Things to remember before moving out

That’s why we’ve created a useful moving out checklist to help you prepare for moving day and ensure your council home is left clean, tidy and in good repair.

You’ll need to give us at least four weeks notice that you plan to move, and once you’ve done that it’s important you tick off all the jobs on the checklist. This is part of our Moving Out Standard which has been developed in partnership with tenants so that everyone knows how we expect a property to be left. 

If your home doesn’t meet the Moving Out Standard you will be charged for any work we have to do to meet that standard.  We may visit you before you move to carry out a pre-vacation check.

Some of the things you’ll need to do to get your home ready and avoid facing a bill include:

Inside

• Reinstate any alterations you have made (unless you have our written permission they can be left)
• Remove carpets or laminate flooring (if you live in a house or a ground floor flat you can leave any laminate flooring as long as it is in good condition and fitted properly)
• Label door and window keys and door entry fobs and hand in on moving day
• Leave gas and electric cards along with supplier details and ensure the meters don’t have any debt
• Check thoroughly for any damage around your home
• Report any repairs to us that are our responsibility
• Check the bath, wash hand basin and toilet are clean and free from cracks and holes
• Fill any holes in walls and ensure the property is in good decorative order (check our online decorating guide for top tips)
• Gas appliances including gas cookers must be ‘capped off’ by a registered gas engineer
• Set up a redirect for your mail and let utility services know your new address
• Take all your personal possessions (don’t forget to empty the loft) and remove rubbish

Outside:

• Cut the grass and trim any overgrown greenery
• Dismantle and remove any structure that you erected such as a shed, greenhouse, decking or patio
• Clear all rubbish and remove your possessions from the garden or balcony including pots and garden furniture

Please contact your Local Housing Office if you have any queries about the Moving Out standard and what is considered an acceptable state to leave your home in. Before you move you will need to talk to your Local housing Office to request a pre-vacation inspection.