What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and our responsibilities to you as landlord are set in your tenancy agreement. These will include the following:
- Paying your rent and any other charges on time
- Allowing access for safety checks (such as annual gas check) and repairs
- Ensuring that you, your family and visitors do not cause nuisance or annoyance to other people living in the local area (find out more about antisocial behaviour)
- Keeping the inside of your home clean and in good condition (see full list of Repairs responsibilities)
- Keeping all shared areas clear of rubbish and obstructions
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You’ll need to clear any arrears before you are eligible to apply for an exchange or transfer.
Most people with a secure, assured lifetime or 5-year fixed-term social housing tenancy in their name are eligible for a home swap. However, there are some conditions – you must not have rent arrears, a history of antisocial behaviour, or have broken any of the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
We can only consider passing your tenancy to your son/daughter in the event of your death, and only if they’ve been living with you for the previous 12 months. Each tenancy can only be passed on once – so if you’ve taken on a family member’s tenancy yourself – you won’t be able to pass it on again.
Please note that it is not our policy to add a joint tenant and to create a new joint tenancy. If you wish to add a household member to your tenancy, please complete our online form and we will add them to our records.
Yes you can have a lodger as long as it doesn’t take the number of occupants above the maximum number as set out in your tenancy agreement. You’ll also need our written permission first.
You should check your tenancy agreement/lease agreement to identify whether you are allowed to keep a pet in your home.
Yes you can – as long as you’ve got an assured tenancy (sorry we can’t give permission for starter tenancies). However, you’ll need to get our consent first, and if applicable you must get planning permission and comply with building regulations. Any works must be carried out by qualified tradesmen. Any electrical works must be carried out by a qualified electrician and a certification number.
You can contact us to ask for a copy of your tenancy agreement, please note there may be a charge for this service.
