Notice to quit
Tenants may end their tenancy at any point if they wish to. They can do this by writing to us providing at least 28 days' notice (a `notice to quit'). In some circumstances we may accept less than 28 days' notice, for example if the tenant is downsizing.
In certain circumstances tenancies must be ended, such as in cases where the tenant will not be able to occupy the property for a significant period. This may be the case if the tenant is moving abroad, or if they must serve a prison sentence. In such circumstances and where appropriate, if the tenant does not end their tenancy, we will take legal steps to end the tenancy.
Seeking possession
If the tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy, we may take action to end the tenancy in accordance with relevant legislation, giving the tenant the appropriate statutory notice. This means that we will write to the tenant to say that the tenancy is being ended and explain the reasons for this. It may be necessary for us to go to court to gain a Court Order to end a tenancy and evict a tenant.
If tenancy breaches are identified, we will work with the tenant to assess what might be causing the breaches, and provide relevant information, advice and support. This will be done in accordance with our H&F supporting our residents policy and other relevant policies, such as our antisocial behaviour and hate crime policy, or our rent income management policy.
Eviction is always a last resort, taken after efforts to help tenants to sustain their tenancy have failed and the tenant is persistently committing serious breaches of their tenancy. This may include, but is not limited to, the following breaches of tenancy:
- committing violence or making threats of violence (including domestic violence)
- perpetrating racial harassment or other hate crime
- committing repeat acts of vandalism or serious damage to council property
- using the property for illegal or immoral purposes
- having substantial rent and or service charge arrears