This page explains what tenants need to do when moving home. It covers notice periods, inspections, rent responsibilities, emptying the property, returning keys, and what happens when a tenant passes away.
Giving notice
When you plan to leave your current home, you must:
- Give at least four weeks’ written notice and provide the Council with details of your forwarding address.
- Your tenancy will always end on a Sunday.
- Contact us immediately if you change your mind.
Property exit inspection
After you’ve given notice, we will inspect your home to:
- Check for any damage or breaches of tenancy conditions.
- Advise you on what condition the property must be left before you leave, including removing all personal items and rubbish.
- Advise you of any rent still owed or any other charges.
- Make sure the property can be re-let quickly.
For more information see Property Exit Inspection Visit information leaflet.
Returning keys
You must:
- Return all keys by the end of your notice period to Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7BZ.
- Leave the property by date agreed, usually the end of the tenancy.
Rent responsibilities
You are responsible for:
- Paying full rent until the tenancy ends.
- Paying any money owed or outstanding charges.
- Notify the relevant benefits teams that you are moving as soon as possible.
Belongings and rubbish
To avoid any costly recharge costs, please make sure you:
- Clean the property thoroughly – including kitchen, bathroom, floors, and windows.
- Remove all personal belongings including carpet and curtains. Your property must be left empty of all your personal items.
- Dispose of all rubbish properly including garden waste, loft, outbuildings, bulky items, unwanted household items, general refuse.
- Remove all rubbish from your property before you leave. For more information on your local tips which you can use free of charge – details are below.
- Leave fixtures and fittings including i.e. do not remove doors, light fittings, bathroom & kitchen units, boilers etc.
- If any items or rubbish are left behind, we will dispose of them and you will receive a recharge bill, which can be costly.
Moving out checklist – tenant’s responsibility
☑️ All rooms cleaned
☑️ All personal items removed
☑️ Bins emptied
☑️ Garden cleared (if applicable)
☑️ Pay rent due and any outstanding payments and charges
☑️ Keys ready to hand back
☑️ Final meter readings taken
☑️ Redirected mail (Royal Mail redirection service)
☑️ Notify the relevant benefits services about your change of address
Where can I take my rubbish and unwanted household items?
You can dispose of unwanted household items and rubbish free of charge at these local tips:
📍 Lower House Farm Recycling Centre
Address: Lower House Lane, Baddesley Ensor, CV9 2QA
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:30am–3:15pm | Wed: until 6:15pm | Sat–Sun: 8:30am–5:45pm
More info: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/recyclinglowerhousefarm
📍 Lichfield Household Waste and Recycling Centre
Address: Trent Valley Industrial Estate, Lichfield
More info: www.tamworth.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/tips
If a tenant passes away
If there is no eligible successor:
- The tenancy ends when the representative gives notice or the council takes possession.
- A ‘notice to quit will be served and sent to the public trustee.
- The representative must provide a copy of the death certificate.
- Rent will be charged until the tenancy is formally ended.
- Any arrears or credits become part of the deceased tenant’s estate.
Tenancy records
We keep tenancy records for six years after the tenancy ends, in line with our retention policy