Ending a Tenancy

How much notice do I need to give?
Who can end the tenancy?
What do I do with anything that I don't want?
What about changes I have made to my home?
Where and when do I hand back my keys?
What if I still owe rent or other charges when I leave?
What happens when you decide to leave

How much notice do I need to give?

Must complete a 'Notice to Quit' form and return it to us at least 4 weeks before the date you want to end your tenancy.

In the following weeks you must make various arrangements and we will agree the exact date your tenancy ends. Your tenancy will normally end on a Sunday.

Who can end the tenancy?

Only a named tenant can end the tenancy but if you are joint tenants, either of you can end it.

What do I do with anything I don't want?

You must remove all of your furniture, personal belongings and any rubbish before your tenancy ends. We will charge you for removing anything left behind after the keys have been handed in. We can accept no responsibility for items left in the property.

What about any changes I have made to my home?

If you have removed any fixtures or fittings such as light fittings, handles, kitchen units or doors, you must put them back or provide a replacement. Unless, it was agreed with us at the time that this was not necessary.

If you do not do this we will charge you for getting it done on your behalf. We will also charge you for repairing any damage.

If you have carried out improvements to your home that we authorised, you may be able to claim some compensation.

Where and when do I hand back my keys?

All your keys must be labelled and returned during office hours to us no later than midday on the Monday immediately after your tenancy ends. If you do not hand them back on time you may have to pay extra rent.

What if I still owe rent or other charges when I leave?

If you do not make arrangements to repay it we will go to Court to get you to pay it. We may also use a debt collection agency. Talk to us.

What happens when you decide to leave

We will:

• let you know whether you must pay any rent and other charges before you leave
• visit your home to check on its condition and identify any repairs you are responsible for
• possibly bring new tenants to view the property by appointment, before you move out. In this way we can keep the length of time the property is empty to a minimum.

You will:

• be completely up to date with payment of rent and other charges
• hand in all your keys during office hours no later than midday on the Monday immediately after your tenancy ends. This includes keys to all doors, windows, garages and sheds and any shared entrance keys. We will give you a receipt for these. You must lock the home securely before handing in the keys
• let us know your forwarding address.

You should be aware that:

• if keys are not returned on time, we will charge you rent for the next week. If you do not hand them in at all we can charge you further rent and the cost of changing the locks
• you will be charged for any repairs that you should have carried out but have failed to do and for any damage or missing fittings. We will also charge for the cost of removing any rubbish you leave behind everyone in your household must leave. This includes any lodger, sub-tenant, child, visitor or pet. If anyone stays you will continue to be the tenant and have to pay rent.

Page last reviewed 24 May 2011