Moving into social housing checklist
Before you move into social housing Here’s what to think about before moving in day. Read the small print What to check: What kind of tenancy agreement you’ll have [Cross-link to social housing tenancy...
View ArticleSocial housing tenancy agreements
What is a social housing tenancy agreement? It’s a contract between you and a local authority or housing association, which lets you legally live in a property in return for paying rent. What am I...
View ArticleHousemate ground rules
Issue 1: Cleaning and tidying Whether you’re working full time, studying or working from home, living with more than one person can lead to a build up of bathroom mildew, dirty dishes and criminally...
View ArticleWater bill
Do you pay for your water, or does your landlord/housing association? You need to find out, stat. Check your tenancy agreement – it should say so there. If your landlord/housing association pays for...
View ArticleHow to clean
So… what’s the minimum amount of cleaning you can do without being totally gross? Ideally, you want to do the following once a week: BATHROOM You’ll need: A toilet brush Bathroom spray Toilet cleaner A...
View ArticleDealing with damp
How do I know if I have damp? You’ll often notice damp on your walls or ceilings. Looks-wise, it shows up as gross speckle patches of black mould, sort of like someone’s flicked black watercolor paint...
View ArticleHow to get online in my new place
Getting a good broadband deal Use comparison sites to find a cheaper deal, but don’t be fooled by dirt-cheap offers. It often means slower speed, which can be really annoying if you continuously...
View ArticleHow do I set up electricity in my new home?
Does your house have a prepayment meter? A prepayment meter allows you to pay for your electricity upfront and works in a similar way to a pay-as-you go mobile phone. You use a key or token to top up...
View ArticleGas bills and boilers
How to choose a gas supplier This is the company that will send your bills. Use a comparison website to find the best supplier for you. And remember that many gas suppliers will also supply...
View ArticleHome truths app
About to move out for the first time? Whether you’re moving into student accommodation or your own place, living away from home can be an eye opening and daunting experience. Home Truths is here to...
View ArticleWho do I need to tell when I move house?
Utilities and services All the boring bills, basically. Cancel your old ones and set up your new ones: Water. Gas. Electric. Phones (landline and mobile – your mobile company will just need to know...
View ArticleI emigrated to England
My family and I used to live in Belgium and, to me, life was great. Most of my extended family live there, so there was never a loss of aunts to spoil me, or cousins to play with. My Dad is a...
View ArticleMoving into social housing checklist
Before you move into social housing Here’s what to think about before moving in day. Read the small print What to check: What kind of tenancy agreement you’ll have [Cross-link to social housing tenancy...
View Article5 tips for choosing the right student house for you
When do I need my student house sorted by? The scenario: All your new uni friends are starting to panic about getting a house for next year because the estate agents are telling you “all the best...
View ArticleDo you need to leave home? Here’s a guide to help
If home isn’t safe… No one deserves to live somewhere they don’t feel safe. Remember that you have the right to phone 999 if you’re ever in immediate danger- that’s what they’re there for! You can also...
View ArticleSeeking support for homelessness
In the next part of our interview with Emily, Georgia, James, Kyle and Emily T, we asked them about their experience of looking for help after leaving home. They gave us their top tips and advice and...
View ArticleI was forced to leave home
Working alongside Youth Voice, which is a part of the homelessness charity, St. Basils, we spoke to five young people who have been vulnerably housed or have experienced homelessness. Emily, James,...
View ArticleHow do you move on from homelessness?
In the third and final part of our interview series with Emily, Kyle, James, Georgia and Emily T, we asked them about the stereotyping they were confronted with as young people who have been homeless....
View ArticleCoronavirus: What are my tenancy rights?
Hi, I’m Monica! I graduated from the University of Leicester with a Law degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at Leicester Institute of Legal Practice. I have worked in a specialist employment...
View ArticleA guide to coping with homelessness during lockdown
Being homeless or vulnerably housed is tough at the best of times, but with the added stress of coronavirus, it’s particularly challenging. Interruptions to vital services such as funding, food support...
View Article