Important Information to Tenants

When you vacate your present council property you are expected to hand it back in a clean and tidy condition. The following are guidelines for cleaning which we suggest is carried out after all your furniture has been removed. When you return the keys the property will be inspected to check that all of the following has been satisfactorily attended to. If the property is found to be in an unsatisfactory state the council will carry out any necessary cleaning or clearing and a bill for the costs will be sent to you.

• What should I do before I move? - Inside the dwelling
• What should I do before I move? - Outside the dwelling
• What if I have carried out any alterations during my tenancy?
• Examples of alterations which could be subject to reinstatement
• What if there is damage to the property?
• Before I hand the keys back what else should I do?
• Where should I return the keys?
• Contact Details

What should I do before I move? - Inside the Dwelling

The property must be completely cleared of all furniture and carpets unless you have agreed with the Council to leave carpets or other items for the next tenant. A list of any such items should be left in a prominent position in the property and a copy of the list also attached to the keys. If you have sold items to the new tenant please make this clear on the list. Each room must be thoroughly swept out.

If you are leaving carpets by agreement, please ensure these are vacuumed before you have your electricity disconnected. All tiled floors to be properly cleaned with particular attention to the area where the cooker stood. Foam backed floor covering sometimes disintegrates when lifted so please ensure floors are left clean.

All walls and ceilings to be brushed down to remove cobwebs and dust, particularly dirty and stained walls and ceilings should be decorated. All internal paint work to be washed down with a suitable cleaning fluid, this includes doors, window frames, skirting boards and door frames. Window glass should be cleaned on the inside.

All kitchen cupboards and drawers to be emptied swept out and washed down with a damp cloth and appropriate cleaner, including sinks, taps, draining boards and tiled fireplaces. Bath, basin and tiled walls and window sills to be cleaned. WC to be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and a toilet cleaner used on the pan before you leave.

The house, flat or bungalow including the outhouses, loft spaces, sheds and gardens must be cleared of all domestic and garden rubbish, this includes unwanted furniture and carpets.

The Waste and Environmental Service department provide a chargeable collecting service for domestic rubbish (e.g. beds, carpets). This does not extend to garden or building refuse. Should you wish to make arrangements then please contact the Council, then leave any items to be disposed of outside the property.

It may be that you have carpets, curtains or other items in good condition and these can be left for the new tenants, or the arrangements can be made in some instances for the ingoing tenants to buy some items from you direct. If this is your intention then it must be stressed that any contracts for sale must be strictly between you and the new tenant. The Council will not become involved, but you must notify the Council of any items left in the dwelling and leave a note to that effect in the property. The Council will endeavour to ensure that items left in the property for the new tenant, remain and are undamaged during the course of repairs, but the Council accept no liability for damage or loss of such items. If you wish to dispose of items at the last minute you can do so at the various Suffolk County Council Waste Disposal Sites.

Whilst you are permitted to decorate your home in a style which you prefer, it must be noted that, if you leave your home, then the next tenant may not find your decorations acceptable. If this causes the Council difficulties in allocating the property, then you may be recharged for remedial works.

If you have any queries regarding your choice of decorations, please contact the Housing Allocations Team.

Outside the Dwelling

There is a charge for the removal of garden rubbish or building materials and this will be collected by the Waste and Environmental Services department by arrangement.

If you have erected a shed or greenhouse in the garden during your tenancy you are responsible for its disposal if you are not taking it with you.

Only leave sheds, greenhouses, ponds, patio and concreted areas if you have agreement from the Council to do so. Please contact the Housing department if you are in any doubt. If no agreement has been made you may be charged for the removal of old sheds and greenhouses.

If you have a lawn, please ensure it is cut before you leave. Hedges should be cut and any shrub beds left clear and weed free.

All gardens should be left in a tidy and manageable condition.

What if I have carried out any alterations during my tenancy?

To help ensure your safety and that of the tenants moving into your property it is essential that the Council is notified of all alterations and improvements you may have done to the property during your tenancy.

The Housing department has a record of alterations carried out where approval has been sought and permission given.

Examples of alterations which could be subject to reinstatement

This list gives examples only and tenants may wish to discuss alterations not included here with the Housing department

· Alterations to the electrical installations (including light fittings)
· Alterations to the gas installation
· Domestic water installations (including alterations to plumbing)
· Heating installation
· Building structure
· Internal layout
· External works (ponds, concrete areas)

What if there is damage to the property?

If there is evidence of wilful negligence or damage the cost of reinstatement may be re-charged to the outgoing tenant or his/her relatives.

Before I hand the keys back what else should I do?

Below is a checklist for your own use:

· British Telecom notified?
· electricity meter read and your electricity supplier notified?
· gas supply turned off, meter read and gas supplier notified?
· milk deliveries cancelled?
· newspaper deliveries cancelled?
· Post Office notified of change of address?
· water turned off at stop cock?

Where should I return the keys?

You must return all keys to your home to us by noon on Monday which is the last day of your tenancy. A receipt will be issued when the keys are returned. In case of dispute, you will required to produce the receipt. If you do not, we may inspect your home before you leave to check it is in good order so that we may quickly re-let it. You must leave your home empty, clean and clear of all rubbish, including loft spaces. Gardens must be left clear of rubbish and in a manageable state.

If keys have to be returned by post, this should preferably be done by recorded post and they should be clearly labelled. You can contact the Council’s Housing department using the details below:

Contact Details

Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 0845 606 6174