Tenancy sustainability
Are you tenancy ready?
Moving into your own home is an exciting step, whether you’re looking for private rented accommodation or social housing. To feel confident and prepared, it helps to have everything in place so you can accept a tenancy and settle in smoothly.
Being a tenant comes with responsibilities, such as managing your money and looking after your home. When you sign a tenancy agreement — with either a social landlord or a private landlord — you’re agreeing not only to pay your rent, but also to take care of the property, be a considerate neighbour, and avoid causing nuisance or disturbance.
Managing rent and essential living costs
Most social landlords require rent in advance, usually between one week’s rent and one month’s rent. This helps you begin your tenancy with your rent account in credit.
It’s helpful to set aside money regularly to cover:
- Rent in advance
- Moving costs
- Flooring, curtains, white goods, and furniture
Creating a personal budget can support you in understanding what you can afford. You may also need a bank account so you can set up a direct debit or standing order for your rent.
There are several websites where you can work out your income, outgoings, and monthly budget. These include:
Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled to benefits, an online benefits calculator such as Benefits Calculator - entitledto can help you check based on your circumstances.
You may be able to receive help with your rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (UC) if you’re on a low income, whether you’re working or unemployed.
If you receive or are applying for Universal Credit, your housing costs will usually be included in your payment. UC is normally paid monthly into your bank or building society account. In some situations, you may be able to request more frequent payments.
Payments from Universal Credit or Housing Benefits are not automatically paid to your landlord and you need to request this through your universal credit account.
Please ensure rent paid from Universal credit for housing costs is paid to you landlord.
To apply for UC, you will need:
- An active email address
- A mobile phone number
- Bank, building society, or credit union details
- Information about your rent or mortgage
- Wage details
- Details of any children or your partner
- Photo ID (with some exceptions)
Universal Credit and Housing Benefit are not usually paid at the same time, except in certain cases such as when you are in temporary or supported accommodation.
If you are not eligible for UC, you may still be able to apply for Housing Benefit through your local council.
For Wyre Forest District Council Housing Benefits and Council Tax queries, you can call 01562 732928.
Preparing to move
Planning ahead can make moving day much easier. You might want to:
- Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need
- Start packing items you don’t use daily
- Keep an “essentials box” handy with things like a kettle, tea, coffee, toiletries, and toilet roll
- Look into affordable options for furniture, white goods, and flooring
Managing your home and staying safe
Once you’ve moved in, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day care of your home and its surroundings. Your landlord will deal with routine maintenance, but you must report repairs quickly and may be responsible for any damage caused by you.
Helpful tips for keeping your home safe and well-maintained include:
- Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly
- Knowing your fire exits
- Taking meter readings when you move in
- Knowing where your water stop tap is
- Ventilating your home to prevent damp
- Keeping the home tidy to avoid pests
- Being aware of bin collection days
- Reporting repairs promptly
- Being mindful of home security
Being a responsible tenant
A successful tenancy relies on taking your responsibilities seriously. These include:
- Paying your rent on time
- Avoid causing a nuisance or anti-social behaviour
- Keeping the property in good condition
- Reporting repairs to your landlord
- Allowing access to your landlord in emergencies or with notice
- Keeping important contact numbers and responding to landlord communication
- Setting healthy boundaries with visitors who may affect your tenancy
Being a good neighbour
Good neighbours help create safe, friendly, and stable communities.
Being a good neighbour means:
- Being considerate of others' lifestyles and routines
- Encouraging anyone living with or visiting you to be respectful
- Tolerating the occasional one-off disturbance, such as an infrequent party or barbecue
- Speaking kindly with neighbours about issues when safe to do so
- Reporting persistent issues, such as ongoing excessive noise, to your landlord. Landlords will have their own procedures for dealing with neighbour disputes, noise and anti-social behaviour.
Remember, everyone lives differently, and a little understanding goes a long way.
Coping with isolation
Moving into a new home or area can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel lonely at first. These feelings are temporary, and there are ways to help yourself stay connected and settled:
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Spend time outdoors—gardening, walking, or simply being in shared spaces
- Invite a few neighbours for a coffee or chat
- Explore community groups, social media pages, the local library, or volunteering opportunities
- Make your home feel comforting and welcoming so you enjoy spending time there.
- Explore the new area, join clubs or a gym and establish a daily routine to help reduce boredom.
- Stay connected with friends and family.
- Acknowledge that feelings of loneliness can be normal and most of the time are temporary and that it will pass.
- Talk to someone if loneliness becomes overwhelming
You can also reach out to organisations like Mind - Tips for everyday living | About loneliness | Mind for support and practical tips on managing isolation.