The Tenants Handbook - your complete guide
The intention is for this handbook to supplement the Tenancy Agreement and although it covers much the same ground, it does so in a clearer and more readable form. It attempts to answer many general questions, however there may be times when the help of staff at South Northants Homes is needed in which case please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Contents
Section 1 – Welcome and introduction
WelcomeAbout this handbook
About South Northants Homes
Our Board and staff
Regulators
Grand Union Housing Group
The benefits of being in a group
Confidentiality
Information we hold
Section 2 - Our mission and values
Our mission statementOur values
Our approach to equality and diversity
Section 3 - Your home
Services and utilitiesElectricity
Gas
Water
Our property standard
Insurance
Safety advice
Section 4 - Who does what
OverviewHousing Services
Older Person Services
Property Services
Office Management and Business Systems
Section 5 - Your tenancy
Your tenancyAn introductory tenancy
An assured tenancy
Joint tenancies
Succession and assignment
Passing on your tenancy
Assigning your tenancy
Taking in lodgers
Sub-letting your home
If you are going away for a while
Circumstances where we might end your tenancy
If you are related to a member of staff or a board member
Section 6 - Rent and charges
Ways to pay your rentHow your rent is set
When your rent is due
When rent increases come into effect
Rent statements
‘Rent free’ weeks
If you want to challenge your rent levels
How service charges are worked out
Support charges and how the Supporting People grant works
Claiming housing benefit
Difficulty in paying your rent
Section 7 - Planned improvements
Major repairsHow we will make sure you are satisfied with the work
Carrying out your own improvements
Section 8 - Your neighbourhood
Living in your neighbourhoodProblems with neighbours
How to report problems in your neighbourhood
Estate walkabouts
How to contact your Parish, Town or District Councillor
Section 9 - Getting involved
Tenant participationThe benefits of participation
How to get involved
Support
Section 10 - Moving home
How to apply for a transfer within the districtHow to apply for a transfer outside the district
Mutual Exchange
Incentive to downsize scheme
Section 11 - Owning your home
Buying your homeHomes that cannot be bought
How the price is reached
How the discount system works
How to apply
Mortgages
Other things to consider
Selling your home in the future
The right to acquire
Other routes to low cost home ownership
Section 12 - Providing for your needs
Adaptations to help you manage in your homeSheltered housing
The Lifeline service
Section 13 - Ending your tenancy
What to do when you want to end your tenancyHow to end a tenancy for someone else
How to avoid being charged for work
Section 14 - Useful Contact Numbers
GeneralView in PDF format:
