Moving out checklist for your council home

Before moving out, there are a few things you need to do to get your council home ready for the next tenants and update your accounts.

Get the property ready

Before you leave, you need to:

• clean the property thoroughly, especially the kitchen and bathroom
• clean windows, door frames, handles, kitchen units, worktops and tiled floors
• remove all furniture and personal belongings, including anything stored in the loft, sheds or council outbuildings (but leave any furniture or appliances that you rented from us)
• remove all carpets, underlay, grippers and vinyl flooring, or contact our Void Property Team if your carpets are in good condition and you would like to leave them
• redecorate and repair anything that is your responsibility, and replace any missing fixtures or fittings
• remove all rubbish from the property and garden

You will also need to:

• tidy the garden
• remove any sheds, greenhouses or other structures that you installed without our permission
• fill in any ponds or water features

Completing these tasks helps us prepare the property for the next tenant and could prevent you being charged for cleaning or repairs. Read Ending your tenancy for more information.

If you’ve made changes to your home

If you’ve made any home improvements, such as removing or replacing light fittings or kitchen units, you must return them to their original condition before you leave unless we previously approved the changes.

If you do not restore unauthorised alterations, you may be charged for the work needed to repair any damage or return the property to its original condition.

If we approved the alterations, you may be:

• able to take non-structural improvements with you
• eligible for compensation if the improvements must remain in the property

For more information, see Making your own improvements to your council home.

Disposing of bulky waste

If you need to dispose of large or bulky items that can’t be collected with your usual household waste, you can use our bulky waste collection service.

We do not collect builders' waste, including rubble or bathroom fittings. You can take these items to the Redbridge Waste Recycling Centre on Abingdon Road. Charges may apply for some types of waste.

Update your accounts and services

Before you move, you should:

• tell your utility suppliers that you are moving and give them your final meter readings for gas, electricity and water
• arrange for your phone and broadband services to end or move to your new address
• tell our Council Tax team that you are moving by updating your Council Tax address
• tell any benefit agencies that you are moving
• arrange mail redirection through the Post Office at least 7 days before you move
• return your parking permit, if applicable
• give your new address to TV Licensing