Ending a tenancy

Moving out of a Selwood Housing property? Follow these five steps to make sure your tenancy ends as smoothly as possible. If you’re ending a tenancy on behalf of someone who has passed away, please follow the same steps.

Returning your home to us

Step 1: Give us four weeks’ notice in writing or email

You can use the tenancy termination form below.
The notice period will start on the Monday after we receive your notice.
If notice is received on a Monday, then the four weeks’ notice will commence from that date.
We will write to you to confirm your tenancy end date.
Notice can be given by someone with legal power to deal you’re your affairs, such as a relative with power of attorney. We will need to see supporting documentation to evidence this.
For joint tenancies, notice from one of you will end the tenancy for both.
At this time, you will also need to provide us with a forwarding address.

Tenancy termination form

Download(222.00 KB)

Step 2: Arrange a property inspection

The property inspection is a very important part of the process of returning your home to us.

Once we have received your notice, we will contact you to arrange this appointment, usually within a few days.
At the property inspection, you will be advised of any repairs or decoration you need to carry out before moving out.
We will also let you know if any carpets, curtains, furniture items and white goods can remain in the property. Anything that is in good condition that you no longer want can be gifted to a new customer.
The inspection should be carried out as soon as possible to give you time for any required clearance, repairs or decoration. It is essential that this is carried out before the end of your notice period so you can avoid being charged.
In the event of a bereavement, we will not contact you during the first week of the notice period. However, if you would like to start the arrange the inspection sooner, we invite you to call us on 01225 715 746 and we will be happy to book this in.

Step 3: Inform the right people

Contact utility companies and give them meter readings plus your forwarding address for the final bill.
Inform any benefit departments e.g. Housing Benefit or Universal Credit of your change of circumstances.

Step 4: Returning your keys

During the property inspection, a key safe will usually be installed and you will be given the code.
When you leave the property for the final time, put the front door keys in the safe and notify us by emailing lettingsadmin@selwoodhousing.com or calling 01225 715 715.
We will not end your tenancy until you have notified us that keys are in the key safe. Rent will continue to be charged until your tenancy has been ended.
If a key safe has not been installed at your home, you will need to hand your keys into reception at Selwood Housing, Bryer Ash Business Park, Bradford Road, Trowbridge BA14 8RT.

Step 5: Settle your account

Once your tenancy has ended, it is important to contact us on 01225 715 715 to settle your account.
We will tell you how much you need to pay or if you are due any money back.
The final balance may not include charges for clearance, redecoration and repairs you were advised to carry out during the property inspection. If these have not been carried out, a bill for this work will follow later.

Settling your account FAQ’s

Remember that you must settle your rent account with us. Not doing so could affect your chances of securing a home in the future. If you’re concerned at all about these costs, let your account manager know. They can advise you of your options.

Contact your account manager

What if I pay my rent by direct debit?

If you pay your rent by direct debit, do not cancel your direct debit. Contact us to discuss any outstanding balance.

What do I need to do with my standing order?

You will need to contact your bank to stop these payments. Like direct debits, contact us to discuss any outstanding balance before cancelling these.

What do I do if my rent is paid by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit

These payments will not normally be paid if you are not living in the property, this means if you move out before the 4-week notice period your rent may not be paid.

If you are claiming Housing Benefit and moving to another rented property where you must pay rent, you may be entitled to an ‘overlap’ in benefit – contact your local housing benefit team for details.

You are responsible for any unpaid rent.

What if I cannot afford to pay the account?

You have a legal obligation to clear the account. However, if you cannot make a payment to clear the balance in full, we may be able to arrange for you to pay in instalments.

Please contact your account manager to discuss the options available.

Why is it important for me to clear by balance?

If you have outstanding rent or other charges, we’ll take steps to recover the money owed. There are several ways we may do this, and you will be charged for any associated costs.

In some cases, we may need to register a County Court judgment, which could impact your ability to get credit in the future. If necessary, we may also instruct a bailiff to help recover the debt.

If you’re registered with a choice-based lettings scheme, having rent arrears could affect your chances of being offered a new home.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to re-house you if you still owe us money. If you’re struggling to make a payment, please get in touch with your account manager.