If you want to end your council tenancy and move out of your home, you must give us at least four weeks’ notice in writing. You are liable for paying the rent on your property until you move out.
We encourage you to consider your decision to end your tenancy carefully and seek legal advice where necessary.
The notice period must start on a Monday and you must end your tenancy on a Sunday. You must return your keys to our office in Cambridge before midday on the following Monday.
You must:
- pay your rent in full before you leave
- leave the property in a reasonable condition when you leave, including the fixtures, fittings and any furnishings we provided
- not leave anybody else living in the property when you move out
When we receive your notice, we will arrange to visit you to inspect the condition of your home. When we visit, we will notify you of any work you must carry out before you leave the property. We will write to you to confirm what needs doing. You can also ask us any questions you have about the process.
If you also rent a garage or parking space from us and want to cancel that, you can tell us in the form and we will arrange it. If you want to continue renting it when you no longer have a council tenancy with us, you will need to pay VAT on the rental charge for your garage or parking space after your tenancy ends.
You are liable to pay for any repairs or replacements for damage caused by your or neglect. We will tell you how much any necessary work will cost, according to our Re-chargeable Works Schedule.
We might ask to arrange for prospective new tenants to view the property before you move out.
Contact us if you have any questions about giving notice. If you cannot use our online form to give your notice, printable forms are available at the bottom of this page.
Deceased tenants
If you are a relative or next of kin of a deceased council tenant, you can end their tenancy if you are executor of the will or have letters of administration.
Rent will be payable by the estate until the notice expires and the keys are returned. You are not liable for the rent unless you are the executor of the estate. Housing Benefit payments stop on date of death.
If you are not the executor and do not have letters of administration, you cannot legally end the tenancy. Contact us at enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk or on 01223 457000 for advice.
Before you move out
To prepare for leaving your home you must:
- leave the property in good condition, empty of all personal property and rubbish. This includes gardens, garages, sheds and outbuildings
- tell your utility suppliers that you are moving out and give them a forwarding address
- turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies
- tidy the gardens and fill any ponds
- redirect your mail
- return any unauthorised alterations to their original condition
On the day you move out
When you leave your home, you must:
- remove all personal property and rubbish from the property, including from gardens, garages and outbuildings. We will dispose of anything you leave and charge you for doing so
- leave the property secure – lock all the doors and windows, including communal doors. You must return all keys and key fobs to us – we will ask you to sign a declaration that you have done so
- leave your wheelie bins at the property. They do not need to be empty, but the lids must close
- ensure any prepayment meters are in credit and leave the keys or cards in the property
