Ending a Tenancy & Moving Home

What to do if you need to move

At Bournville Village Trust our mission is to ‘create and sustain flourishing communities, where people choose to live’. Here, we’ll tell you what to do if you want to end your tenancy – or move to a new home

To end your tenancy, or leave your property, you must give us four weeks’ notice, get in touch to complete the necessary paperwork, and leave us any forwarding address and contact number.

Who to InformYou’ll need to clear the property, as you may be charged if you leave behind any rubbish or possessions. You must then return your keys, to 350 Bournville Lane, by the agreed date.

You should inform your gas, water and electricity suppliers of your leaving date – otherwise you could be charged with the next tenant’s bill – and advise us of your suppliers’ names, for our records.

Financial RewardYou should also notify your Local Authority’s council tax department about your move and, if you are receiving any Benefits, the Benefits Service.

If you clear everything from the property – including the loft, shed and garage – leave the garden in a neat and tidy condition, allow us access for viewings, and leave a clear balance on your rent account, you may qualify for a financial reward when you move out.

Moving Within the TrustWe have three schemes available to help those who wish to move within the Trust.

Transfer ListAlthough we give priority to those in exceptional circumstances – such as sudden disability, overcrowding or domestic violence – you can apply to be transferred to another property.

If you wish to apply for a transfer, you must have lived in your current home for a minimum of 12 months – and have an up-to-date rent account at the offer/letting stage.

If you wish to transfer to, or within, Shropshire you can apply through Choose Your Home. To find out more, please contact us, on 01952 293777.

Mutual ExchangeTenants have the right to exchange homes with other tenants – or those of another landlord – though you will need the written agreement of your current landlord.

Agreement will only be withheld for a very good reason, for example, if your home is unsuitable for the person with whom you wish to exchange. To do this, you must register with the HomeSwapper Scheme or the Lets Swap scheme

Unlike a transfer, to apply for a mutual exchange you do not need to have lived in your current home for 12 months, unless you have a “Starter” tenancy – in which case you should speak to your Housing Officer, as your conditions of tenancy are different.

HomeSwapper Scheme/Lets Swap SchemeThese Schemes operate nationwide and enables tenants to exchange with each other, regardless of who their landlord is. For more information, please contact us, at 350 Bournville Lane. The Lets Swap Scheme is specifically for those wanting to move within the West Midlands. Again contact us at 350 Bournville Lane for more information.

Buying Your HomeBecause Bournville Village Trust and Bournville Almshouse Trust are charities, tenants are not usually able to buy their homes. However, you may be able to obtain help from the Help To Buy scheme – funded by Central Government – to buy a different home. If you are interested, please contact us at 350 Bournville Lane for more information.

Certain people – such as the secure tenants of the former St. Laurence (BVT) Housing Association, or tenants of the Telford Development Corporation who transferred to the Trust – may have a preserved right to buy.

There are also some Trust properties where tenants have the “Right to Acquire”. To clarify your position, please contact your Housing Officer.

350 Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1QY.

email: enquiries@bvt.org.uk

How to contact usFor general advice and further information contact:

BVT BIRMINGHAM

0300 333 6540BVT SHROPSHIRE

01952 293 777

On request, this leaflet can be supplied as a large-print copy or CD.

bvt.org.uk

openview.bvt.org.uk

/bournville.village.trust

@bvtnews

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