Ending your tenancy
You may terminate your tenancy at any time by giving us one calendar months’ notice in writing if you are an Assured tenant or four weeks’ notice if you are a Secure tenant. This will take effect from when the notice is received and not from the date on the notice.
We will confirm in writing the date that your tenancy will end and if there are any monies that you owe up to this date.
Before you move out your home will be inspected to check if any work needs to be done before it can be re-let. We will advise you of what needs doing before you vacate. We will also inspect after you have moved out to ensure that the property has been left in a clean and satisfactory condition.
You will be charged for any work that is necessary, excluding fair wear and tear. Chargeable work includes the removal of any possessions or rubbish left in the property or garden and repairing damage to fixtures or fittings or in the property.
All the keys to the property must be returned to the office by noon on the day that your tenancy ends, unless other arrangements have been made with our staff.
Before You Move
- Contact your gas and electricity supplier, South West Water and your local Council (for your council tax) to inform them when you will be moving.
- Arrange for your post to be redirected to your new address. This can be completed online via Royal mail.
- Rectify any repairs that are your responsibility
- Any damaged or missing meter box covers will need to be replaced. You can contact the National Grid and they can supply and repair them for you (this may be chargeable).
- If you have any non standard fixtures or alterations that have been made without our consent they will need to be put back to their original condition. If you have received consent please refer to the undertaking you signed at the time or discuss this with us on the property inspection.
Moving Day
- If you have gas and electric meter keys then these should be left in the property.
- Take readings of your gas, electric and water meters.
- Keys to the window locks should be left in the windows or on the window sills.
- Hand in your keys on the date specified in your letter. You will have until 12 noon to do this (unless agreed otherwise). If the keys are returned late then you may be charged for an extra day’s rent and for every day after until we have received them.
Property Condition Guidance
On vacating the property, you are expected to ensure it is left in an acceptable condition. Properties should be clean, clear of your belongings and rubbish, and free from damage. Any gardens should be tidy and well-kept.
Fair ‘wear and tear’ – that is, wear through natural use as opposed to negligence, accidental or intentional damage – is acceptable and should not be charged. Please note that what constitutes chargeable damage is at the discretion of the Housing Officer.
Any damage to your property will be assessed at the property inspection and actions agreed between you and the Housing Officer. A failure to leave the property in an acceptable condition will result in charges. Please use these photos as a guide on how we expect you to leave the condition of the property.
Walls
Kitchen
Internal Doors
Garden
Bathroom
Garages
If you rent a garage from Cornerstone you will need to make sure that this is clear of any belongings or you may be charged.
Loft Space
Your loft space should not have been used for storage as per your tenant handbook. Please make sure this space is left clear as you will be charged if anything needs to be disposed of after you have moved.
Chargeable Repair Costs
Below are examples of the charges that you could incur if we need to rectify any damage, or carry out any outstanding repairs, once you have left.
Item Cost to replace*
External Doors £500
Internal Doors £120
Kitchen Replacements £1100 for a 3 bed property
Bath Panels £80
Replacement Bath £340
Clearing Rubbish £500
Sealed Window Units £140
*all listed costs are approximate. Final costs will depend on property and item type.
