Tenants Advice

The responsibilities of both BCivic as the landlord and those of BCivic tenants are detailed in the Tenancy Agreement, with the Tenant’s Handbook, outlining in a practical sense how the responsibilities are applied.

Tenants primarily have an “assured” tenancy which in essence means that they can remain in occupation as long as they adhere to their Conditions of Tenancy.  This type of tenancy does not allow them the “Right to Buy”.

A few long serving tenants have a “secure” tenancy which has a “Right to Buy” provision.

The responsibilities of a tenant are specific and the various elements must be strictly adhered to.  Failure to do so can result in action being taken to redress the situation and for those tenants who persistently do not comply, Court action may be instigated.

Key Responsibilities

Methods of rent payment
Rent is due every Monday one week in advance.  The Association accepts payment from tenants by a variety of methods as detailed below:-

Via The Bank
Lloyds/TSB accept on our behalf rent payments by use of vouchers from the Rent Voucher Book – these are supplied pre printed by the Association.

Standing Order
Lloyds/TSB and all other Banks or Building Societies can set up weekly or monthly standing order facilities.

Cardnet
The Association has the facility to accept payments by debit and credit cards.  All that is required is a weekly phone call to the office or if you prefer we can telephone you on a particular day and time to suit you.

Direct payments
Cheque payments can be sent to the office through the Post.  Similarly cash or cheque payments can be paid at the Office.  We do not recommend cash being sent to us in the Post.

In special circumstances we will call at a tenant’s home to collect rent.

Housing Benefits

Tenants who are in receipt of Housing Benefit sometimes need to advise the service of change of circumstances or submit a new claim.  They can have instant access to the Benefits Service if they use the dropdown facility.

Problem debt is an issue that growing numbers of people are having to face up to.  Many people are struggling to make the repayments on loans and credit cards.  The charity the Consumer Credit Counselling Service can help by providing debt advice free of charge to anybody who needs it.  You can also find help online at

CCCS Debt Remedy, the charity’s anonymous debt counselling service.

Neighbour Relations

Every tenant is expected to live in harmony with their neighbours and not cause nuisance which may affect their neighbour’s quiet enjoyment.  Whilst the Association will take action against any tenant who behaves anti-socially, it will equally support a tenant who finds themselves a victim of such behaviour.  The Association will take appropriate action within its power against the perpetrator.

Housekeeping

Every tenant is expected to keep the internal fabric of their homes clean and tidy, this includes decorations.  Tenants are expected to maintain and cultivate their gardens; in the case of tenants of flats they are jointly responsible for the upkeep of the garden and communal areas.

Transfers & Exchanges

It is recognised that the homes in which tenants live sometimes become unsuitable for their needs as a result of the numbers living in the property.  In these circumstances an opportunity to transfer to another Civic property does exist, but moves are dependent on property availability.  A Transfer Form can be downloaded from this website.

Homeswapper

Homeswapper is a facility that can be used by tenants seeking to move to other Registered Social Landlords or when a move to another part of the country is required. Access to the Homeswapper website is available as a download.

We do consider mutual exchanges whereby Civic tenants can, subject to agreement, exchange their home with a tenant of another Registered Social Landlord.  Tenants seeking a move of this type are advised to contact the office.

Tenant Involvement

The Association actively encourages every tenant to be involved in the management of their homes either by becoming a member of the Focus/Opinion Group or Board of Management.

In addition, tenants’ views on the quality of service provision are sought during the annual tenant liaison visit or satisfaction surveys.

The Association’s policy on tenant involvement is available as a download.

Appointments

Tenants are required under the terms of the Conditions of Tenancy to allow access to their homes by Officers and Contractors with reasonable notice.  Where it is possible appointments will be made at times convenient to both parties.  Contractors will normally arrange either a morning or afternoon appointment as it is not possible due to work commitments to give specific times of arrival.