Moving Out

How much notice do I need to give if I want to end my tenancy with the Council?

If you are moving out and not transferring or exchanging into another of our properties, you must let us know in writing at least 4 weeks before the date you want to end your tenancy. We may charge you 4 weeks rent if no notice is given. Before you leave you must make various arrangements and be sure you have informed others that you are moving. See Moving Out Checklist below. We will agree the exact date your tenancy ends. This will be on a Monday. See What happens when you decide to leave below.

What do I do with anything I don't want?

You must remove all of your furniture, personal belongings and any rubbish before your tenancy ends. We will charge you for removing anything left behind after the keys have been handed in. We can accept no responsibility for items left in the property. See You should be aware below.

What about any changes I have made to my home?

If you have removed any fixtures or fittings such as light fittings, handles, kitchen units or doors, you must put them back or provide a replacement unless it was agreed with us at the time that this was not necessary. If you do not do this we will charge you for getting it done on your behalf. We will also charge you for repairing any damage. If you have carried out improvements to your home that we authorised, you may be able to claim some compensation. See IMPROVEMENTS.

Where and when do I hand back my keys?

All your keys must be labelled and returned to your Area Housing Office on or before 12 noon on the Monday your tenancy ends. If you do not hand them back on time you may have to pay extra rent. See You should be aware below.

What if I still owe rent or other charges when I leave?

If you do not make arrangements to repay any money you owe us we will go to Court to get you to pay it. If you move out of the Doncaster area leaving unpaid arrears and later try to return we will not re-house you. Contact your Area Housing Office.

What happens when you decide to leave

We will:

let you know whether you have any rent and other charges before you leave
visit your home to check on its condition and identify any repairs you are responsible for
possibly bring new tenants to view the property, by appointment, before you move out. In this way we can keep the length of time the property is empty to a minimum.

You will:

hand in all your door keys by 12 noon at the latest on the Monday. If keys are not returned on time, we will also charge you rent for the next week. If you do not hand in your keys at all we will charge you for the cost of changing the locks
let us know your forwarding address
be completely up to date with payment of rent and other charges.

You should be aware that:

if you do not give us 4 weeks notice we can charge you up to 4 weeks rent even if you have left
you will be charged for any repairs that you should have carried out but have failed to do and for any damage or missing fittings. We will also charge for the cost of removing any rubbish you leave behind
everyone in your household must leave. If anyone stays behind you will continue to be the tenant and have to pay rent.

Moving Out Checklist

Before handing in the keys, make sure that:

the property is clean and you have wiped down all worktops, sills, kitchen units and tiled floors
all your furniture and belongings have been removed including from sheds and lofts
no rubbish is left in the house or garden
you have done any repairs or decorations that are your responsibility. If you do not do this, and we have to carry out the work, we will charge you for the cost of the work once you have left
you have contacted the gas, water and electricity companies to give them your meter reading. Keep a note of the meter reading to check your final bill
you have contacted your telephone company to finalise your account
you have notified the Council Tax Department that you are moving
if you claim any benefits, you have notified the Benefits Agency and the Housing Benefit Office that you are moving
you have made arrangements for your post to be redirected. You can arrange for this to be done automatically by the Post Office.

Your Enquiry | What happens when you decide to leave | Moving Out Checklist

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MOVING OUT