Welcome to my new home - moving in guide

We will send you an e-mail which will provide detail about the property and what steps you need to take next:

• the property address
• the rent amount
• what documents you will need to send in to us
• and which forms you’ll need to complete as part of our tenancy checks

You will receive a telephone call from us with arrangements for the viewing.  We’ll show you around the inside of the property and any outside areas. We can also answer any questions you have.

Please contact us if you have any urgent questions before the viewing or need to reschedule or cancel the appointment on 0300 303 8540.

As part of My New Home procedure, we ask you to complete an Affordability Assessment form as well as an Applicants My New Home form.

We also need evidence of :

• Your proof of identity (for all household members)
• Proof of your address
• Your national insurance number
• Three months of bank statements for all banking accounts for all adults moving into the property.

Once we have checked these and complete the affordability interview with you we can progress to signing you up for your new tenancy agreement.

We can do this through an electronic document service or in person if you prefer. You will receive a copy of:

• Your new tenancy agreement
• The key safe code
• Meter readings for utilities in your new home
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR) as well as other important documents for your new home.

Once you move into your property, we can signpost you to local organisations who can offer furniture and appliances including fridges and cookers as our homes come unfurnished and you will need to supply your own. We may also be able to give you a decorating voucher which will enable you to purchase paint brushes, paint and other decorating materials as decorating your home is your responsibility. We can discuss this if you choose to accept the property.

We let our properties with the gas supply disconnected. If you accept the property, we will make arrangements for the gas to be reconnected when you start your tenancy.

We look forward to meeting you at the viewing and showing you around your potential new home.

It’s best to set up your accounts with the current supplier straight away as this is now your responsibility. You will be informed who the utility supplier is for your new home when you sign for your tenancy agreement.

You can find out who your gas supplier is here:
Find my supplier

You can find your electricity supplier here
Find my network operator

When you sign your tenancy agreement, will give you up-to-date meter readings for your gas and electricity metres. You should give these to the suppliers when you set up your accounts. Here’s a helpful link if you are struggling to pay your energy bills.

There are many ways to pay your rent.

Direct debit is the easiest way to pay. You can set this up online or over the phone with or securely.

Whichever payment method you use, you are responsible for payments reaching us on time. Universal Credit replaces housing benefit for many residents. Our Income Team can advise on how to manage your claim and rent payments. Contact us immediately if you have difficulty paying your rent. The earlier you contact us the better, as there will be more, we can do to help you.

If you earn a low income, are unemployed, or live alone, you may be able to get a discount or help with paying your council tax.

Find your local council

As a responsible landlord at South Lakes Housing, we remind all customers to take out household content insurance. We’ve teamed up with royal and sun alliance insurance company to provide low-cost contents insurance specifically for South lakes housing residents. If contents insurance sounds like a good idea you can find out more and apply today

• Apply Online
• Call 0345 671 8172 if you have any questions or would like to apply by phone.
• Download Application Form here.
• Download RSA Key Information Sheet here.

How to furnish your home on a budget

There are many ways to furnish your home without spending lots of money as most of our homes come unfurnished without beds, furniture, carpeting, and white goods like fridges and washing machines and here are some ideas for you.

Ask family and friends

It can be surprisingly easy to get furniture for free. People often end up giving away household items when they’re having a clear out because it’s the easiest way to get rid of them. Ask family and friends if they have any items they are no longer using.

Check online

Websites like Freecycle Freegle Gumtree can have all kinds of free furniture, from small items, like toasters and kettles, to tables and even sofas.

Buy second hand

Check out local charity shops or go online to eBay and Facebook marketplace