Moving out?
If you have an assured, secure or fixed term tenancy and you’re leaving SNG, we’ll either arrange an inspection or ask you to send in some photos and information about your property.
If you have applied to transfer to another SNG property, we’ll carry out gas and electric checks to make sure the home is safe, after we receive your application.
(If you're a private market rent customer and have an assured shorthold tenancy, please visit our dedicated page on moving out.)
Getting ready for your inspection
You’ll need to make sure that we can easily view all rooms and walls. Please take down posters and pictures and move large furniture away from the wall where possible.
Before the inspection, it’s a good idea to have a look at whether your home meets our agreed standard and, if needed, spend some time putting things right.
We expect that there will have been normal wear and tear during your tenancy, but we won't be able to agree a transfer if the property’s not in a good condition.
Please note: If you’ve given notice on your SNG tenancy, we’ll normally need to recharge you for any works that are your responsibility. This may also include issues that weren’t evident at the inspection.
We may also need to recharge you for any exceptional cleaning to put things right, so please leave your home completely empty, thoroughly cleaned, and free of any personal belongings when you move out.
Please check the condition of the following in your home:
You shouldn’t make alterations or improvements to your home without our permission – if you have, you’ll need to return the property to its original condition. We may ask to see the permission documents before you move.
- Skirting boards and door frames should be painted and free from chips, splits or any damage.
- All wall surfaces should be in a good state of repair, clean and mould free. Small screw holes are acceptable and can be left, but large holes need to be repaired and in good condition.
- Dark or patterned walls are acceptable provided the decorating has been done to a high standard, and remains in good condition.
- Wallpaper can be left provided it has been applied to a high standard, and remains in good condition with no rips.
- Ceilings should be in a good state of repair, clean and free of stains or mould.
- Radiators shouldn’t be painted.
- Any graffiti and stickers should be removed.
- All gardens should be tidy and free from any personal belongings or hazards.
- Any ponds should be filled in.
- Sheds should be removed if they’re in poor, rotten or dangerous condition.
- Decking / patios must be safe, level and free from trip hazards.
- All existing kitchen units and worktops should be in good condition (clean inside and out, and unpainted with no chips or scratches).
- Cupboard doors and drawer fronts shouldn’t be painted or wrapped, and should be fitted correctly, with the handles secure.
- Wall tiles and grout should be unpainted and in good condition.
- The sink and taps should be clean and in good working order with plugs and chains (where applicable) attached.
- If you’ve changed the flooring, it needs to be slip resistant (R10 rated).
If you've altered any of the electrical fittings (e.g. fuse box, plug sockets, light fittings) without permission, and don't have a certificate of installation from a professional contractor, you'll need to return them to their original condition. If you’ve had permission, please provide this and the certificate of installation.
- Front and rear external doors should be safe and secure.
- Windows should be sound and secure. Keys should be provided for windows with locks.
- Internal doors should be left in their original condition, fitted correctly, and in good order, and any missing or damaged doors should be repaired or replaced. Damage includes holes and splits in doors as well as damaged or missing handles or fittings.
- Blinds – with child safe fittings - can be left if they’re in good condition, free from dirt, mould and damage. Curtains should be removed.
- Curtain batons, poles and tracks can be left if in good condition, free from dirt, mould and damage.
- All keys and fobs should be returned, including those for communal locks.
When it’s time to move, you'll need to make sure your home and garden (including cupboards, loft space, garages and outdoor spaces), are free from all belongings - including freestanding appliances.
You’ll also need to make sure you don’t cause any damage to your home as a result of the removals process.
Dispose of any rubbish. Bulky items can be disposed of through your local refuse and recycling centre or arrange for a bulk collection from your local council. Some councils offer free or discounted bulky waste collections, so contact them for details or let us know if you need assistance.
Make sure all keys are returned, including communal door key/fob(s), gas card, and electric key if these apply. We will install a key safe before your move-out date and give you the code for easy return.
Take final gas and electric meter readings and provide them to your utility supplier to settle your final energy bill accurately.
Continue paying rent until your tenancy officially ends. Make sure your rent account is clear and settle any outstanding debts promptly to avoid potential legal actions.
- Floors, staircases, bannisters and handrails should be safe and free from damage.
- Flooring will need to be removed if it isn’t in good, clean condition, free from damage and infestation, and well fitted.
- Laminate flooring always needs to be removed in upper floor flats, as it leads to noise transfer. Laminate can be left in houses and ground floor flats provided it is in good, clean condition, free from damage, and well fitted.
- Although we won’t recharge you for their removal, we’d be grateful if you could remove carpet grippers as we can’t leave them for the next customer. If you’re in an older property (built before 2000), leave them in place on the ground floor.