Am I Tenancy Ready?
You will have some key responsibilities as a tenant. These responsibilities are vital to understand because they mean that you and everyone else can enjoy safe, peaceful, and sustainable tenancies.
Your responsibilities will include:
- To pay the rent on time
- To not cause a nuisance or anti-social behaviour
- To not use the property for illegal activities
- To keep the property in good condition
- To report repairs to the landlord
- To allow the landlord access in an emergency or with appropriate notice.
Whenever you are offered any tenancy, think about your own income and the costs of running your own home.
The main costs to think about when budgeting for your own home will be rent, Council Tax, and utilities, as well as a TV license, insurance, furniture, not to mention food and other essentials.
We recommend using the budgeting tool from Citizens Advice, to help you estimate these costs.
You'll also be responsible for the maintenance and safety of your own home. Here are some top tips for managing your home:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
- Know your fire exits and meeting points in case of a fire or other emergency.
- Know where your gas and electric come into your home.
- Know where your water stop tap is, so you know how to turn it off quickly encase of a leak.
- Ventilate your home to avoid mould and damp.
- Keep your home clean and tidy to avoid pests.
- Know your bin day.
- Be security conscious.
- Report repairs and maintenance issues to your landlord promptly.
Warwickshire Housing Related Support Services
The following services are available in Warwickshire to provide housing related floating support to help you maintain your home or support you through a period of homelessness.
This support includes not only accommodation, but also access to support around drug and alcohol, healthcare, assistance with benefits, reconnection to your local area/country, income maximisation, advocacy, and more.
Citizens Advice
A national charity and a network of local charities, to offer advice and support, including debt advice, income maximization, advocacy, immigration, housing and much more. For more information visit the Citizens Advice website.
P3 Charity
P3 Charity work with people aged 25 to provide housing related floating support services within Warwickshire to help, prevent homelessness where your accommodation is at risk, if you are homeless, sleeping rough and sofa surfing. For more information visit the P3 Charity website.
St Basil's
St Basil's work with people under 25 to provide housing related floating support services within Warwickshire to help to prevent homelessness where your accommodation is at risk. For more information visit the St Basil's website.
