Ending your tenancy

This page explains how to give notice to end your council tenancy, what happens after we receive it, and what you need to do before you move out.

How to give notice

If you're ending your council tenancy, you must submit a Notice to Quit form at least 4 weeks before the date you want your tenancy to end.

Only a named tenant can give notice. If you have a joint tenancy, either tenant can end the tenancy.

You can:

• download the Notice to Quit form 
• speak to customer services to request a copy

Send the completed form by email or post to the address provided on the form.

What happens after you give notice

Once we receive your Notice to Quit form, we will contact you to confirm the end date of your council tenancy. Your tenancy will usually end on a Sunday.

We will also:

• tell you about any outstanding rent or other charges
• arrange an inspection of your home to check its condition and identify any repairs you need to make
• arrange viewings for prospective new tenants

Your responsibilities

Before your tenancy ends, you must:

• pay any outstanding rent and other charges
• remove all furniture, belongings and rubbish
• clean the property and garden
• give us a forwarding address so we can contact you if there are any outstanding matters relating to your tenancy
• return all keys

See the moving out checklist for a full list of your responsibilities.

Returning your keys

You must securely lock your home and return all keys by midday on the Monday after your tenancy ends. This includes keys for doors, windows and shared entrances

If you return your keys late, you may be charged additional rent and the cost of changing the locks, if necessary.

If you do not meet your responsibilities

We may charge you for:

• repairs, damage or missing fittings that are your responsibility
• removing rubbish or other items left in the property
• rent if you continue to occupy the property after your tenancy ends

If you have any outstanding rent or other charges when your tenancy ends, we may take court action or use debt recovery procedures to recover the money owed.

Get independent advice

If you need confidential and independent advice about your tenancy, contact an Advice Centre.