your local housing provider Welcome to your new home

Transcription

1 your local housing provider Welcome to your new home

2 your local housing provider your local housing provider Telephone number: Out of hours repairs: or

3 Welcome to your new home Welcome to your tenancy with SSHA, we hope that you ll spend many happy years in your new home. To get you started, we ve put together this welcome pack. With it, you ll find your Guide to Services which has everything you need to know about your tenancy, plus lots of other handy information. First of all, your Neighbourhood Management Officer is: who can be contacted on and can help you with any queries about your tenancy. Everybody at SSHA is aiming to provide a high quality service to ensure you have a happy home. We re always on hand to help, just ask. In the meantime, enjoy your new home. Jan Goode Director of Customer Services

4 Moving in Checklist When you move to a new home there s lots of organisations that you should tell. Here s a handy checklist to help you keep track. Gas and Electricity Before moving in, you should let the electric and gas companies know, so that your home is connected. Don t forget to make a note of the meter readings when you arrive, as you don t want to pay for power you haven t used. Water meter If you have a water meter, make a note of the reading. Meter Reading: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Applications for Housing Benefit must be made promptly, as they can t usually be back-dated. Let the Council s Housing Benefit section know as soon as you move in, give them your new address and the date your tenancy began. Tenancy Agreement Keep your copy in a safe place with your tenancy conditions booklet. The tenancy conditions booklet outlines your rights and responsibilities together with our responsibilities. You should make sure you read and understand them all. Hot water and heating Our gas engineer will visit you to fill up the water system, check the central heating and show you how to use the controls.

5 Tenancy sign up check list No. and type of keys: Front door: Back door: Communal door: Outhouse door: Window locks: Meter cupboard: Other: Meter readings: Gas: Electricity: Water: Gas check arranged for: Post letting visit arranged for: Advice has been provided on rent anti-social behaviour, resident involvement: Signed: Date:

6 Changing Address Checklist There are lots of people you need to tell that you have moved, here s a checklist that might help you. Your Notes: Gas Board Water Board Electricity company Telephone Company Children s schools DVLA (for driving licence and road tax) TV Licencing (and Sky) Doctor Dentist Housing Benefit department Housing organisation applications Council tax department Bank Benefits Agency / your employer Insurance company Credit & Loan companies Pension company Friends & relatives The Post Office - for post re-direction

7 Tenancy sign up and paying your rent Personal Details: Full names: Address: Telephone: Mobile: 1. People living in the property Names: Date of Birth: 2. Income (wages & benefits) 3. Method rent to be paid by 4. Tenancy Start Date 5. Benefits Advice Form given to tenant Disclosure authorisation form completed Other - please state: 6. Disabilities Relative Health Details: Lettings Officer Vulnerable:

8 Payment Methods Direct Debit The most convenient and effective method to pay your rent. For further details please contact us on our freephone number: SSHA are pleased to be able to offer two available payment methods per month. You can choose to pay your rent either on the 15th or the last day of the month. Swipe Cards Payment can be made at any post office or paypoint outlet using the swipe card shown below. Credit Cards & Debit Cards Telephone banking payments using your credit or debit cards can be made via our freephone number Switch Maestro Mastercard Visa BillPay Billpay allows our tenants to make online bill payments using your debit card. To access the service follow the link from SSHA website www. ssha.co.uk or alternatively directly to www. billpayment.co.uk Telephone & Online Banking Services In order to make a payment via this method you will need to quote the following information: By Post Cheques made payable to: SSHA should be posted to: Bank Sort Code: Account Number: Please quote your tenancy number in the reference field. This information can also be used if you wish to set up a standing order with your bank. SSHA, Acton Court, Acton Gate, Stafford, ST18 9AP Please quote your name, address and tenancy reference on the reverse of the cheque. Do not send cash through the post.

9 A guide to paying your rent by Direct Debit If you have a bank or building society account there s a better way to pay your rent. Paying by Direct Debit means: Less time spent in queues Your bank or building society will do the work for you It s secure and guaranteed by the banks and building societies There s no more rent collection dates to remember Once you ve joined the Direct Debit Scheme we ll arrange payments from your bank or building society on the last working day or the 15th of each month. We ll always inform you well in advance if there are any changes to either the amount due or the payment date. In the unlikely event of an error, you re guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society. It s that simple. The Direct Debit Guarantee This guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that take part in the Direct Debit scheme. The efficiency and security of the scheme is monitored by your own bank or building society. If the amount to be paid or the payment date changes, you ll be told of this at least 14 days in advance as agreed. If an error is made by us or your bank or building society, you re entitled a full and immediate refund from your branch. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your bank or building society. Please send a copy to us too.

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11 A guide to paying your rent by Standing Order If you have a bank or building society account there is an alternative way to pay your rent. Paying by Standing Order means: Less time spent in queues Your bank or building society will do the work for you Its secure and guaranteed by the banks and building societies There s no more rent collection dates to remember Once you ve completed the standing order form we ll arrange payments from your bank or building society weekly, fortnightly or four weekly, depending on what you stipulate. Please note, if your rent amount changes, you will need to amend the standing order amount accordingly. In the unlikely event of an error, you re guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society. Its that simple.

12 Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay rent via Standing Order Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Standing Order Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to your bank. To: The manager Bank/Building Society Tenancy Reference Number Address Name(s) of Account Holders Postcode Please pay to: SSHA at Barclays Bank, Wolverhampton Office Sort Code: Collection Account Number: Start Date for Payment is: Bank/Building Society Account Number Signature(s) Branch Sort Code ( ) Date

13 Key Acceptance and Acceptance of Tenancy I/We hereby accept the keys and tenancy of (state address below) with effect from (state date below) Address: Date: and hereby agree to comply with the regulations and conditions of tenancy as set out in the conditions of Tenancy. Acceptance of the keys and occupation of the property by the above date will be assumed to be an agreement to comply with the Housing Association s Conditions of Tenancy. If I am/we are vacating a SSHA dwelling (ie a transfer), I/we also hereby agree to the termination of the tenancy of (State address below): and will vacate the property and surrender the keys before 12 noon on or by the date the new tenancy commences. (Delete if not applicable.) Receipt is also acknowledged of a copy of the Rent Scheme in accordance with the Housing Finance Act 1972, and the SSHA s Conditions of Tenancy, in accordance with the Housing Act I/we have returned/are returning a Housing Benefit form I shall not be making a Housing Benefit claim I/we have received a copy of the Tenancy Conditions and Guide to Services I/we have returned/will return a signed copy of the Tenancy Agreement There are constraints on offers of accommodation to the Association s Employees or their relatives, or Board Members or their relatives: I/we confirm that I/we, or anyone who will live with me/us in the property, is not related to an employee or member of the Board of Management of the Association. (If this is not the case please give details of name, address and relationship below) Signed: (on behalf of both if a joint tenancy) Date:

14 Key Acceptance and Acceptance of Tenancy I/We hereby accept the keys and tenancy of (state address below) with effect from (state date below) Address: Date: and hereby agree to comply with the regulations and conditions of tenancy as set out in the conditions of Tenancy. Acceptance of the keys and occupation of the property by the above date will be assumed to be an agreement to comply with the Housing Association s Conditions of Tenancy. If I am/we are vacating a SSHA dwelling (ie a transfer), I/we also hereby agree to the termination of the tenancy of (State address below): and will vacate the property and surrender the keys before 12 noon on or by the date the new tenancy commences. (Delete if not applicable.) Receipt is also acknowledged of a copy of the Rent Scheme in accordance with the Housing Finance Act 1972, and the SSHA s Conditions of Tenancy, in accordance with the Housing Act I/we have returned/are returning a Housing Benefit form I shall not be making a Housing Benefit claim I/we have received a copy of the Tenancy Conditions and Guide to Services I/we have returned/will return a signed copy of the Tenancy Agreement There are constraints on offers of accommodation to the Association s Employees or their relatives, or Board Members or their relatives: I/we confirm that I/we, or anyone who will live with me/us in the property, is not related to an employee or member of the Board of Management of the Association. (If this is not the case please give details of name, address and relationship below) Signed: (on behalf of both if a joint tenancy) Date:

15 Home energy advice Moving into your new home gives you lots of things to get used to. One of the main ones is how to use your central heating system. Energyextra can help, simply call their home energy advisor for a free home visit. They can advise you how to use your heating efficiently and save money, along with many other handy tips like: To arrange a free visit contact Energy Extra on Showing you how to work your heating appliances and system whilst taking into account your individual lifestyle and requirements. Advising on using domestic appliances and giving basic information on running costs. Chatting about the causes of condensation and how stop it. Explaining meters and their operation. Chatting about ways to pay your energy bills even if you have a pre payment meter. Directing you towards additional schemes to improve energy efficiency and help stop fuel poverty. Make sure you have free low energy light-bulbs.

16 Your Council Tax Council Tax is a local tax set and collected by your local Council. It s needed to help pay for services provided by the district, borough, county and parish council, as well as the police and fire authority. It s payable by everybody whether or not any particular service is used. Who pays Council Tax? There is normally one bill for every home. The occupier of a property is usually responsible for the payments. What happens if you don t pay or pay late? If the bill isn t paid your Council may take action to collect the money from any or all of the people responsible. They will recover the full year s tax, or any balance outstanding if payment of any monthly installment isn t made by the due date. How is Council Tax calculated? Every Council sets its own Council Tax rates. Your property will be valued and placed in a valuation band. Each band has a different amount of Council Tax. If you are a taxpayer and your property is in band A your Council Tax will be less than if your property is in band B. Council Tax Benefit There are two types of benefit to help you pay your Council Tax. If you re on a low income, you may be able to claim Council Tax benefit of up to 100% of the total bill. If you re the sole responsible person, but have other adults living with you who are on a low income, then you may qualify for a second adult rebate based on their income, not yours. The maximum benefit in this situation is 25% of the total bill. Discounts due to the number of residents Good news. The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If only one adult lives there and it s their main home the Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25%. Questions If you have any queries or want to apply for Council Tax benefit please contact your local Council.

17 Out of Hours Emergency Repairs If you have an emergency repair outside normal office hours: after 5pm each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday after 7pm each Thursday after 3pm each Friday during weekends bank holidays Out of hours emergency repairs Call

18 Free decorating materials for your new home Getting your new home looking just as you want it is all part of the fun and we ve a great way to help you. We issue vouchers, which you can take to our nominated stores and swap for decorating materials of that value. Your Neighbourhood Management Officer, will then pop round to make sure the decorations have been done. The vouchers must be used for the right purpose and the right rooms. If they haven t been brought up to scratch, it will unfortunately be classed as a breach of tenancy conditions and we ll have to take the appropriate action. We ve already enclosed your voucher, which can be used for: Paint Wallpaper Filler Decoration tools like brushes and rollers On the back of the voucher are the stores where the vouchers are redeemable. The decoration voucher must be used within 28 days of issue. If what you need costs more than the value of the voucher you can simply pay the extra yourself. But if you choose something that costs less than the voucher value, we re sorry but we can t refund of the difference. Remember, you must get all of your decoration materials in one visit to the shop. The only exception to this is when goods you require aren t in stock and have to be specially ordered. That s it, happy decorating! Please find voucher enclosed in pocket of packet.

19 Declaration All decoration materials obtained using this voucher must only be used on the rooms agreed. You must show your Tenancy Agreement to the cashier when presenting your voucher. Name: Address: I I m confirming that I ve received a decoration voucher to the value of and I shall use it for the purpose stated above. I understand that if I don t, it s a breach of tenancy conditions, for which I ll be held accountable. Signed: Witnessed: Date:

20 Your application for a garage Surname: First Names: Address: Postcode: Tel. No: I am a: SSHA tenant Owner-Occupier Private tenant Other Do you, or a member of your family, already rent a SSHA garage? Yes No Description of vehicle for which garage is required: (car, motorbike etc) Registration No. Where is the vehicle kept at present? Where would you like your garage? Please note: Only in the most exceptional case, will a garage be allocated out of date of application. Two garages may not be allocated to one tenant if there are applicants waiting for their first garage. Declaration I confirm that the details given here are true and I will notify you immediately of any change(s) that may affect these details. Signed: Date: Return to: SSHA, Acton Court, Acton Gate, Staffordshire, ST18 9AP

21 Advice and Support Service If you need a hand managing your money or making claims for benefits the Advice and Support Service is exactly what you need. We ll provide individual, flexible help to make sure you manage your home effectively. We can help you with: Claiming the right benefits and grants Filling in forms and writing letters Offer advice on paying for gas, electricity and water supplies Making sure you pay your rent and other bills Getting the right help at the right time It s easy Our service is free and confidential We can to visit you at home. Offer advice over the phone. Or direct you to other agencies for help. Ways to get in touch Write to us at SSHA, Freepost, MID 19970, Stafford, ST18 9WX Call us on , support@ssha. co.uk or pop into the office.

22 Attendance Allowance Attendance allowance is a weekly benefit to help you cope with an illness or disability. To claim you should be over 65yrs, although younger claimants may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. These benefits are extra money paid in addition to most other benefits. Attendance Allowance is non-taxable and you don t have to pay National Insurance to get it. Attendance Allowance is paid to people who may need assistance because of ill health or a disability. You don t have to receive help from another person to qualify for the allowance. If you have a terminal illness there are easier rules for claiming. Do You Qualify? If you can answer yes to any of these questions it may be worth applying for Attendance Allowance. Do you find any of the following difficult? Dressing or undressing Washing Using the toilet Taking baths or showers Cutting up food Taking medication Rising from a chair Walking around indoors Do you need someone to be nearby because.. You re unsteady on your feet You ve had falls or accidents You can t see very well You can t hear very well You have an illness that comes on suddenly and puts you at risk? If you d like to claim Attendance Allowance or want to chat with one of our advisers about it ring a member of our Advice and Support Team on They re here to help.

23 Housing Benefit Application Name: Address: Telephone: Reference No: I would like some help with claiming for Housing Benefit Please write to me for any more information that you need I would like to make an appointment for an interview at your offices Please visit me at home Reason: Signed: Date:

24 Direct Payments of Housing Benefits Dear Sir/Madam DIRECT PAYMENTS OF HOUSING BENEFIT I hereby authorise Council to pay any Housing Benefit I am entitled to, direct to my landlord who is: SSHA, Acton Court, Acton Gate, Staffordshire ST18 9AP I understand that as SSHA will be receiving these payments it has a duty to notify Council of any changes to my circumstances, that it becomes aware of, that may affect my entitlement to Housing Benefit. Name: Address: Previous address: Telephone: Tenancy reference number: Signed: Date:

25 Authority for Disclosure Dear Sir/Madam AUTHORITY FOR DISCLOSURE I authorise you to disclose any information when requested, including personal details, to SSHA relating to any claim for Housing Benefit that I might make, whilst I am a tenant of any SSHA property. Name: Address: Telephone: Signed: Date:

26 Getting Involved Your Tenant Partnership Representative is: Telephone Number: The Tenant Partnership is a great way to have your say. It s made up of around 29 tenants from different areas. They represent you and your views. The Tenant Partnership is your main point of contact with us. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Members also attend Working and Partnership groups and can influence decisions made about key areas of housing services we provide. If you have any queries or concerns about your tenancy, Tenant Partnership members are there to offer advice, or act on your behalf when dealing with us. Resident and Community Involvement Team The aim of the Resident and Community Involvement Team is to support and encourage you and your local communities to get involved and influence the decisions made about our services. The team will help you with all sorts of opportunities to get involved as much or as little as you want. Why not think about: Becoming a Tenant Partnership member Becoming an Interested Customer Group member Taking part in Estate Walkabouts Joining a Residents Group Sending us your complaints, comments and compliments ing us at haveyoursay@ssha.co.uk What s the Interested Customer Group? The interested Customer Group is a group of tenants who have agreed to be available to complete surveys on how we work and the services we provide. Your responses help us measure how we re doing and spot how we can make things better. There s nothing formal about this group and involvement will be asked for as and when it s needed. Your chance to get involved If you would like more information about Resident and Community Involvement or how you can get involved, just ask a member of our Resident and Community Involvement team, call or complete the tear off slip over the page and send it to us at: SSHA, Freepost, MID 19970, Stafford, ST18 9WX

27 Getting Involved Form Yes! I d love to be involved. Please tell me more about it. Name: Address: Post Code: Daytime telephone number: Please return to the Resident and Community Involvement Team at our Freepost address: SSHA, Freepost, MID 19970, Stafford, ST18 9WX

28 Agency Support Form Are you receiving support from any other agencies? Yes No If yes please provide details Agency: Officer Details: Address: Telephone: Agency: Officer Details: Address: Telephone: Agency: Officer Details: Address: Telephone:

29 Authority for Disclosure Dear Sir/Madam AUTHORITY FOR DISCLOSURE I authorise you to disclose any information when requested, including personal details, to SSHA relating to any care and support I am receiving. Name: Address: Telephone: Signed: Date:

30 Income Management Checklist Name: Address: Post Code: Contact Details: Tenancy Start Date: Employment Status: In receipt of any Benefits? Yes No Was Housing Benefit being paid at a previous address? Yes No Will you be applying for Housing Benefit for this property? Yes No (Note: HB is only payable from the date you move into the property) Would you like help completing Housing Benefit forms? Yes No Would you like to make an appointment for an Advice and Support benefit check or Budgeting Plan? Yes No Please indicate preferred appointment times:

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32 A proud member of your local housing provider Acton Court Acton Gate Staffordshire ST18 9AP t: This leaflet is also available in: Large Print Braille Audio Other languages Tenant checked