Council tenancies
Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and your landlord, the council, that sets out the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
It is very important that you read and understand your tenancy agreement. It outlines the responsibilities of the council and you, the tenant. When you sign your tenancy agreement, you are agreeing to all its terms and conditions. Although the council has stopped issuing fixed term tenancies, some may still exist because of tenancy issues or court orders.
For further advice contact your neighbourhood services coordinator, or our Customer Service Centre, telephone 0800 137 111.
Joint tenancies
A joint tenancy exists when two or more adults are named in the tenancy agreement. Each tenant is jointly and individually responsible for paying the rent and keeping to the terms of the tenancy. This means, for example, each tenant is responsible for the full rent, and if one fails to pay then both are legally responsible. Joint tenants also have equal rights, so either tenant can give notice to terminate the whole tenancy.
Changing or passing on your tenancy
Sole tenancy to joint tenancy
If you want someone living with you to become a joint tenant, you must write to us to request permission. To be eligible, partners must have lived with you for at least 12 months, unless you are married or in a civil partnership.
Joint tenancy to sole tenancy
If you want to change a joint tenancy into a sole tenancy, for example in the case of a relationship breakdown, we recommend you seek legal advice.
Ending your tenancy
If you decide to end your tenancy:
- you need to give us 28 days notice by completing a termination of tenancy form
- you must return all keys to your neighbourhood team by the last day of the notice period
- please ensure that your rent is paid up in full
- if you are late returning the keys, you will continue to be charged rent until the Sunday following the date they are returned. If we need to change the locks, you will be charged for this
- you must carry out any repairs that are your responsibility before leaving. We will inspect your home and discuss this with you before you move out. We will charge you for any work we need to do that you should have done before you left
- you must also leave the property clear of all belongings. We will charge for any clearance or cleaning that we need to do after you have left. Please leave your home in the condition you would expect it to be in if you were moving in
- remember to make the necessary arrangements with utility companies, benefits agencies, the council (for Council Tax) and any other agencies to advise them that you are leaving. You may want to arrange for your post to be redirected to your new home until you have contacted everyone you need to about your change of address