Ending your tenancy

To end your tenancy with Oxford City Council, you need to complete a 'Notice to Quit' form. You must submit this form at least 4 weeks before your desired tenancy end date. Remember, only a named tenant can end the tenancy. However, if you're joint tenants, either of you can end it.

You can download the 'Notice to Quit' form using the link below. Once completed, please return it to the Tenancy Management Team by post. Alternatively, you can pick up the form in person or request one by contacting us.

Download the Notice to Quit form for ending your council tenancy.

In the following weeks you must make various arrangements and we will agree the exact date your tenancy ends. Your tenancy will normally end on a Sunday.

Steps to follow when ending your council tenancy

When you decide to leave, Oxford City Council will:

• inform you about any outstanding rent and other charges
• visit your home to check on its condition and identify any repairs you are responsible for
• possibly arrange property viewings for new tenants, helping to reduce the length of time the property is vacant

Your responsibilities include:

• ensuring rent and other charges are fully paid
• clearing your furniture, belongings, and rubbish before the tenancy ends - we cannot take responsibility for items left behind
• securely locking your home and returning all keys to us by midday on the Monday after your tenancy ends, including those for doors, windows, and shared entrances
• providing us with your forwarding address

Important considerations:

• late key return incurs additional rent charges and potential lock change costs
• charges apply for unaddressed repairs, damage, or missing fittings
• costs for removing any left behind rubbish will be charged to you
• ongoing occupancy without notice means continued rent responsibility
• failure to settle outstanding rent or charges could lead to court action or debt collection involvement

Handling alterations to your council home

If you've removed or replaced fixtures like light fittings or kitchen units, you must restore them unless previously agreed otherwise. If you don't, we will charge you for the necessary work. We'll also charge for repairs for any damage caused.

If you've made authorised improvements, you might be eligible for compensation.

Ten key steps to take when moving out

Follow these tips to avoid extra charges:

• remove all carpets, underlay, grippers and vinyl flooring
• clean the property thoroughly, especially the kitchen and bathroom
• clean all windows, door frames, and handles
• dispose of all rubbish
• take away all personal items
• remove any unauthorised outbuildings like sheds or greenhouses
• fill in water features and ponds
• clear lofts and council outbuildings
• repair holes in walls and doors, replacing any missing fixtures
• leave the property in good decorative condition

Bulky waste disposal

Oxford City Council offers bulky waste removal for items too large for normal refuse collection. For more details, visit our Bulky waste collection pages.

We do not accept builders waste, which includes rubble and bathroom fittings. You can dispose of these at the Redbridge Waste Recycling Centre on Abingdon Road. Charges may apply for some items.

Seeking independent advice

For independent advice, contact an Advice Centre.