Your tenancy conditions
We know that your circumstances can change from time to time and our team are here to help.
Every situation is different so please contact us if you have any queries that you think could affect your tenancy or benefit entitlements.
The types of tenancy we offer
Starter Tenancy – if this is your first tenancy with us you will probably have a Starter Tenancy. During this time some of your rights as a tenant are reduced, for example you do not have the right to buy your home or to exchange properties. These rights are re-instated after the Starter tenancy period. .
Assured Tenancy -you will automatically have an Assured Tenancy after a 12 month probationary period if there have been no tenancy problems in your first year. As long as you abide by your tenancy conditions, the Society will not ask you to leave
Your responsibilities as a tenant
We have put these into your tenancy agreement and we spoke to you about them before you moved in. Here is a reminder of some of the important points
Rent
You have agreed to pay your rent regularly. If for some reason you cannot pay your rent please come and speak to us as soon as possible. We understand that circumstances can change and we can help you to prevent a debt from building up. Remember that you are in danger of losing your home if you don’t pay your rent and we won’t be able to give you a good reference for another home.
Repairs
Let us know if something needs repairing and keep your property in the same condition as it was when you started your tenancy. You are responsible for decorating and for replacing minor household items and anything that you have accidentally damaged. We may need access from time to time to inspect fixtures and fittings, and carry out services or repairs and we will always attempt to make a suitable appointment with you.
Access to Your Home
You must give us access to your home to:
- Inspect the condition of your home
- Complete an annual gas or other necessary safety inspections, such as annual fire door inspection or 5 yearly electrical inspection
- Complete a tenancy review
- Carry out repairs and or improvements to Your Home or any adjoining homes
- Carry out any of Stoke on Trent Housing Society’s obligations under your tenancy agreement or imposed by law
In most circumstances, unless an emergency, we will always give you a minimum of 48hours notice of our visit. Failure to provide access may result in costs incurred by the Society that you would be liable to pay
Your Neighbourhood
We will make sure that everyone can enjoy peace and quiet in their own home. Please do not use your home in a way that causes a nuisance for your neighbours, for example loud music, an untidy garden or frequent noisy visitors. If you are being troubled by any these activities please telephone us on 01782 968566 or contact us. We will investigate all complaints where neighbours cannot resolve issues between themselves amicably. Sometimes we might even have to take legal action to stop the unwanted behaviour or apply for a Court Order to force the person to leave.
Making a change to who is living with you
You must let us know if your circumstances change and someone comes to live with you. You might take in a lodger or decide to sublet part of your home. We won’t refuse permission unreasonably but you may find, for example that a benefit entitlement is affected. You must also have the spare space for a lodger and not overcrowd your home.
If you are subletting part of your home you must request our permission first. Write to us and let us know what you are planning.
Passing your tenancy on, or adding another person onto the tenancy
You may have a joint tenancy and would like to transfer your half to your tenancy partner. Or you may be requesting a joint tenancy for the first time. All tenancy change requests need to be in writing.
You also have the right of succession. This means that a family member must have been living with you for at least 12 months in order to claim the right to succeed to your tenancy with the Society.
We will need to check out that the succession is lawful, based on the date your tenancy commenced, your relationship to the person and how long they have lived with you. You could also decide to assign you tenancy to this person, following the same rules.
For more information on your tenancy contact us on 01782 968566.