1.13 Ending Tenancies

• 1.13.1 Voluntary Termination
• 1.13.2 Leasehold Termination
• 1.13.3 Eviction Proceedings
• 1.13.4 Abandoned Goods
• 1.13.5 Rent References

1.13.1 Voluntary Termination

Tenants are required to give:

• 14 days notice at the end of a fixed term; or
• 21 days notice as per the Residential Tenancies Agreement

Wherever possible, where a tenant gives notice:

• They will be sent standard reminder letter listing things that need to be done for return of bond
• Arrangements will be made for a joint property inspection and key collection on the final day
• Outgoing condition report will be completed at inspection
• Any rent owing will be computed prior to termination, tenant advised and given chance to pay before moving
• Tenant will be advised of any claims to be made from bond and asked to sign completed bond form and given copy of same
• Bond claim / release form will be forwarded promptly by fax to Rental Bond Board.

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1.13.2 Leasehold Terminations

Where a tenancy agreement is legally terminated by the owner of the property and not due to the actions of the tenant, where eligibility criteria are still met, all efforts will be made to rehouse the tenants in another suitable property before the notice expires.

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1.13.3 Eviction Proceedings

Where a tenant has breached a term of their tenancy agreement, they will be advised in writing and given every opportunity and all possible assistance in rectifying the problem. Where there is a serious breach and the tenant does not rectify the problem, it may be necessary to proceed with action for termination of the agreement and possession of the premises. This action will involve an application for a hearing at the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT). In this situation:

• Due legal process as laid down under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 will be followed
• The tenant will be advised in writing at each step and invited to discuss the situation with their Housing Manager
• The tenant will be referred to Tenancy Advice services or other advocates as appropriate
• The tenant will be advised to attend any Tribunal Hearings to attempt conciliation
• Attempts to resolve the situation by other means will continue until the CTTT ruling is made
• Once the CTTT has made its decision no further negotiations will be entered into
• The tenant will be treated respectfully and with consideration at all steps
• All aspects of the process will be documented in the tenant file
• he tenant will be given advice on other housing options and referred to appropriate support agencies.

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1.13.4 Abandoned Goods

An inventory (and photos if possible) will be taken of all abandoned goods. Perishable items and worthless goods will be disposed of. Procedure for disposal or storage of other items will be as laid down in the Residential Tenancies Act.

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1.13.5 Rent References

Bridge Housing will provide a full written reference at tenant’s request only if:

• The rent is up to date & has been paid regularly for at least the previous 6 months
• There are no complaints against them
• Notice has been properly given
• The property has been left in acceptable condition and
• The keys returned to Bridge Housing.

The reference will be signed by the Manager Housing Services, once the Housing Manager has verified the tenant has complied with the above conditions.

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