Providing our tenants with a personalised service
Your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement is a legal document that sets out your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. We went through it with you when you signed it. Please keep your agreement and Tenant Handbook in a safe place and contact your Housing Officer if you have a question.
You have a named Housing Officer who can help with questions about your tenancy, your home and the support available to you. They can also explain who to contact if Southdown is not responsible for a particular issue. The information is displayed in your property, or you can contact us to find out.
Tenant handbook
The Southdown Tenant Handbook brings together important information about your home and tenancy.
It includes our responsibilities as your landlord, your responsibilities as a tenant, rent, repairs, safety, getting involved and moving home.
Working together charter
Our Tenant Charter explains how we will work with you. It reflects our commitments to the National Housing Federation’s Together with Tenants Charter, the CQC’s Quality Statements, the Regulator for Social Housing’s Consumer Standards, Southdown’s Beacon framework and working in a psychologically informed way.
Our charter covers fairness and respect, clear communication, listening to your views, accountability, service quality, equality and inclusion, and how we will respond when something goes wrong.
Your home and tenancy
Annual visits
A member of the housing team will visit you each year. This is an opportunity to check that your home is safe and in good condition, talk about any issues and discuss how we can support you.
Adaptations and property inspections
Tell us if a disability makes it difficult for you to manage everyday tasks or live safely at home. We will discuss your needs and explore possible adaptations and the appropriate referral route.
We also carry out Stock Condition Surveys, usually every five years, to assess the inside and outside of your home and plan future maintenance. We will tell you when an inspection is due.
Making changes to your home
You must ask us for permission before carrying out any improvement or alteration to your home. Tell us what work you would like to do before it starts and we can explain what is needed.
Pets
For many people, a pet is a source of happiness and support and is considered to be a beloved family member.
We want to ensure that your pets have the best life they can and that the place in which you live is able to support their health and wellbeing.
You will need our permission before you get a pet so that we can make sure the area is safe and suitable. We may also need to seek permission from a head landlord where we are not the direct owner of your building.
Please do not get a pet until permission has been granted. You can ask for a copy of the Pet Contract from us.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in communal areas. Smoking may also breach your tenancy agreement if it creates a health and safety risk or causes your home to fall into an unacceptable condition.
Contact your Housing Officer if you have any questions or concerns.
Moving or ending your tenancy
Speak to your Housing Officer if you are thinking of moving, requesting a transfer or ending your tenancy.
They can explain your options and what you need to do.
Transfers
A transfer may be considered if you still need accommodation-based support but your current home no longer meets your needs.
Transfers are discretionary. Reasons may include needing a different level of support, moving nearer to family, friends, college or work, your home no longer being suitable, or unsuccessful attempts to resolve a neighbour dispute.
If you need to move urgently because you are at risk of harm or property damage, the local authority is responsible for emergency temporary accommodation. We can support you to approach them for an assessment.
Giving notice
Check your tenancy agreement and give us at least four full weeks’ notice in writing. Ask us for a Termination of Tenancy form, complete it and return it to us.
Before your tenancy ends, you will need to:
- allow us to inspect your home
- return all keys, including meter keys
- leave the property clean, in good condition and clear of belongings and rubbish
- make arrangements to pay any rent arrears, recharges and other bills you owe
Your Housing Officer can help with tenancy questions, permissions, transfers and moving home.
Questions about your tenancy?
Your Housing Officer is here to help - get in touch and we'll be happy to talk.
More for tenants:
Rent and payments
Find out how to pay your rent, understand your statement and get help with your rent account.
View rent and payment informationMoney and benefits
Find advice about benefits, budgeting and financial support.
Get money and benefits supportTenant Hub
Find information about repairs, safety, your tenancy, feedback and more.
Back to Tenant Hub