Ending a Tenancy

If you are thinking of moving home through Devon Home Choice or a mutual exchange, have a read of this information, which highlights some key points to consider before making a decision. You can read more on the website about Mutual Exchange and Devon Home Choice / Renting a Home.

Ending your tenancy
Once you have decided that you are moving out, you need to call us on 01626 322722, option 2, so we can run through your formal notice with you. The notice period for our homes is four weeks and begins on the Monday after we receive your notice. To ensure you are clear on dates, we will provide written confirmation of the date your tenancy will legally end.  

Once your notice is confirmed, we will arrange for a member of staff to visit you. During this visit, they will carry out an inspection of your home and provide you with advice and guidance on what is required when you leave your home, to avoid any charges. You will be informed if any repairs are required that you need to arrange while you are still a tenant.

We will give you a copy of this Leaving your home leaflet, which has pictures of acceptable and unacceptable standards and checklists for each area. Any action(s) agreed during the inspection will be written at the end, so you have a copy to refer to.

Returning your keys
All keys must be returned by 10am on the Monday after the tenancy ends. We will let you know your specific date. The address is: Millwood House, Collett Way, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4PH. Please leave any gas cards / electrical fobs at the property.

We know it can be a very difficult and emotional time when someone dies. Our staff are here to help you and can advise you to ensure a tenancy ends smoothly. We aim to give you one less thing to worry about and provide you with the information you need to avoid unnecessary admin or costs.

For more information, contact our Customer First Team on 01626 322722, option 2. Sadly, many of our team have also experienced similar situations and know the list of things that need sorting out, alongside the pain of losing someone close to you. We will be sympathetic and explain our process so we can make this a bit easier.

How do I end the tenancy when somebody dies?

When a resident dies and there is no successor to the tenancy, we will accept the notice to end the tenancy from their next of kin, personal representative, or executor of their estate. You can choose to give notice from two to four weeks’, starting on the next Monday from when you tell us. Please bear in mind when making this decision that rent is payable during the notice period and for every additional week until we receive the keys.

We will arrange to meet you at the property to sign the paperwork needed and to carry out a property inspection. It is important that you are available for this meeting.

Copy of the death certificate

A copy of the death certificate is needed to end the tenancy. Of course, if there is a delay or unusual circumstances, talk to us so we can understand and help where we can.

Rent

Rent is payable during the Notice Period and for every additional week until we receive the keys. Any rent debt will also still be due. Please return the keys to us to avoid having to pay additional rent from the deceased’s estate.

Housing Benefit and Universal Credit

If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit is being paid, you will need to inform the right organisation about the date of death. You should contact your Local Authority for advice on what to do and who you need to tell.

Housing Benefit and Universal Credit stops immediately on the date of death, which is why it is important that you tell us and give notice to end the tenancy. Otherwise, you could be incurring rent costs which won’t be covered by benefits.  These could be taken from the deceased estate.

Leaving the property

We know this can be a difficult task with a loved one’s possessions, but you will need to clear all belongings from the property, garden and shed, including any items no longer wanted. This includes the loft space. The property and garden should be left clean and tidy. Any sheds, greenhouses or other structures should be removed. You can use your notice period time to do this. If you are unable to move larger items, please call us. We have information on charities who collect items that may be able to help you.

The property will be made available to another local resident who has been waiting for an affordable home in the area. If the property is not cleared or there is any damage to the property not classed as fair wear and tear, there will be a charge for us to carry out the clearance and repairs so it is ready for the next resident. This charge can be made against the deceased estate. We will discuss this with you as the next of kin at the property visit.

Keys

Please return the keys to us at our offices. The address is: Millwood House, Collett Way, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4PH. We will need the keys returned by 10am on the Monday after the tenancy ends. We will let you know the specific date. Please leave any gas cards / electrical fobs at the property.