Moving out of your temporary accommodation over Christmas?

You will be charged the full rent until the keys for your accommodation are returned. If you live in a property where the repairs are managed by an agent, please contact the agent directly to hand in your keys and to obtain a receipt. Please do not leave keys in the property.

For all other properties, the housing options service at the Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel road, London E1 1BJ, will re-open on Thursday 2 of January 2025. You need to return your keys to the office before midday to avoid charges.

Please remember to notify your housing officer, housing benefit and Council Tax.

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Moving to your new home: FAQs about your rights and responsibilities

Once you have accepted an offer of permanent accommodation you will need to move  from temporary accommodation to your new address as soon as possible. There are a number of things you need to be aware of, and the following frequently asked questions should help inform you of your rights and responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

When does the new tenancy start?

When you signed the new tenancy agreement for your permanent accommodation, it will identify the tenancy date, which is normally a Monday.

When can I move into my new property?

You must move into the new tenancy on the day the tenancy starts.

When should I leave my temporary accommodation?

You must leave your temporary accommodation, at the latest, on the day your new tenancy starts. You must not leave anything behind, or remove furniture or kitchen appliances that belong to the property.

How do I get the keys of the new tenancy?

If you were not given the keys when you signed the tenancy agreement, your new housing office will call you to come in and collect them before your moving date.

When do I hand in the keys to my temporary accommodation?

You must hand in the keys to your temporary accommodation on the day you move out.

Where do I hand in the keys?

This depends on the type of accommodation you have been living in.

  • Council owned accommodation: return the keys to the local housing office before 12 noon on the day you move.
  • Private licensed accommodation: contact your agent who will arrange to come and collect the keys.
  • Housing Association property: contact your housing association and arrange to hand over the keys before 12 noon on the day you move.
  • Registered social landlord (RSL) property: an officer from the homeless service will contact you to make an appointment to collect the keys.

Will I be given a receipt for the keys?

Yes. When you hand in the keys, you will be given a receipt. Keep this somewhere safe, as it proves the day you moved out of your temporary accommodation.

When do I stop paying rent for my temporary accommodation?

You stop paying on the day you leave and hand in your keys. If you move, but delay handing in the keys, you are still responsible for the rent until the keys are handed in.

When do I start being responsible for the rent on my new home?

From the day your new tenancy begins, you are responsible for the rent. If, for some reason, you do not move in on this date, you are still responsible for the rent from this day.

What happens if I move into my new homes but have not completely left, or, not handed in the keys of my temporary accommodation?

You will be charged for both rents until the keys of your temporary accommodation are returned. Housing benefit will not pay the rent on both properties, so you will have to pay the rent for one of the properties out of your own pocket.

Who checks the inventory of the temporary accommodation?

After you have left your temporary accommodation and handed in your keys, a visit will be made to inspect the property and check the inventory. Please not that you will be charged for any loss or damage found.

What happens if I leave goods behind in the accommodation?

Any goods left behind will be disposed of. Please make sure you leave no personal goods behind.

Can I get help with decorating or furniture for my new home?

In some circumstances you can get help with decorating costs, ask your new housing office. You may also be able to get help with the costs of furniture – ask at your local Job Centre Plus office.

Further information

Download Moving to your new Home