Tenancies ending   

Notifying landlords that a tenant is in hospital or residential care is important. It reduces risk (for example) that they will force entry out of concern the tenant hasn’t been seen. 

If a placement is expected to be permanent a decision about surrendering a tenancy is often far less complex than a decision to enter into a tenancy agreement. Enabling tenants to make this decision for themselves whenever possible is consistent with the principles in the Mental Capacity Act and has the following advantages:

• The tenant’s liability for rent ends when their former home is returned to the landlord with vacant possession.
• Their belongings are more likely to be safeguarded than they would be if left in an empty flat especially as household insurance may not be an option.
• A home becomes available for someone else in housing need.
• There is less risk of loss of the rental income which social landlords rely on to provide new homes and services to tenants.
• Potentially protracted and expensive Court of Protection proceedings are avoided
• Collaboration with housing staff can reduce risk and can be particularly helpful if they already have a relationship with the tenant.