Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant | Tenant news

Your home is your own space, and it’s important that you feel secure, respected and supported in it.

As a Habinteg tenant, knowing your rights and responsibilities makes a big difference. It helps you understand the support you can count on, what you can ask us for, and what we expect from you in return to keep your tenancy running smoothly.

What are your rights?

Social housing tenants have a number of rights protected by law and overseen by organisations such as the Housing Ombudsman.

As a Habinteg tenant, you have the right to:

• Stay in your home for as long as you continue to meet the terms of your tenancy.
• Live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home.
• Have repairs completed within a reasonable timeframe.
• Be treated fairly, with respect and without discrimination.
• Receive clear information about your tenancy, our services and any changes that may affect you.
• Ask questions and request information about how your home and services are managed.

Your home should meet the Decent Homes Standard. This means it should be in a reasonable state of repair, free from serious health and safety risks, and have suitable heating and insulation.

You also have the right to have your voice heard. Whether you want to report an issue, share feedback, suggest an improvement or understand how a decision has been made, we want to hear from you.

Your responsibilities

Alongside your rights, your tenancy agreement also sets out the things you’re responsible for.

You’re responsible for making sure your rent and any other charges are paid on time. If you’re worried about keeping up with payments, support is available. Call our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 and ask to speak to the Rent Assist Team.

You’re also responsible for looking after your home by keeping it clean and tidy, taking care of your garden where applicable, and completing small household tasks and repairs.

If you want to make changes to your home, such as installing a satellite dish, TV aerial or other fixtures, you’ll need to ask for permission – in writing - before starting any work.

Being a good neighbour is an important part of your tenancy. You should treat others with respect and make sure visitors to your home do the same.

This includes avoiding antisocial behaviour, such as excessive noise, threatening behaviour or abusive language. Serious or ongoing issues caused by you or your visitors could affect your tenancy.

You must also allow Habinteg staff and contractors access to your home when needed, for example to carry out repairs, safety checks or inspections.

If you’re going to be away from your home for 28 days or more, remember to let us know beforehand.

Getting support

If you have questions about your tenancy, your rights or your responsibilities, your Neighbourhood Coordinator can help.

You can also contact our Customer Services Team - by emailing direct@habinteg.org.uk or calling 0300 365 3100 - for help and to find out contact details for your Neighbourhood Team.

For independent advice, you can call Citizens Advice on 0800 123 4567 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Find out more about your rights and responsibilities at www.habinteg.org.uk/your-rights.

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