Ending your tenancy

If you're moving out of your council home, you must give notice to end your tenancy. This page explains how to give notice, what happens next and what you need to do before you leave.

How to give notice

To end 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 get a Notice to Quit form by:

• downloading the form 
• emailing landlordservices@oxford.gov.uk to request a copy
• collecting a copy in person 

Return the completed form by:

• email to landlordservices@oxford.gov.uk
• post to the address shown on the form

What happens after you give notice

We will contact you to confirm your tenancy end date. Your tenancy will usually end on a Sunday.

We will also:

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

Before you leave

Before your tenancy ends, you must:

• pay any outstanding rent and other charges
• remove all furniture, personal belongings and rubbish
• clean and tidy the property and garden
• provide us with a forwarding address
• return all keys

See the Moving out checklist for your council home for a full list of what you need to do before leaving.

Returning your keys

You must lock your home securely 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 these responsibilities

You may be charged for:

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

If you do not pay outstanding rent or other charges, we may take court action or recover the debt through collection procedures.

Get independent advice

For confidential and independent advice about your tenancy, contact an Advice Centre.