Moving Home
Moving home can be stressful and expensive. Everyone who is moving into an Erimus or Tees Valley property will be invited to come to a Tandem appointment. Find out more about these appointments. Although the first weeks of a new tenancy are very busy, it makes sense to make time to attend a Tandem appointment – you never know what you might find out!
As a tenant or leaseholder, you can contact Tandem as often as you like, for free, confidential advice and practical support on a wide range of money matters.
Moving into an Erimus or Tees Valley property
There is also a BBC Moving Home Checklist, which may help you to plan and organise your move.
Here are some of the things to remember:
- You will be charged rent from the first Monday of your tenancy, which is the day your tenancy agreement starts.
- It is your responsibility to arrange for your rent to be paid from the first day of your new tenancy (a Monday), because you will get into debt if you don’t do this. If you rely on housing benefit to pay all or some of your rent, it is very important that you fill in the claim form and provide all the information you are asked for, as soon as you move in.
- If you don’t do this in time, you may need to find the money to pay the first few weeks rent in cash. Also, housing benefit can only be paid from the day you move in, so if you don’t move in on the first day of your new tenancy (a Monday) you will need to pay the difference yourself in cash.
- You can contact Tandem for advice as soon as you view and accept your new home, to help prevent problems with your rent.
- Sometimes, you will be given a small decorating grant for use on your new home. Not all properties are eligible – ask your estate officer about this during your sign-up interview.
- Buying furniture and electrical items for your home can be expensive. Lots of charitable organisations sell good quality, used furniture and white goods at affordable prices, so there is likely to be a shop near you. If you prefer to buy brand new goods, Tandem has formed a partnership with The Co-operative Electrical to offer exclusive deals on a range of kitchen appliances and lifestyle products to residents. A brochure containing more information will be available soon.
- It may be tempting to take out a quick and easy loan with a doorstep lender, who may call on you as soon as you move in, so you can get the things you need for your new home. Find out what other options you may have, if you are thinking about taking out a loan.
Whilst you are a tenant
- You will be responsible for keeping it in good condition, and it may cost you money for repairs if you don’t do this.
- Erimus and Tees Valley has a tenant reward scheme and you could win up to £100 in a quarterly prize draw, for paying your rent regularly.
Moving out of an Erimus or Tees Valley property
You can qualify for a golden goodbye reward when you end your tenancy if you:
- Give four weeks notice and allow accompanied viewings while you are still in your home
- Leave your home in excellent condition
- Allow a pre-termination inspection and minor repairs to be carried out to your property during your notice period
If you end your tenancy, you will be entitled to £25 for each of the three elements, up to a maximum of £75 , through the golden goodbye scheme. A member of staff will explain to you if you have qualified for a reward. Any payment will be sent to your new forwarding address, as long as you have no outstanding debts to the company.