If you would like to end your tenancy, you’ll need to give four weeks’ notice. You can provide notice by contacting us on 0300 333 6540 and requesting a termination of tenancy form.

You’ll also need to:

• Remove your possessions.
• Clear any rubbish from your home.
• Leave your garden tidy.
• Allow us to visit for a pre-termination visit and viewings.
• Pay any outstanding rent.
• Tell your gas, water and electricity suppliers you’re moving.
• Return keys to us.

Ending a tenancy after a relative has died

Sadly, on occasion tenants can pass away and knowing what to do as a relative/s or next of kin can make things easier. In the event of a tenant passing away:

• We must have authority to end the tenancy from their Personal Representative or Executor of their estate.
• Please provide copies of letters of administration (or the grant of probate) or a copy of a Will, confirming the name of the person responsible for dealing with their personal affairs. 
• Until we receive authority and paperwork, the tenancy will continue.
• If there is a person eligible to succeed the tenancy (for example a joint tenant on the tenancy agreement), please call us on 0300 333 6540 to discuss further. You can also read more information about tenancy succession below.

Our leaflet provides detailed information on what to do when someone close to you dies. You can download and read it below.

Tenancy succession

We provide guidance and support to you and your family in managing a tenancy succession following the death of a tenant.

We understand it can be a difficult and challenging time, which is why we provide a sensitive and transparent service. We also make sure we’re following all the necessary legal processes for a tenancy succession request.

You can read a summary of the standard of service you can expect from us by downloading our service standard below or our policy for detailed guidance.

When we look to end a tenancy

There are times when we will look to end your tenancy. This may be because of significant rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

However, eviction and legal action is always a last resort and we only consider it when all other options have been exhausted. Our priority is to help you keep your tenancy and feel secure in your home.

Here are some things it’s helpful to know if we decide to end your tenancy.

• We understand life can be challenging, and we’re committed to offering support to prevent eviction.
• Before applying to court, we’ll make every effort to work with you and offer tailored support, based on your individual circumstances, where possible
• This tailored support can include help managing rent arrears, accessing benefits, support with mental health or addiction issues, or referrals to specialist advice and advocacy services.
• Even if legal proceedings have started, support will still be available to you, and we’ll keep working with you to try and resolve the situation.

If we can’t find a resolution, we’ll still offer guidance and advice and make appropriate referrals to the local authority and other support agencies. You can also get advice from your local authority by going to www.birmingham.gov.uk or www.telford.gov.uk

For further details about ending a tenancy, please call us on 0300 333 6540 or email enquiries@bvt.org.uk