Moving in and moving out

• It is safe, secure and in good condition for you to live in.
• Cleaned to an acceptable standard.
• It has adequate heating and hot and cold water.
• Any gas and electricals appliances supplied will be in a safe and working condition with certificates provided.
• Windows and doors will be secure, operate freely, be watertight, modern and come with keys where appropriate.
• Skirting boards will be in place and cleaned to an acceptable standard.
• Smoke alarms will be installed throughout the property.
• Free from any damp and mould.
• Solid floors will be free from bumps and defects.
• Floorboards and stairs will be free from major splits, defects, missing sections and insect infestations.

• Suitable located electrical cooking point.
• Heat detectors will be installed in the kitchen.
• Carbon monoxide detectors will be installed next to any open flued gas appliances.
• Plumbing installed for a washing machine to be connected.
• Appropriate extraction systems.
• Food storage space and food preparation area, in a cleaned and good condition.
• Adequate splashbacks and tiles to sink and bath areas with clean grout and sealant.
• A clean and functional toilet, washbasin and bath or shower, with shower screen or curtain.
• Suitable flooring.

We will make sure any work to walls, ceilings or internal joinery is undertaken so you can decorate where needed. Any holes in plaster will be filled but any minor holes or cracks caused by picture hooks, pinholes or wall plugs are your responsibility. When your tenancy starts, your Housing Management Officer will assess your home and issue a decoration voucher, if you meet the requirements for further assistance. These vouchers can be used on decorating supplies to decorate part or all of your new home.

You can expect your outside space and garden if you have one, to be clean, accessible and in a manageable condition.

You should continue to pay your rent until your tenancy ends. If you are having difficulty paying your rent, you should contact the Income Management Team on Phone 01484 414886.

You will be contacted about the following:

• An inspection of your home
• Removal of belongings inside and outside the property
• What you need to complete to avoid any charges for outstanding repairs after you leave
• Any credit or debt on your account
• A key safe code to leave your keys and any fobs on your termination end date
• Any reimbursements you may be entitled to.

Belongings left in the property

You must make sure that the property is left in a good condition, clean and clear of all rubbish and furnishings. If anything is left behind, we will assume you no longer want these items and charge you for the cost of removing them.

If you have large bulky items that you want to dispose of, you can arrange a Bulky household waste collection or visit a Household waste recycling centres.

Meter readings

It is your responsibility to take a meter reading for your gas and electricity before leaving the property. These should be taken on the day you give back your keys or take a timestamped picture to use at a later date.

Turning off supplies

When you leave the property, please make sure you turn gas and electric off at the meters.

Removal of gas fittings

Gas Safety Regulations require that gas fittings (cookers, fire appliances) are removed by a registered contractor and supply pipes are sealed once removed.

Important: If you fail to make sure that the supply is properly sealed, you will be charged the full cost for the work, and you could be liable to legal proceedings under the Gas Safety Regulations 1972.

Handing back your keys

A key safe will be fitted to the property for you to leave the keys when you have moved out, please contact us when you have done this. If you do not leave your keys in the key safe on the termination date, you will be charged for a lock change.

Improvements you have made during your tenancy

You may be entitled to money towards the cost of improvements that you have carried out at your own expense. Examples:

• Whole house or partial central heating.
• Double glazing to windows or doors.
• Kitchen or living room extension.
• Enlargement of kitchen areas by removal of internal larder or stores coupled with substantial improvement.
• Erection of garages with dropped kerb and drive.
• Concrete/asphalt/flagged vehicle hard standing.
• Fencing.

Reimbursement will only be considered where the correct permissions have been granted. Claims must be in writing and can only be considered for improvement work carried out since October 1980. Please speak to your Housing Management Officer if you need further guidance.