Moving in
As soon as you have the keys and have signed your tenancy or licence agreement, you will be able to move into your new home.
At your sign-up meeting, your housing officer will:
- Explain the terms of your agreement
- Make sure you understand your rent and other charges you are responsible for
- Agree an inventory with you and make a record of the condition of the property as it is when you move in
- Show you how to use the property, including the heating and hot water
- Explain how your deposit will be held (if relevant), the process for returning it at the end of the tenancy and how to minimise deductions
- Explain how to report a repair
- Discuss the frequency of future visits
How it works
Move-in checklist
All the steps you’ll go through
Make sure you know where to find your gas, electric and water meters, your boiler and water stop cock.
Notify gas, electricity and water suppliers when you move in. Take a meter reading to make sure you are charged the right amount when you get your first bill.
Contact your benefits office to make a new Housing Benefit or Universal Credit claim or to tell them about your new address and any other changes to your circumstances if you already have a claim in place.
Notify other relevant organisations of your new address; e.g. you doctor, dentist, children’s schools, bank and other service providers.
Apply for a television licence for your new home.
Arrange home contents insurance.
Contact your Local Authority to set up your Council Tax account.
Home Contents Insurance
We will arrange buildings insurance, which protects against damage to the structure of your home, along with its fixtures and fittings.
You will need to take out contents insurance to protect against damage or loss to your personal possessions.
Council Tax
Unless we tell you otherwise, you are responsible for paying the Council Tax for your new home. Contact your local Council to set up your account.
If you have a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction