Moving into your home

Once you have secured your accommodation, there are some things you need to do when you first move in.

One of these things is for you to sign a 'tenancy agreement'. This is a legal contract between you and the landlord. Your tenancy agreement will state:

The date you can move in
How long the contract is for
How much the rent is
When you must pay the rent
A list of repairs and maintenance that are your responsibility, and which are the landlord's responsibility
Any other rules or restrictions, for example having pets or smoking restrictions

You can find out about your responsibilities and rights as a tenant in the Government's How to Rent guide.

In general, a landlord and tenant have the following responsibilities:

Landlord

Collecting rent
Keeping your building safe and in good condition
Providing everything set out in your tenancy agreement (including furniture if agreed)
Handling or paying for repairs to the house and appliances covered by the tenancy agreement

Tenant

Paying your rent in full and on time
Keeping the house clean and not misusing it or any furniture included
Contacting the landlord if there are any repairs needed or if there are any issues with the house
Allowing the landlord to enter to repair your home or to do an inspection at a time and frequency agreed in the tenancy agreement

Paying your rent

Your tenancy agreement will set out how much rent needs to be paid and how often - this will usually be monthly. When you are first recognised as a refugee, it is likely you will have no income, so you will be entitled to claim benefits to help pay all or part of your rent and to cover expenses such as food and bills.

Benefits will usually be paid directly to you, and you are responsible for paying your housing and living costs with the money you receive.

Gas, electricity and water for your property

When you move in, your water, gas and electricity should already be working.

You should contact the energy suppliers stated in your tenancy agreement who will make necessary arrangements to set up how you will pay for your gas and electricity.

In Sunderland the water supplier is Northumbrian Water. You can set up an account and find out ways to pay online at nwl.co.uk

Gas and electricity can be expensive, so doing things like turning the heating off when you leave the house, or keeping windows closed when you have the heating on can save you money. Make sure that you turn off lights and do not leave electrical appliances on when they not in use. This also helps to protect the environment, as it creates less waste and pollution.

You may be asked by the energy provider to give meter readings for your gas and electricity. When you move into your property make a note of the readings that day.

For additional support, Citizens Advice provide information on how to find your energy supplier and how to provide meter readings, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/

Register and pay for Council Tax

You are liable for paying Council Tax for your property. This is a set amount each year which runs from April to March. You can pay this monthly by direct debit from your bank account.

Every Sunderland resident pays Council Tax which is then used by Sunderland City Council for local services such as care, social services, police and bin collections. To find out more visit Council tax - Sunderland City Council.

To set up you council tax payment visit Ways to pay - Sunderland City Council.

If you are receiving some benefits, you can apply for Council Tax Support which helps pay for some of your Council Tax bill. Apply and find out more about Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reliefs.

Getting a phone and access to the internet

You can arrange to have a land line (fixed phone) installed at your home and pay a monthly fee to use it, known as line rental. A land line is usually needed to receive internet access. Depending on the deal you choose, the provider will either send you the equipment to set up yourself or somebody will visit to help you install it.

Most people will also have their own personal mobile phone. Mobile phones will vary in cost, but basic mobile phones are available for as little as £10. Smartphones, which can access the internet, are more expensive. You can get a contract where you pay monthly to use a mobile, or a pay as you go deal where you pay for what you use.

There are a wide range of deals, so you should check with several providers before buying or taking out a contract.

Moving into your new home checklist

Have you received a tenancy agreement from your landlord?
Have registered for gas, electricity and water, and provided your meter readings?
Have you registered for Council Tax?
Have you informed your GP practice that you have moved? You need to tell them your new address. If you have not registered with a GP visit how to register with a GP
Have you informed your dental practice that you have moved? You need to tell them your new address. If you have not registered with a dentist visit Find a dentist - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Rubbish, waste and recycling

All Sunderland homes are provided with two household waste bins. You must present your bin on the street outside of your property by 7.30am with the lid fully closed on your collection day. You can find out your bin collection day at Sunderland City Council.

Blue bin

The blue bin is for recyclable waste only. Find out what you can and can't put in the blue bin.

Green bin - general household waste

The green bin is for most general household waste items that cannot be recycled. Find out what you can and can't put in the green bin.

Batteries, vapes and electricals

Batteries, items containing batteries, vapes and electrical items should not be put in your blue or green bin. Instead, they should be taken to one of our Household and Waste Recycling Centres.

Find out where else you can take batteries, vapes and electricals.

Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC)

You can take any extra household waste or recycling, larger items for disposal, or other items such as batteries, vapes, electricals and hazardous waste, to one of our Household Waste and Recycling Centres. Please book a slot (free of charge) before you go. Find out more about the centres and book a slot at www.sunderland.gov.uk/hwrc

For more information about waste and recycling, please visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/householdwaste