Moving out checklist for your council home

Before you move out, there are some things you need to do to get your council home ready for the next tenant and update your details and services.

Before you leave

Before you move, you must:

• 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 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. See Ending your tenancy.

If you’ve made changes to your home

If you have made any improvements or changes to your home, you must return the property to its original condition before you leave, unless we approved the changes.

If you do not restore unauthorised changes, you may be charged for the work needed to repair 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

See Making your own improvements to your council home.

How to dispose 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 details 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