This explains what council tenants need to do when moving home. It covers notice periods, inspections, rent responsibilities, emptying the property, returning keys, and what happens when a tenant passes away.
Giving notice
When you plan to leave your current home, you must:
- Give at least four weeks’ written notice and provide the Council with details of your forwarding address. Your tenancy will always end on a Sunday.
- Contact us immediately if you change your mind.
Property inspection
After you’ve given notice, we will inspect your home to:
- Check for any damage or breaches of tenancy conditions.
- Advise you on what condition the property must be left before you leave, including removing all personal items and rubbish.
- Advise you of any rent still owed or any other charges.
- Make sure the property can be re-let quickly.
Returning keys
You must:
- Return all keys by the end of your notice period to Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7BZ.
- Leave the property by date agreed, usually the end of the tenancy.
Rent responsibilities
You are responsible for:
- Paying full rent until the tenancy ends.
- Paying any money owed or outstanding charges.
Belongings and rubbish
To avoid any costly recharge costs, please make sure you:
- Clean the property thoroughly – including kitchen, bathroom, floors, and windows.
- Remove all personal belongings including carpet and curtains. Your property must be left empty of all your personal items.
- Dispose of all rubbish properly including garden waste, loft, outbuildings, bulky items, unwanted household items, general refuse.
- Remove all rubbish from your property before you leave. For more information on your local tips which you can use free of charge – details are below.
- Leave fixtures and fittings including i.e. do not remove doors, light fittings, bathroom & kitchen units, boilers etc.
If any items or rubbish are left behind, we will dispose of them and you will receive a recharge bill, which can be large and costly.
Moving out checklist
- All rooms cleaned
- All personal items removed
- Bins emptied
- Garden cleared (if applicable)
- Pay rent due and any outstanding payments and charges
- Keys ready to hand back
- Final meter readings taken
- Redirected mail (Royal Mail redirection service)
Where can I take my rubbish and unwanted household items?
You can dispose of unwanted household items and rubbish free of charge at these local tips:
- Lower House Farm Recycling Centre Address: Lower House Lane, Baddesley Ensor, CV9 2QA Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:30am–3:15pm | Wed: until 6:15pm | Sat–Sun: 8:30am–5:45pm More info: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/recyclinglowerhousefarm
- Lichfield Household Waste and Recycling Centre Address: Trent Valley Industrial Estate, Lichfield More info: https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/tips
If a tenant passes away
If there is no eligible successor:
- The tenancy ends when the representative gives notice or the council takes possession.
- A ‘notice to quit will be served and sent to the public trustee.
- The representative must provide a copy of the death certificate.
- Rent will be charged until the tenancy is formally ended.
- Any arrears or credits become part of the deceased tenant’s estate.
Tenancy records
We keep tenancy records for six years after the tenancy ends, in line with our retention policy.
Need Help or Advice?
Contact us on: 01827 709514 or email: estatemanagementteam@tamworth.gov.uk Monday to Thursday 8.45am - 5.10pm and Friday 8.45am - 5.05pm. Phone lines are closed on national bank holidays.