Lettings

I have received an offer of accommodation - can I move in straight away?

The Council makes every effort to allocate properties as quickly as possible once they become vacant. If you have been offered a property, it is likely that repair work will still be going on in the property. Unfortunately, you are unable to view the property until the repairs have been completed.

Your offer letter will ask you to confirm that you are interested in the property by telephoning Rehousing on 01727 819480. At this time, we will give you an indication of when the repair work to the property is likely to be completed. Due to the nature of building and repair work, it is not always possible for us to tell you exactly when the keys will be available for you to view the property. If you provide us with a contact telephone number we will call you as soon as the keys are available.

What work will be done to the property before I move in?

Before a property is re-let, the Council will complete the following work:-

• check the structural soundness of the dwelling

• carry out gas, electrical and water safety checks and rectify any faults

• check the heating system and service if necessary

• ensure that a hot and cold water supply is available

• nsure the locks function to secure the dwelling

Any additional repairs required may be completed once you have moved in.

How quickly would I be expected to move?

Once we know that a property will be coming vacant we make every effort to allocate it. This means that we will offer the property to an applicant before all the repair work is completed

Generally, we arrange tenancies to commence on the Monday following repair work being completed to the property. If a prospective tenant is elderly, disabled or there are other special circumstances additional time to move in may be negotiated with tbe Rehousing section

Applicants are required to attend a tenancy sign up interview with a Management Officer where the tenancy agreement will be signed.

Will I receive any assistance with moving?

Where an existing Council tenant transfers from two or three bedroom or larger accommodation to a one bedroom or bedsit unit, we will

• arrange and pay for removals

• pay a grant of £1,250 to the tenant to cover expenses arising from moving

If you do not qualify for this type of assistance, you may apply to the Benefits Agency Social Fund for assistance by telephoning 01923 208318.

Does the council provide carpets and furniture?

We do not provide carpets or any furniture. The Community Voluntary Service (CVS) can in some cases provide assistance with obtaining furniture. If a carpet is left in a property and is in good condition, we will leave it down.

What should I do about gas, electricity and other services?

You will need to contact the individual utility companies to arrange to be set up as a new customer. We will send you details of contact numbers of local suppliers.

Council tax and water rates are charged separately from your rent.

Transferring from a council property to another

You will need to make sure that your property is in a good state of repair and that any damage to the property is repaired. The property should be left clean and clear, with any rubbish or other belongings being removed.

The keys to your property should be returned to the Council offices on the Monday your new tenancy starts. This also applies to the keys for retirement housing schemes, which should not be left with the warden.

You should ensure that all keys are returned to the Council, even those you have had cut yourself.

Keys received after Monday will result in you being charged costs equivalent to the weekly rent. Once the keys have been returned to the Council, you will no longer have access to the property for any reason.