You need to give 4 weeks’ notice before ending your tenancy.
To do this, complete a Notice of intention to terminate a tenancy form.
If you are transferring your tenancy or moving to a nursing or residential home you will normally need to give a weeks’ notice.
Who can terminate a tenancy?
Only existing tenants can terminate their tenancies, however, in cases where the tenant may no longer have capacity to end their tenancy, an appointee who has been awarded LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) for property and financial affairs can terminate on their behalf.
We will require proof of LPA to process any termination requests we receive. If we receive a termination request from anyone other than the existing tenant without proof, we will be unable to accept these requests and the tenancy will remain. The tenant will remain liable for any rent and charges until LPA is received.
If you require support or wish to discuss terminating on behalf of a tenant, please contact your Housing Officer.
What if I hold a joint tenancy:
Either tenant can give notice.
In cases where one tenant remains in the property, we will consider whether they are still eligible for the home they currently live in and review the tenancy type currently held. If they are eligible, we will complete a change of tenancy, and the remaining party will receive a sole tenancy.
If you have Power of Attorney:
When you have Power of Attorney on behalf of a tenant, you are able to serve notice for them, if the situation is appropriate.
Breaches of tenancy:
We will ask the courts for a Possession Order to end a tenancy in circumstances where tenancy conditions have been breached.
What happens if I’m swapping my property?
If you have written permission for a mutual exchange you need to complete a termination of tenancy form. This form records the date the exchange will take place so your old and new tenancy end and start together.
Handing in your keys
Your tenancy does not finish until you have handed in your keys.
Keys should be handed in at the One Stop Shop at the Guildhall by noon on the Monday when your notice period expires.
A Customer Services Officer will give you a receipt.
If you complete your four week notice period but have not handed in your keys, we will continue to charge rent to your account.
Please also make sure to return your door fob (for flats), gas card and electric key (for pre-payment meters) at the same time as your door key.
What happens if I change my mind and want to withdraw my notice?
You can withdraw your notice at any time within the 4 weeks however we do not have to accept your withdrawal. Speak to your Housing Officer about the circumstances which led to you wishing to withdraw your notice.
My relative has died. What should I do?
You should inform us as soon as possible and complete a termination form.
We can allow up to 2 weeks’ rent free to enable you to clear your relative’s property. If you wish to request this, we will need to receive a copy of the death certificate. The copy of the death certificate and request will need to be emailed to voidscontrol.nph@nph.org.uk
If the tenant was in receipt of Housing Benefit, this will stop on the Sunday following the tenant’s death.
What happens if I have rent arrears?
You will need to clear any rent arrears (or debts on any subaccounts) before you leave your home. If any arrears remain on your tenancy, your case will be passed for West Northamptonshire Council, who will look to recover any outstanding monies owed.
If a tenancy ends because the tenant has passed away, their estate will be liable for the debt.
If you are struggling to pay your rent and are considering terminating your tenancy, please contact our Financial Inclusion Team who can offer support regarding finances.
