Tenant Handbook - moving

Ending your tenancy

To end your tenancy, you must request a tenancy termination form from us, fill it in and return it.

You can do this by contacting the Neighbourhoods Team on 01707 357 796 or neighbourhoods@welhat.gov.uk.

You must give us at least 28 days written notice that you wish to end your tenancy.

The end of the notice period must be a Sunday.

Rent is payable until the end date of the tenancy.

All the keys to the property should be given back to us by 12 noon on the Monday after the tenancy has ended.

We will continue to charge you until the keys are returned or we obtain possession.

Before you leave

You must let us have access to the property to carry out an inspection before it is left empty.

At the end of your tenancy, we ask that:

  • All your belongings, as well as any floor coverings (carpet, vinyl) installed by you, have been removed from the property and garden – this includes the loft and any outbuildings.
  • The property and garden are in a clean, tidy condition and clear of rubbish.
  • Our Council Tax and Housing Benefit teams have been notified (if applicable). 
  • You’ve arranged for any post to be redirected.
  • Final meter readings have been taken and the gas, electricity, water and any other utility companies have been notified.

Removing items

If we have to clear any items from the property or garden, or if we have to carry out work to bring the property back to a reasonable and safe standard, we will charge you for the cost of this.

This may include removing unsafe garden walls, patios or filling in ponds.

If you leave items behind after your tenancy has ended, we may dispose of them.

We will do this without giving you any notice and you will be charged the cost.

Fixtures and fittings

All fixtures and fittings, whether they have been installed by the council or by you, become property of the council when the property is vacant and must remain.

Rechargeable repairs

If you leave your tenancy and rechargeable work is needed to make the property ready for a new tenant, we will add the cost to your final rent account.

This will appear in a separate account called a sub-account.

You will be sent an invoice showing the work needed and the cost.

If you do not pay the invoice we will take legal action against you and refuse to re-house you if you apply for housing in the future.