Skip to main content

Ending your council tenancy: step-by-step guide

beta This is the improved Camden website. Tell us what you think.

Ending your council tenancy: step-by-step guide

If you’re moving from your council home, it’s important to end your tenancy in the right way to avoid charges or delays.  

If you’re ending a tenancy on behalf of someone who has died or gone into care, find out how to end a tenancy on behalf of someone else. 

If you’re exchanging your council home for another council or housing association property, your current tenancy will end automatically when the exchange is completed. Find out more about swapping your council home. 

1. Give written notice 

To end a tenancy, you must be named on the tenancy agreement.  

You must give us 4 weeks' notice in writing. This does not apply if you’re transferring to another council or housing association property. 

Your notice needs to include your name and address. You can email it to [email protected] or send a letter to: 

Neighbourhood Housing Team 
Camden Council 
Judd Street
London
Postcode
WC1H 9JE

We will send you confirmation that we’ve received your notice. 

If you do not give written notice, we’ll charge you 4 weeks’ full rent from the date you told us you’re moving out.  

2. Tell the benefits service 

If you’re claiming housing or Council Tax benefits, you must tell us that you’re moving. 

Tell us about a change of circumstances. 

You may need to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

3. Pay any outstanding rent or charges 

Before you move, your rent account must be up to date. If you owe rent or you’re worried about being able to make a final payment, you should contact the Housing Income Team as soon as possible. They’re here to help. 

4. Give access for inspections or viewings  

We might ask you to let us into your home to inspect it or to show around any future tenants before you move out.  

You must give us access if we request this. We’ll give you reasonable notice if we need to do this. 

5. Clear and repair your home 

When you leave, your home must be empty and in good condition. This includes your garden, if you have one. 

If you have a gas cooker without a bayonet fitting, make sure that the gas point is properly capped off when the cooker is removed.  

We will charge you if we need to remove your rubbish, store your belongings or carry out repairs.  

You can get rid of unwanted items by: 

6. Take meter readings  

You must tell your electricity and gas supplier that you’re moving and arrange for the meters to be read before you leave. It’s best to arrange a final reading on the day you leave so you won't be overcharged on your final bill. 

If your meter is not in your flat, your energy provider will need a key to access the locked cupboard. They’ll need to give 24 hours’ notice and leave a £50 deposit. Find out how to request access to meters in locked areas.

7. Hand in your keys 

It’s important to return your keys and fobs when you move out of your home. This includes: 

  • keys for your front door and windows 
  • communal access fobs 
  • shed and garage keys 
  • estate parking keys and fobs and your permit 

If you do not hand your keys back, we’ll continue to charge you rent. 

You should hand your keys and fobs to: 
Contact Camden Reception 
5 Pancras Square 
London 
N1C 4AG 

You’ll need to complete a notice of vacation form (PDF). This includes details of your gas and electricity supplier, as well as the latest meter readings 

Once completed, we sign and date the form before giving you a copy. It’s important that you keep this safe, as it’s proof that the keys have been returned.