Once you have informed us that you are moving from your home you will be visited by one of our Property Liaison Officers. During this meeting you will be told of any issues which need to be addressed prior to handing in your keys.
If you are moving to another council house we will carry out this visit before the final offer for your new property is made.
An inspection will take place and if we identify any re-chargeable repairs these costs will need to be paid in full prior to you transferring to your new property.
We will advise you of the cost of the re-chargeable repairs verbally, then confirm by letter. Details of the costs are also available online at www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/housing/council-housing/repairs-and-improvements
If you prefer, you can carry out the work yourself, or use a tradesperson of your choice, as long as it is to an acceptable standard. If you decide to do this your house will be re-inspected prior to your transfer. Details of recommended tradespeople/companies can be found on the Fix A Home website. This is a scheme set up between Dudley Council and Age UK and shows companies who have been vetted and recommended. Go to fix-a-home.
You must leave the property in a safe and clean condition when you move and there are various companies/suppliers you will need to notify of your change of address.
General to do
- Remove all items of furniture, personal belongings, photos, etc
- Fill and smooth over any holes in walls from wall hangings, etc
- Carry out any re-chargeable repairs identified during your pre-termination visit
- Remove any non-standard fixtures & fittings where permission has not been given by the council for them to remain
- Clear and tidy up your front and rear gardens
- Clear any outhouse buildings
- Clear any items stored in the loft
- Clean all cupboards, work surfaces, toilets, bathrooms, skirting boards, door casings and doors.
Utilities
It is important that you notify your utility companies before you move to ensure your account is closed on your moving date. It is your responsibility to notify these companies of your final meter reading.
Utilities include:
- Gas (even if you pay via key/fob)
- Electricity (even if you pay via key/card)
- Water
- TV License (you will need to transfer your new address)
Change of address
You should notify relevant companies of your change of address to ensure you continue to receive your post. If you want to have your post forwarded this can be arranged via the Post Office for a nominal fee for an allocated amount of time.
Dudley Council does not take responsibility for any post received at the property once the keys have been handed in.
Paying your rent
If you are transferring to another council property
If you are transferring to another council property, your notice will be shorter than the 28 days and the rent payment schedule will be fully explained to you when you sign for your new property.
Any debts due to Housing Services will need to be cleared prior to your move, or the transfer will be delayed or withdrawn.
If you are moving into a non council property
If you are moving to a non council property it is important that you have paid all rent owed on the property upon termination of your tenancy.
When you hand in your notice you will automatically receive four weeks to move.
If you hand in your keys prior to the end of the four week notice period it does not reduce the rent payable - it will continue to accrue for the full term.
Information for everyone leaving our properties
The Property Liaison Officer may make arrangements to carry out a ‘move out day’ where an officer will collect the keys from you at the property and carry out an inspection to ensure that the property has been left in a satisfactory condition and to discuss potential recharges. You will be advised if this can be arranged.
Handing in keys
You can hand in your keys at various locations throughout the borough and you will receive a receipt for your records. Your keys can be dropped in at any of these locations:
- Brierley Hill Library
- Halesowen Library
- Stourbridge Library
- Dudley Council Plus
We have a responsibility to carry out the following:
- Pre-termination visit
- Issue of receipt when keys are handed in
- Notice/disclaimer completion
Should you have any questions regarding the above please contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or visit us online at Council Housing and we will be happy to help you.