We know that moving home can be a stressful and busy time, so we’ve created this guide to give you all the information you need to know about ending your tenancy and moving out.
Ending your tenancy
Once you’ve found a new home, you’ll need to let us know you’re leaving your current home. You will usually have to give us at least four full weeks notice that you are moving but you should check your tenancy agreement which will tell you exactly how many weeks notice you need to give. If you let us know on any day other than a Monday, the first date of your notice will be the following Monday. For example, if you gave us notice on a Wednesday, your notice period would start the following Monday.
Whilst you have handed your notice in, you still need to pay us rent. You are welcome to move out of the property before the end of the notice period, but you will still need to pay your rent until the end of your notice.
You can speak to us about ending your tenancy, but for your tenancy to end you will need to put your notice in writing. This can be done by letter, e-mail (if your e-mail address is registered to your account with us) or by submitting the form at the bottom of this page.
Once we’ve received your notice, we will be in touch with you to:
Let you know that we have received your request to end your tenancy and confirm we are processing it
The last date of your tenancy and the rent (including any arrears) due
The next steps and anything else we need from you
Property Inspections
Before you move out, we will need to inspect your home so that we may assess what, if any, repairs or redecoration are required for the property. If there is any damage to the property beyond the usual wear and tear, it may be your responsibility to pay for the repair or redecoration. If this happens, we will let you know and discuss the cost of this with you.
Viewings
During your notice period, we will start to put your home up for rent and we may ask you to allow us access to carry out a viewing with a prospective tenant. We will work with you to find suitable dates and times to carry out the viewings. Whilst your tenancy states that you must give us reasonable access to your home for viewings, we will ensure that this causes as little disruption to you and your household as possible.
Cleaning out the property
Before you leave the property, you will need to take all your possessions with you and ensure that you leave the property clean and tidy. This needs to be done by the time you return the keys to us on the last day of your tenancy.
If the property has personal items, rubbish or is not clean when you return the property to us, we will charge you for the cost of clearing and cleaning your home.
We don’t have any storage facilities, so any items left in the home, will be disposed of so please make sure all your items are removed.
If you have communal bins, you cannot put furniture or household items in the bin or bin store. Some Councils collect bulky items, so please get in touch with them or arrange for a local company to help you.
Meter Readings and Supplies
On the day you move, take readings for any gas, electricity or water meters at your old address. Make sure you inform the utility companies that you are moving and provide them with a forwarding address.
Turnoff your water at the stopcock and gas meter before leaving. Switch off electricity at the fuse box. But don’t ask for these services to be disconnected.
Handing your keys in
If there's a key safe at your home and you've been given the code, then please leave your key in the safe. If you don't have the code or there's not a key safe, then give us a call on 01403 220440 and we'll be able to help.
Making any payments before you leave
Before you leave your home, it’s best to make sure any payments are up to date. Any arrears will need to be paid by the time you leave the property.
We hope that these tips have been useful but if you need anything else, please do get in touch with us. You can find the ‘contact us’ section at the top of our website. We hope your move goes smoothly and we wish you all the happiness in your new home.
