (must be removed)
• Staining under rim
• Marks on seat/lid
• Dust/grime behind toilet

Bath and Shower

Bath:

• Entire tub surface clean
• No soap scum residue
• Taps descaled and polished
• Plughole and overflow clean
• Bath panels clean (if fitted)
• No mold on sealant

Shower:

• Shower tray/base spotless
• Walls and tiles completely clean
• Glass shower screen descaled (Portsmouth hard water)
• Shower door tracks clean
• Shower curtain clean or replaced
• Showerhead descaled (all holes clear)
• Shower controls/taps clean

Grouting:

• All grout cleaned
• Mold removed where possible
• Whitened if discolored
• Sealed edges clean

Critical Standard: Shower screens must be completely clear of limescale – common Portsmouth issue due to hard water. This is frequently noted deficiency. Also if the floor is wooden and heavily scratched, please note that you will require wood floor sanding.

Sink and Taps

Sink Basin:

• Completely descaled
• No water marks
• Plughole clean
• Overflow clean
• Under-sink area clean

Taps:

• All chrome descaled and polished
• Around tap bases (limescale accumulation common)
• Underneath taps clean
• Spouts descaled internally (water flow clear)

Mirror and Cabinet:

• Mirror spotless (no marks or smears)
• Cabinet cleaned inside and out
• Shelves wiped
• Mirror surround clean

Tiles and Walls

Wall Tiles:

• All tiles clean
• No soap scum
• Grout cleaned and whitened
• No mold growth

Painted Walls:

• Wiped clean where appropriate
• No splashes or marks
• Mold spots removed (especially ceiling corners)

Ceiling:

• No mold in corners
• Light fitting clean
• Extractor fan cover clean

Extractor Fan

Requirements:

• Cover removed and cleaned
• Fan blades cleaned or vacuumed
• Functional and working
• Grill clean

Why It Matters: Dusty extractor fans commonly noted. While minor, contributes to overall impression.

Floor and Fixtures

Floor:

• Thoroughly cleaned
• Behind toilet base
• Around all fixtures
• Skirting boards clean
• No hair or debris

Accessories:

• Toilet roll holder clean
• Towel rails clean
• Any shelving wiped
• Hooks and fixtures clean

Common Bathroom Deficiencies

Frequent Failures:

1. Limescale on taps and shower screen
2. Mold on grout or sealant
3. Soap scum on tiles
4. Toilet staining
5. Behind toilet not cleaned
6. Shower head not descaled
7. Extractor fan dirty

Living Areas and Bedrooms Requirements

While less scrutinized than kitchens and bathrooms, living areas must still meet high standards.

General Requirements for All Rooms

Surfaces:

• All horizontal surfaces dust-free
• Shelving clean (if built-in)
• Windowsills clean
• Radiators clean (top, front, behind)
• Light switches and sockets clean

Walls:

• All removable marks cleaned
• No blu-tack residue
• No crayon/pen marks
• Picture hook holes filled
• Generally clean appearance

Ceilings:

• No cobwebs in corners
• Light fittings clean
• Smoke detectors clean

Doors and Frames:

• Doors clean both sides
• Frames wiped clean
• Handles and fixtures clean
• Door stops clean

Built-in Storage

Wardrobes and Cupboards:

• Completely empty
• Interior vacuumed
• Shelves cleaned top and bottom
• Rails dusted
• Door interior clean
• Exterior wiped
• Top of wardrobes cleaned (frequently checked)

Under-Stairs Cupboards:

• Completely cleared
• Vacuumed and wiped
• Shelving clean

Floors

Carpeted Areas:

• Thoroughly vacuumed
• All edges and corners
• No visible stains
• Professional cleaning if heavily soiled
• Under where furniture was located

Hard Floors:

• Swept or vacuumed
• Mopped with appropriate cleaner
• Skirting boards wiped
• No marks or sticky patches

Windows

Interior:

• Glass cleaned to spotless
• Frames wiped clean
• Sills thoroughly cleaned
• Locks and handles clean
• Window tracks vacuumed and wiped

Exterior (Ground Floor):

• Glass cleaned
• Frames wiped
• Sills cleaned
• Note: Upper floor exteriors may not be required (depends on access)

Specific Room Considerations

Living/Dining Room:

• Fireplace cleaned (if applicable)
• Any built-in features cleaned
• Serving hatch clean (older quarters)

Bedrooms:

• All personal items removed
• Built-in furniture empty and clean
• Children’s rooms: all drawings/stickers removed

Hallways and Stairs:

• Stairs vacuumed thoroughly (including edges)
• Banisters and spindles wiped
• All walls and woodwork clean
• Entrance area spotless

Windows and External Areas

External areas are fully inspected during MOD march outs, unlike many civilian rentals.

Window Cleaning Standards

Interior Glass:

• All windows cleaned to streak-free
• Corners and edges clean
• No marks or smears

Exterior Glass:

• Ground floor windows must be cleaned outside
• Upper floor: cleaned if safely accessible
• Otherwise noted but usually acceptable

Frames and Sills:

• Interior sills: Must be spotless
• Exterior sills: Cleaned and debris-free
• Frames: Wiped clean inside and out (where accessible)
• Tracks: Vacuumed and wiped (sliding windows)

Window Furniture:

• Handles clean and functional
• Locks clean
• Restrictors clean (if fitted)
• Any blinds or shutters clean

Doors

Front Door:

• Interior and exterior clean
• Glass panels spotless
• Letterbox clean
• Door furniture polished
• Threshold and step clean

Back/Side Doors:

• Same standards as front door
• Areas around door clean
• Door mats removed (unless provided)

External Walls and Features

Walls:

• Generally clean appearance
• No obvious marks from occupancy
• Guttering clear of debris (if accessible)

Lighting:

• External light fittings clean
• Functional (bulbs working)

House Number/Name:

• Visible and clean
• Secure and properly fixed

Garden and Outdoor Spaces

Garden inspection is comprehensive in MOD march outs – this catches many families unprepared.

Lawn and Grass Areas

Standards Required:

• Grass cut to acceptable length (not overgrown)
• Edges tidied
• No weeds throughout lawn
• Grass clippings removed
• Generally well-maintained appearance

What “Acceptable” Means:

• Grass no longer than 2-3 inches
• Recently mowed (within week of inspection)
• Edges defined
• Even appearance

Common Issue: Families often mow lawn but don’t edge or remove weeds – both will be noted.

Borders and Beds

Plant Beds:

• Weeded thoroughly
• Dead plants removed
• Mulch/soil tidied
• General neat appearance

Hedges:

• Trimmed to reasonable shape
• Not overgrown
• Clippings removed

Trees/Shrubs:

• Maintained to reasonable standard
• Dead branches removed
• Not interfering with property or boundaries

Hard Surfaces

Paths and Driveways:

• Swept clean
• Weeds removed from cracks
• Generally tidy appearance
• No accumulated debris

Patios/Decking:

• Swept clean
• Furniture removed (unless provided)
• BBQs and personal items removed
• General good order

Fencing:

• Secure and upright
• No damage from occupancy
• Generally good condition

Bins and Storage

Wheelie Bins:

• Emptied completely
• Wiped clean
• Stored appropriately
• Council property (not removed)

Outdoor Storage:

• All personal items removed
• Built-in storage empty and clean
• Coal bunkers empty (if applicable)

Common Garden Deficiencies

Frequent Issues:

1. Overgrown grass
2. Weeds in lawn and borders
3. Unedged lawn
4. Dead plants not removed
5. Patio not swept
6. Weeds in paving cracks
7. Rubbish or debris in garden

Garage and Outbuildings

If your SFA includes garage or outbuildings, these are fully inspected.

Garage Requirements

Interior:

• Completely empty of all personal items
• Swept clean
• Cobwebs removed
• Oil stains addressed (if possible/recent)
• Light functional

Doors:

• Operational
• Clean and tidy
• Locks functional

Shelving:

• Empty and wiped (if built-in)
• Personal additions removed

Shed/Outbuilding Requirements

If Provided:

• Empty and clean
• Swept out
• Cobwebs removed
• Secure and functional

If You Installed:

• Must be removed
• Area left clean and tidy
• Ground restored to original condition

Common Issues

Garages:

• Not fully emptied (“forgot items at back”)
• Not swept clean
• Paint/oil stains not addressed
• Door mechanism not working

Critical: Garages are specifically inspected – don’t assume they’ll be overlooked.

Common MOD March Out Deficiencies

Understanding common failures helps you avoid them.

Top 10 Most Common Deficiencies

1. Oven Not Professionally Clean

• Frequency: 40% of failed inspections
• Specific Issues: Between glass panels, carbon deposits, grease
• Impact: Often automatic re-inspection requirement

2. Garden Overgrown or Poorly Maintained

• Frequency: 35% of failed inspections
• Specific Issues: Long grass, weeds, unedged lawn
• Impact: Usually requires rectification before pass

3. Limescale on Bathroom Fixtures

• Frequency: 30% of inspections (especially Portsmouth)
• Specific Issues: Taps, shower screens, toilet
• Impact: Minor but noted deficiency

4. Windows Not Cleaned Properly

• Frequency: 25% of inspections
• Specific Issues: External ground floor, frames, sills
• Impact: Easy to rectify if caught

5. Behind/Under Appliances Not Cleaned

• Frequency: 25% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Kitchen appliances, dust accumulation
• Impact: Shows lack of thoroughness

6. Top of Cupboards Dirty

• Frequency: 30% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Kitchen wall units, wardrobes
• Impact: Common oversight, easy fix

7. Grouting Discolored or Moldy

• Frequency: 20% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Bathroom and kitchen tiles
• Impact: Can be minor or major depending on severity

8. Marks on Walls Not Removed

• Frequency: 20% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Children’s marks, blu-tack, scuffs
• Impact: Usually minor if few

9. Garage/Outbuildings Not Properly Cleaned

• Frequency: 15% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Not emptied, not swept
• Impact: Shows incomplete preparation

10. Carpets Not Professionally Cleaned

• Frequency: 15% of inspections
• Specific Issues: Visible stains, heavy wear areas
• Impact: Can require professional cleaning

Category-Specific Common Issues

Kitchen:

• Grease on extractor hood
• Dirty fridge/freezer seals
• Cupboard interiors sticky
• Floor not cleaned under units

Bathrooms:

• Mold on sealant
• Extractor fan dirty
• Behind toilet not cleaned
• Shower head not descaled

General:

• Cobwebs in corners
• Light switches dirty
• Skirting boards not wiped
• Window tracks dirty

External:

• Weeds in paving
• Bins not cleaned
• Garden furniture not removed
• Paths not swept

The Traffic Light System Explained

Understanding the rating system helps you interpret results and know what action is needed.

GREEN Rating

Definition: Property meets required standard with no significant deficiencies identified.

What This Means:

• March out successful
• Keys can be handed over
• No further action required
• Access to next accommodation cleared
• Clean slate for housing record

Minor Notes: Even with GREEN rating, inspector may note very minor items that don’t prevent pass but are mentioned:

• “Minor mark on bedroom wall noted”
• “Slight limescale on tap – not affecting pass”

These don’t require action but are documented.

AMBER Rating

Definition: Property generally acceptable but minor deficiencies noted that should be addressed.

What This Means:

• Usually still passes
• Issues documented
• May require minor rectification
• Typically cosmetic items
• Doesn’t usually delay next accommodation

Typical AMBER Items:

• Light marks on walls
• Minor limescale buildup
• Small areas of garden weeds
• Dusty tops of cupboards

Response Required:

• Review deficiency list
• Address items if reasonable
• May not prevent march out completion
• Varies by severity and number

RED Rating

Definition: Property does not meet required standard – significant deficiencies that must be rectified.

What This Means:

• March out failed
• Re-inspection required
• Must rectify all deficiencies
• Delay to next accommodation possible
• Additional stress and costs

Typical RED Items:

• Oven not professionally clean
• Garden severely overgrown
• Multiple rooms with significant issues
• Damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Professional cleaning clearly needed

Response Required:

• Must rectify ALL deficiencies listed
• Usually requires professional cleaning
• Book re-inspection once complete
• Potential charges for delays

How Ratings Are Determined

Inspector Considerations:

• Overall property condition
• Number and severity of deficiencies
• Whether issues show systematic neglect
• Comparison to march-in standard
• Whether property is ready for next family

Not Negotiable: Unlike civilian rentals, you cannot negotiate ratings. The inspector’s assessment is final, though you can request re-inspection after rectifying issues.

What Happens If You Fail March Out Inspection

Failing MOD march out has more serious implications than civilian rental failures.

Immediate Consequences

Day of Failed Inspection:

1. Inspector provides verbal feedback
2. Deficiency list generated
3. RED rating assigned
4. Re-inspection required
5. Cannot complete march out

Within 48 Hours:

• Written inspection report received
• Formal deficiency list provided
• Photos of all issues included
• Rectification deadline given
• Re-inspection arranged

Rectification Requirements

Your Obligations:

• Address ALL deficiencies on list
• Usually within 7-14 days
• Provide evidence of rectification
• Arrange re-inspection

Common Rectification:

• Hire professional MOD-standard cleaning
• Complete garden maintenance
• Make necessary repairs
• Document all work completed

Re-Inspection Process

Scheduling:

• Contact SFA office to rebook
• Usually 3-7 days after rectification
• Same inspector if possible
• Full re-inspection conducted

What’s Checked:

• All previously noted deficiencies
• Complete walk-through again
• May identify new issues if visible
• Pass/fail decision made

Outcomes:

• Pass: March out completed, keys handed over
• Fail Again: Further rectification required, additional re-inspection

Financial Implications

Potential Costs:

• Professional cleaning: £300-£600 depending on property size
• Garden clearance: £100-£300 if severely overgrown
• Repairs: Variable
• Re-inspection fees: May apply
• Accommodation overlap: If delayed

DIO Charges: If you don’t rectify deficiencies:

• DIO may arrange rectification
• Costs charged to you
• Typically higher than market rates
• Deducted from pay if necessary

Service Record Impact

Documentation:

• Failed march outs may be noted
• Particularly multiple failures
• Can affect future housing allocation
• May be mentioned in personnel records

Not Career-Ending:

• One failed march out: Minimal impact
• Promptly rectified: Shows responsibility
• Multiple failures or non-compliance: More serious

Chain of Command:

• Usually informed of significant issues
• Particularly if causing accommodation delays
• Can affect perception of reliability

Impact on Next Accommodation

Timing Issues:

• Failed march out can delay key collection
• May create gap between properties
• Temporary accommodation may be needed
• Stress during already difficult period

Priority: Rectify quickly to minimize disruption to your family’s move.

Portsmouth-Specific MOD Housing Considerations

Portsmouth area MOD housing has specific characteristics affecting march out cleaning.

Hard Water Challenges

Portsmouth Water Quality: Portsmouth and surrounding areas have moderately hard to hard water (Southern Water area), creating specific cleaning challenges:

Impact on March Out: