Ending my tenancy

Moving home can be a busy time with lots to do.

Our handy checklist lets you know what you must do before moving.

How much notice do I need to give?
 

You must give us at least 28 days’ written notice if you want to end your tenancy. You will remain responsible for paying rent throughout the notice period. Call our Customer First Centre on 0800 011 3447 and we will guide you through the process.

What do I need to do to the house?
 

It is important that you leave your home clean, empty and in good condition when your tenancy ends.

You are responsible for repairing or replacing any fixtures, fittings or items damaged through misuse, neglect or accidental damage. You must also remove all personal belongings, furniture, carpets, floor coverings, rubbish and household waste before returning your keys.

If you have a garden, you must cut the grass and leave the garden, paths and other outside areas clean, tidy and free from rubbish.

Pre-termination inspection
 

Once we receive your notice to end your tenancy, your housing officer will arrange to visit your home and carry out a pre-termination inspection.

To allow us to carry out a thorough inspection, you must provide clear access to all rooms, walls, floors, ceilings, cupboards, gardens and any outbuildings. All internal doors and walls must be fully visible and free from coverings such as posters or jackets.

During the inspection, your housing officer will:

  • explain the condition in which the property must be left;
  • identify any tenant-responsible repairs that must be completed before you leave;
  • highlight any furniture, belongings or rubbish that must be removed;
  • discuss any alterations or improvements made to the property; and
  • answer any questions you have about ending your tenancy.

If tenant-responsible repairs are identified, you must complete them before your tenancy ends. If the work is not completed, we may arrange it and recharge you for the cost.

Before you leave checklist
 

Clear the property:

    • remove all furniture, belongings and personal items from the property; and
    • remove all rubbish, household waste and unwanted items from the home, garden, sheds, loft spaces and any outbuildings.

    Repairs, cleaning and alterations:

      • complete any tenant-responsible repairs identified by your housing officer;
        remove carpets, laminate flooring and other floor coverings, unless we have agreed that they can remain;
      • leave the property clean, including the kitchen, bathroom, cupboards and storage areas;
      • leave the decor in a good condition. Walls should be clean and free from graffiti, marks, staining and nicotine staining; and
      • wallpaper should not be ripped or damaged; remove any ripped wallpaper and strip the walls ready for redecoration.

      Garden and outside areas:

        • if you have a garden, cut the grass, trim and maintain any shrubs, and leave the garden, paths and outside areas tidy and free from waste.

        Utilities:

          • take final gas and electricity meter readings, where applicable;
            leave any utility meter keys, cards or other items needed to operate the meters in the property;
          • tell your gas, electricity, broadband, telephone and other service providers that you are moving; and
          • clear any outstanding balances owed to utility providers.

          Keys and contact details:

            • return all property keys, fobs and door-entry devices; and
            • provide us with a forwarding address so we can contact you if required.

Need help removing large items?
 

Wheatley Homes South does not provide a property-clearance service. Dumfries and Galloway Council offers a chargeable bulky-waste collection for large household items.

You should check the bulky-waste service and arrange a collection well in advance so that all items are removed before your tenancy ends.

Charges for clearing, cleaning or repairs
 

If we need to do any of the following, we may recharge you for the cost of the work:

    • carry out repairs that are your responsibility;
    • remove furniture, belongings or rubbish left behind;
    • clean the property;
    • repair damage caused during your tenancy; and
    • remove or make good unauthorised alterations.

Returning your keys
 

All keys and fobs must be returned to us on or before the date your tenancy ends. You will remain responsible for the tenancy and rent until the property is empty and all keys have been returned.

If you pay your rent by Direct Debit, only cancel it with your bank once your tenancy has ended and your final rent payment has been made.

Ending a tenancy following a death
 

We know this is a difficult time when someone passes away, and our staff are here to help and support you through the process of ending the tenancy.

Please contact us on 0800 011 3447. We will obtain the details of the deceased tenant and provide advice and guidance on the next steps.

When you contact us, we will require the following information:

    • deceased tenant's full name;
    • address and postcode;
    • date of death;
    • representative's full name and address;
    • representative's telephone number and email address; and
    • relationship to the tenant.

If there is a next of kin, we will also require their details.

Preparing the property

Where the tenancy is ending, the representative or next of kin will be responsible for returning possession of the property to us.

As with any tenancy ending, the property should be left clean, clear of personal belongings and household items, and in a reasonable condition. Any furniture, rubbish or unwanted items should be removed before the keys are returned.

A housing officer will discuss the process with you and arrange a visit to the property where required. We understand that every situation is different and will work with you to provide advice and support.

For more information about what needs to be done before a tenancy ends, please see our 'Before You Leave' checklist above.

Returning keys

All keys, fobs and access devices should be returned to us when the property has been cleared. We will provide advice on how and where to return these.