Ending your council home tenancy

If you decide to end your tenancy, you must:

• give us 4 weeks' notice in writing
• send your notice by letter or by completing a tenancy termination form
• include your name and address
• make sure the notice is signed by one or both tenants
• provide a forwarding address and contact details

Before your tenancy ends, you must:

• allow your Housing Officer to inspect your home before you leave, this is known as an end of tenancy inspection
• complete any actions identified during the inspection
• make sure your rent account is up to date
• complete any repairs that are your responsibility
• tell us if you cannot complete a repair before you leave
• tell benefits agencies and the council tax team that you are moving
• tell your utility providers that you are moving home

When you leave, you must:

• return all keys, including post box keys, shed and outbuilding keys, and door entry fobs, by midday on the Monday your tenancy ends
• make sure no one remains in the property
• make sure the property, including any gardens, sheds and outbuildings, is empty, including removing any rubbish, furniture, belongings and carpets
• make sure the property is returned to its original condition, unless we have agreed changes with you

You may be charged if:

• you do not complete repairs that are your responsibility
• you leave possessions, furniture, carpets or rubbish in the property
• you leave items in gardens, sheds or outbuildings
• you return your keys after your tenancy ends

Your Housing Officer may agree that some flooring can remain in the property.

Ending the tenancy when a council tenant dies

Depending on the circumstances, you may need  to:

• end the tenancy
• transfer the tenancy 

Read our guidance on ending the tenancy of a council tenant who lived alone.