The Support Booklet - South Essex Homes
The Support Booklet - South Essex Homes
The Support Booklet - South Essex Homes
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12 // SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS<br />
SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS // 13<br />
POSITIVES<br />
• Secure accommodation<br />
• Low rent<br />
• Repairs and maintenance<br />
carried out for you<br />
Types of Accommodation Available<br />
If you are ready to move from where you are currently living and have thought<br />
about how you will be able to support yourself, the following options may be<br />
available:<br />
SOUTH ESSEX HOMES TENANCY<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Essex</strong> <strong>Homes</strong> is the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO)<br />
that manages the Council properties in <strong>South</strong>end on Sea.<br />
If you are a new resident and have never been a resident of a council or<br />
housing association, you will start off with an introductory tenancy.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>re will be a probationary (introductory) period of 12 months.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>re are fewer legal rights, for instance, you do not have the right to buy,<br />
or mutually exchange and if you carry out home improvements, we will not<br />
compensate you.<br />
• You can be evicted more quickly and easily than a secure tenant.<br />
<strong>The</strong> probationary period enables you to demonstrate that you are<br />
responsible enough to become a secure tenant. As long as <strong>South</strong> <strong>Essex</strong><br />
<strong>Homes</strong> has not taken any legal action against you, you will automatically<br />
become a secure tenant on the anniversary of the signing of your<br />
introductory tenancy.<br />
NEGATIVES<br />
• Limited choice over where you<br />
will live<br />
• Can be a long waiting list<br />
• Can be restrictions if you wish to<br />
move<br />
RENTING PRIVATELY<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are numerous estate agents in the <strong>South</strong>end area that will list places<br />
available to rent. You can also look at the local newspapers and shop<br />
windows. It is important to think about the following things before entering<br />
into a contract with a landlord:<br />
• Will the property have any furniture?<br />
• Do I have to pay a deposit and any rent in advance? If so, do I have the<br />
money and will I be able to reclaim it if I decide not to move in?<br />
• How much will the rent, Council Tax and water rates be? Do I have enough<br />
money to pay for them? How and when will they be calculated and need to<br />
be paid?<br />
• If I am receiving benefit will the landlord accept this?<br />
• Do I need to provide references?<br />
• Do I know what services the landlord will provide if repairs are needed to<br />
the property?<br />
• Has the electricity and gas been checked by a professional?<br />
POSITIVES<br />
• Choice over where you live and<br />
type of accommodation<br />
• Not tied into the property long<br />
term<br />
NEGATIVES<br />
• Rent may be high<br />
• No long term security<br />
• May have difficulty securing<br />
repairs
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