Moving out of your home
Moving out
You must give us four weeks’ notice in a signed letter or complete a notice to terminate tenancy form. Your contract will end on the Sunday of the fourth week. You must return your keys by midday the following Monday. Sometimes, we may be able to vary this arrangement, for instance if you are moving to another of our properties. 
If you are a joint tenant, only one tenant needs to give notice – if the other joint tenant wants to stay, they will need to ask their housing officer for advice.
During the four weeks’ notice period, we will ask you to let us inspect your property. If we identify any works or repairs including decoration which is your responsibility we will ask you to put this right. If you don’t we will charge you for this work.
Tenants leaving their homes are offered a £150 incentive to remove all belongings and clean the property before they go. The Spick and Span scheme ensures we spend less money clearing items left behind and cleaning empty properties. More importantly, the scheme allows us to make properties available for those in need of a new home more quickly.
When a tenancy ends, it is the tenant’s responsibility to clear the property of all possessions and leave the property in good condition.
Moving out checklist
Before returning your keys please make sure that you:
- ensure your rent is fully paid or arrange to pay arrears
- remove all furniture, carpets and belongings
- clear out all cupboards and shed
- clear all rubbish and unwanted items (old furniture) from your home or garden - if you leave unwanted items behind, you will be charged for the cost of removing them
- contact the utility companies with your final meter readings or you will still be liable for whatever the next tenant uses
- tell your council tax, and – if you claim it – benefits offices
- give us a forwarding address.
After you leave
If you leave the property with damage, you will be charged for repairs and replacements. Make sure your rent is paid to the end of your contract, including the notice period. Most landlords ask for references from your previous accommodation, and you will find it difficult to find another property if you owe us money. You could also face court action.
You can find more information in the relevant section of your handbook (see below).
