Moving out
All tenancies end on a Sunday, not on the day you leave.
Your questions answered
What must I do if I want to leave?
You must let us know, in writing, at least 4 weeks before the date you want to end your tenancy. If you do not let us know, we may charge you rent for the full 28 day period. Keys must be returned to your Neighbourhood Office reception on the Monday. See Ending your tenancy.
What do I do with anything I don't want?
You must remove all your furniture, personal possessions and any rubbish before you leave. We will normally charge you for the removal of any items left in the property. You should contact the Council's Environmental Services to get them to collect any unwanted items before you leave.
What about any work I have done in my home?
If you have removed any of our fixtures or fittings you must put them back, unless we agreed that this was not necessary when you got permission to do the work. If you do not put things back the way they were we will charge you for the cost of doing it after you leave and also for any damage. When you leave your home, you can claim compensation for certain types of improvements you have carried out provided we agreed to these improvements at the time you did them. See Improvements to your home.
What if I leave and there is rent owing?
You are still responsible for any money that is owed to us. If you do not make an arrangement with us to repay it we will go to court to force you to pay.
Ending your tenancy
- Notice. You need to fill in a termination of tenancy form and give it to us at least 28 days before you leave.
- Keys. You must return keys to us as soon as you move out. If you don't, you may have to pay rent until they are returned, and pay for any lock change.
- Repairs. You must carry out any repairs which are your responsibility before you leave. We will inspect your home and will charge you for any work you have not done.
- Clearing and cleaning the property. You must remove all your belongings and leave the home clean. We will charge you for any clearance or cleaning we have to do after you have left. You can apply to get a ‘clean flat’ payment which you may get once you have handed in your key. We may also pay you to leave some curtains.
- Everyone must leave. All members of your household, including any lodgers or subtenants must move out with you.
Moving out checklist
Before handing in the keys, make sure that:
- you have paid any rent or charges you owe us
- the property is clean and you have wiped down all worktops, sills, kitchen units and floor tiles
- all your furniture, carpets and belongings have been removed, including from sheds and lofts, and no rubbish is left in the house or garden
- you have done any repairs or redecoration that are your responsibility
- you have contacted the gas, electricity, and telephone companies. Keep a note of meter readings to check your final bills
- you let the Council Tax Office know that you are moving
- you have arranged for any gas appliances you are moving, including cookers, to be disconnected
- you have arranged for your post to be redirected
- if you claim Housing Benefit, you have told the Benefits Agency and the Benefits Team that you are moving and given them your new address.
