Your tenancy

Tenancy information

You will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement. This is a legal document, so it's important that you understand it. You should keep this important document in a safe space.

If you are a joint tenant, you are both responsible for your tenancy.

You'll be given a sign-up pack with documents about your tenancy, the property and our services.

You will also receive a copy of the Tenant’s Handbook and Repairs Handbook. These documents are quick, easy and informative guides for everything you may need to know:

Tenancy Handbook

PDF9.65 MB

First home visit

Once you have signed up and been given the keys to your new home, a member of our team will be in contact to arrange a home visit to help get your tenancy off to a successful start and support you in any areas you may need.

We will also ask you to complete a satisfaction survey, which will give us your feedback on the sign-up process as well as the condition of your new home. We value this feedback - any information you share with us as part of this survey will be kept confidential and it will be used to help us to improve the services we provide.

Help and support

As your landlord we want to support you in your tenancy and continue to support you if your circumstances change.

Our Housing, Income and Tenancy Support teams can offer you advice, guidance and support when you need it.

Tenancy Support officers provide a dedicated, confidential and non-judgemental service to anybody who needs some extra support. They will contact you to complete an initial assessment. An individual support plan will be created with the officer supporting you:

by providing help and guidance with benefits claims and debt problems
get access specialist services and health care
to make positive changes to your life
setting up your new home
with advocacy
with change of circumstances in your current home
with ways to pay your rent and council tax
with budget management
to access training, education, employment and volunteering opportunities

This free and confidential service is offered on a short-term basis.

Your responsibilities

When you become one of our tenants, you’ll get a tenancy agreement that lists your rights and responsibilities.

We will expect you to:

pay your rent on time
let us know straight away if your entitlement to Universal Credit, housing or council tax benefits have ended (e.g. because you started working)
respect your neighbours and your neighbourhood by living in your home quietly and looking after your communal areas, home and garden
not take part in any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity (e.g. playing loud music until late, doing DIY late at night, allowing your home to be used for selling or taking drugs or letting dogs bark for long periods of time)
let us know if your circumstances change (e.g. if your partner comes to live with you or if your child leaves home - both examples can have an impact on any benefits you may be claiming)
maintain a good level of cleanliness that's suitable to your needs so that your home remains safe and comfortable for your use
let us in to service your gas appliances once a year (this is a legal requirement) and also undertake any safety surveys (e.g. for electrical wiring or asbestos)
always ask for our written permission before carrying out any improvements to your home
not keep cats or dogs (or any other pets that can't be kept in a small cage or tank) if you live in a flat or maisonette. You can have a guide dog or hearing dog if you have a disability)

Last updated 26 March 2025