Termination of a Tenancy

In order to terminate a Council tenancy the Council requires 4 weeks written notice with the tenancy always ending on a Monday. A termination form (69Kb) is available which can be used as your written notice.

It will be necessary for a Maintenance Officer to inspect your property once you have given your notice but before you terminate your tenancy.

In an effort to reduce costs, tenants are asked to leave their property in such a condition that it can be promptly re-let and ensure any damage is made good prior to termination. You should therefore ensure all items of furniture, carpets and personal possessions are removed from the property including any accumulated rubbish from the house, garden and where applicable out buildings such as sheds and garages. Please dispose of all rubbish in the correct manner otherwise you may be charged for the removal of it. A Tenant Responsibilty Sheet (118Kb) is available to give you some advice on how the property should be left.

Following the pre-termination inspection, the Maintenance Officer will advise you of any remedial work, which you will be responsible for, before you vacate the property. You will be charged for the cost of any work that you fail to complete.

It is essential that you return the keys to the property to the Tenancy Services Section at the Civic Offices by 12 noon on the termination date. Should the keys be returned late, rent will continue to be charged up to the Monday following their receipt in the Tenancy Services Section. Failure to return all keys, including those to any outbuildings, will result in the Council arranging to gain entry to the property and/or any outbuilding, changing the locks and you will be charged for the necessary works.

You are advised to contact all the utility companies and Council Tax to inform them that you are moving so closing accounts can be prepared. Most utility companies can be contacted online.

If you currently pay for your gas or electricity by key or card, it is essential you ensure any money owed on either account is cleared in full prior to the tenancy termination date.

Basic Timeline of events

• Give 4 weeks written notice to the Tenancy Services Division

• Pre-void inspection carried out by the Maintenance Officer

• Remove all belongs and furniture from the property and any outbuildings

• Return the keys to the Tenancy Services Section by 12 noon on the termination date

• Tenancy terminates

Please be aware that voluntarily terminating your secure tenancy with the Council may affect any future housing applications you make and you should seriously consider if this is the right option for you before you terminate. If you would like any further advice on terminating your tenancy please contact the Tenancy Services team.

If a tenancy is going to be terminated due to the death of a tenant, the tenant needing to go into residential care or due to an eviction please contact the Tenancy Services Team as the procedure to follow may be different from those stated above.

If you would like any more information on any of the above please contact the Tenancy Services Section on 01329 236100 or email housing@fareham.gov.uk.

 

If you wish to see a particular officer we may ask that you book an appointment either by telephoning the above number or by calling in person to the reception on the ground floor of the Civic Offices.