When you become a tenant with us, you’ll sign a tenancy agreement. This is a legal document which sets out the relationship between you and us. Your tenancy agreement will tell you if you’re an introductory tenant or a secure tenant. All new tenants become introductory tenants. Existing secure or assured tenants with us or a housing association will be granted a secure tenancy.

If you become an introductory tenant, the first 12 months in your home are a trial period. All your rights and responsibilities are explained to you in the leaflet called "Your Introductory Tenancy", provided in your sign up pack.

If you become a secure tenant you have more rights, and can keep your home for as long as you wish, providing that the court has not given us possession of the property.

You must pay your rent on a weekly basis. We encourage payment by Direct Debit, as this is the most convenient method for both you and us.

Paying your rent is a condition of your tenancy agreement and you’ll be at risk of losing your home if you’re in arrears.

You’ll also be responsible for paying council tax, house insurance, water and sewerage charges and charges for gas and electric supplied to the property.

It’s important you take meter readings and notify your gas and electric suppliers of the readings, as soon as your tenancy begins.

People sometimes forget that everyday and routine activities can be a source of nuisance to others. We ask all tenants to consider the impact daily activities may have on your neighbours, such as…

• playing loud music 
• parties or barbecues
• parking your car
• keeping your dog under control

It’s a condition of your new tenancy agreement that you, or anyone visiting, don’t cause any nuisance to other people. You’re at risk of losing your home if you break these conditions.

Housing services are provided through our six housing estate offices. We deal with cash collection, rent arrears, the housing register, transfers and exchanges, repairs and improvements and the managing of estates.

We aim to provide effective services by being responsive and caring. We listen to our tenants - we want to keep you informed and need to know when you have a problem.

We’d also like to hear suggestions about how we can improve our services, if you have any difficulty using any services, or if you want any information about how we can help.

We’re responsible for keeping the structure and outside of the property in good condition. We’ll also keep the following in good condition...

• Heating and water heating equipment
• Electric wiring, gas and water pipes
• Kitchen and bathroom fittings

You must report faults or damage to us immediately. If you deliberately damage items (doors or windows) you must replace them, if not we’ll do the work and recharge you. You must keep your home and garden in a clean and tidy condition.