Tenancy Sustainment Service

Every tenant is responsible for managing their tenancy and keeping to the terms of their tenancy agreement. However, we recognise there are a variety of factors such as job loss, health issues, family or personal crisis, debts or low income which can affect your ability to manage your tenancy, and to feel secure and in control of your life. Our team could provide the support needed to get you back on your feet.

Below are examples of some of the work we could do with you:

• Discuss household budgeting – managing household bills including ways to reduce them where possible.  Set up payment plans, and general monthly expenditures.
• If you are in debt we can discuss support available to you, refer you to specialist debt agencies to work towards a solution.
• Carry out benefits calculations – check for eligibility, apply for any new benefits, help complete forms, and advice on current benefit issues.
• Assist in applying for grants from charities. This could involve obtaining white goods to set up your home, essential items, and reducing debts.
• Signpost you to employment, training opportunities & courses offered by local organisations.
• Support you around promoting life skills and help you live safely in your home.
• If you have a vulnerability, we can help you access statutory services and specialist providers that can provide further help.
• For new tenants who may require support, we can help you to set up your rent and council tax payments, benefit claims and setting up utility accounts (water, gas & electric).
• We can also help you understand your right and responsibilities as our tenant. 

You will have a named officer who will work with you on a one-to-one basis. The support will be short-term and focused in helping you resolve some of the issues that are affecting your ability to manage your tenancy and home. 

We can meet with you face to face at our office, visits to your property and via telephone.

With your consent, family members or a trusted friend can also be part of the discussion about your support. If some support is already in place, we will liaise with those parties to consider how best to work together to help you achieve agreed goals. 

You will also need to agree and be willing to work with our service.

• You are a St Albans and district council tenant.  

• You are facing some problems that make it hard for you to manage your tenancy and/or home.

• There’s a risk you could lose your tenancy.

• You are assessed and need some help early to reduce the risk of future problem

• You are a new tenant needing advice & support

• You’re moving into a council home and need some help and support

You will need to be referred by a staff member in our housing team such as your Neighbourhood or Income Officer. You can also be referred by the St Albans Citizens Advice. 

Please reach out to one of the above and explain why you think you need help. They can refer you if appropriate. 

We will take into consideration your preferred way of working with us and any vulnerabilities/needs that will ensure you can access our service without barriers. For example, if you have language/literacy needs or are a wheelchair user. 

For more details on how we work with you and other parties, please click the link below for our Tenancy Sustainment Policy. 

• Tenancy Sustainment Policy ( pdf - 97.24 KB )