Moving from your council home

If you decide to move out of your council property, you must give us 4 weeks’ notice ending on a Monday and send us a formal request to terminate your tenancy.

Giving notice that you are moving out

Use the following link to give notice that you are moving out:

Give notice that you are moving out

If you don't give us 4 weeks’ notice, you will have to pay another 4 weeks' rent.

The 4 weeks' notice only starts when we have received your notice in writing, so don't delay.

If you are terminating your tenancy for the following reasons, you DO NOT need to give a notice, please go straight to the termination form:

• Internal transfer  
• Moving into a care home
• Moving into a Housing Association property 
• Death (death certificate is required)

You will also need to send us a formal request to end your tenancy. You should do this towards the end of the notice period. You can do this using the following link:

Terminate your tenancy

If you need help to complete the notice form or termination form, please contact Customer Services or visit one of our customer service centres.

What happens after you hand in your notice

After you hand in your notice:

• we may contact you to inspect the property
• we may also contact you to show the property to new tenants
• you will need to pay any arrears on your rent account

If you change your mind about moving out, please tell us immediately by contacting Customer Services or visiting one of our customer service centres.

What you need to do before you move out

Before you move out, you must make sure:

• the property is empty and that everyone has moved out
• you leave the property tidy and clean
• you have repaired any damage
• you have taken all your possessions with you
• you have paid your rent in full up to the day your tenancy ends

Download our moving home checklist (pdf, 4 page(s), 130.96 KB) to help you with your move. 

If you don't follow these rules, we will charge you for any costs we incur.

Handing in the keys

You must book an appointment to hand in your keys at your local customer service centre.

You must return the keys to us no later than 12 noon on the Monday (or Tuesday if the Monday is a bank holiday). If you return the keys after 12 noon on the last day, you will be charged an additional week's rent.

What you need to do after you move out

When you terminate your tenancy, you must notify:

• Council Tax so they stop charging you
• Housing Benefit (if you are receiving Housing Benefit) so they stop making payments
• Universal Credit (if you are receiving Universal credit) so they stop making payments