End Your Tenancy

Planning to move out? Let us know in advance so we can guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible. Find out what steps to take and how to return your property in good condition.

Before you leave

Before you move out, we will arrange a date and time with you to inspect the property. Please leave the property empty, clean and tidy. Your rent should also be paid in full up to your tenancy end date, even if you move out before this date.  
local charities may collect any unwanted furniture or electrical items free of charge. Please contact companys directly to find out more.

If you have any gas appliances, such as a cooker, you should use a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to remove them safely. You should also use a qualified electrician to remove any hardwired electrical appliances.

Returning Your Keys

Please return your keys by 12 midday on the Monday when your tenancy ends. If you return your keys after this, you will be charged for another full week’s rent.

Please hand your keys in at our Dovecotes TMO office.

By letter box -  Put the keys in an envelope and please be sure to clearly mark your address on the envelope and let us know if you would like a receipt by including a note with your keys.

By Reception – Our opening hours are Monday & Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Tuesday 9am-1pm.

Changes after your tenancy has ended

It is important that all your accounts with us are paid before you move out. If you are having financial difficulty, we may agree for you to pay the debt at a later date or in instalments.

We trust our tenants to leave their homes in a good condition. Where this does not happen, we have no option but to charge you for any costs incurred in returning the property to the condition it was let to you in. Things you could be charged for include:

• damage to the property, except for expected wear and tear
• the removal and disposal of unwanted items such as carpets, laminate flooring or items left in sheds, lofts, outhouses and gardens
• tending to your garden if it has been severely neglected
• missing fixtures and fittings
• deep cleaning if necessary
• not returning keys on time, including those for outhouses, sheds, windows and meter cupboards

The charge for each of these can range from £50 to over £200.

What to do if a tenant dies?

If you’re a relative or have lasting power of attorney for a tenant who lived alone and has died, please complete and return a termination of tenancy form on their behalf.

Download next of kin termination of tenancy form

Download power of attorney termination of tenancy form

We will need to know details of their next of kin (closest relative), your address or the address of the person dealing with the tenant’s affairs, and the date the keys will be returned to us. We will also need a copy of the death certificate.
We understand that the death of a relative can be a difficult time and we will support you to get their housing affairs in order. More advice and guidance on what to do in the event of a death is available on the council’s website.

Register a death | City Of Wolverhampton Council

Transferring a Tenancy   

Mutual Exchange

If you’re a secure tenant, you may want to consider swapping homes with another secure tenant. This is known as a mutual exchange. A mutual exchange can take place between two or more secure council tenants, or between a council tenant and a tenant of a registered social housing provider.

Finding a swap

If you know another secure tenant who is looking to move, you may want to discuss the possibility of swapping homes with them. If they agree, you should apply for a mutual exchange. You must not swap homes without our consent as this would put both parties in breach of the tenancy agreement.

Homeswapper

Homeswapper is a free online exchange service, where you can advertise your home and search for a swap. Learn more about Homeswapper.

Homes direct

This is another exchange service, but they charge a registration fee. Learn more about Homes Direct

Other ways to find an exchange

You can ask friends and family if they know anyone who is looking to swap homes. There are also lots of groups on Facebook which have been set up to help people to advertise and search for homes. In Facebook, search words like council, exchange and home swap. If you choose to search for a swap using this method, please think carefully before giving your address or swapping contact details with people you do not know.

Frequently asked questions  

• Q: How soon after becoming a tenant can I swap?
  A: Only secure tenants can exchange homes, so you will need to have been a tenant for at least 12 months.
  
  
• Q: What size home can I have?
  A: You will be able to swap for any home you are eligible for. Different landlords will have different criteria, so you would need to check with them before agreeing to a swap.
  
  
• Q: Will I have the same tenant rights if I swap?
  A: The terms of your tenancy may change if you swap homes. You should check what your rights and responsibilities will be before agreeing to a swap.
  
  
• Q: What should I do if I have forgotten my Homeswapper password?
  A: You can retrieve your password on the Homeswapper website. 
  
  
• Q: How long will my Homeswapper membership last?
  A: Your membership has no expiry date. You can cancel it yourself, or if you do not sign into Homeswapper for over three months, your account will automatically be closed.
  
  
• Q: Is there anyone who can support me with my mutual exchange application?
  A: Yes, if your tenancy is managed by Dovecotes TMO your Housing Officer can support you with your application. If your tenancy is not managed by Dovecotes TMO please contact your landlord or managing agent for support.
  
  When you have found a swap, you will need to fill in a form to apply for the mutual exchange. Please note, all households involved in the exchange must each complete a separate application form. Apply for a mutual exchange
  
  We will acknowledge receipt of your form within ten working days. We’ll need to complete some general checks before we can authorise the swap. It can take up to 42 days for us to complete these checks and make a decision.
  
  If agreed, we will ask you to sign some paperwork and let you know when you can legally move home.
  
  If you are behind with your rent or owe any other money to Dovecotes TMO or the council, we may have to refuse the exchange.