Other Things to Think About

We are currently working with young people to customise these pages

Keeping your house clean

Hoovering, dusting, washing your clothes and making your bed. These are just some of the things that you may need to learn how to do.

Our homes also need to be healthy, so it is good to know how to prevent germs from spreading.

Cooking

Learn how to cook healthy meals:

Adult learning courses in our Community Wellbeing Hubs – you might want to sign up to our healthy eating course – take a look at what’s on in your area
Youtube videos on how to cook – useful videos that teach cooking skills.

Food hygiene

Learn all about food hygiene:

Who do you want to live with?

You do not want your new home to be a lonely experience, especially if you find it hard to make new friends.

So your first step into living away from the family home could be done as a small group of friends living together.

It can be really good living with a small group of friends. But living with a friend can be very different. Having the chance to live together for short periods of time can help you and the group decide:

If you would like to live together
Which household jobs you will need to share
What house rules you might like to put in place and
What support you might need.

Tenant responsibilities

Paying your bills

You are responsible for paying your gas/electric and water
You will be informed every year of any increases to your rent
You are responsible for arranging insurance for your own belongings.

Looking after your home

You need to keep your home clean and tidy inside
You need to keep your home clean and tidy outside, make sure your bins are emptied and take care of your garden/balcony/patio. Anyone working for your landlord will carry an I.D badge, and this includes people coming to do your repairs. Always ask to see it
You should always let your landlords staff in to do repairs
You should ask your landlord first if want to keep a pet.

Your Landlord will usually be responsible for:

Roof, walls and doors
Chimneys
Window frames (but not glass)
Any garages or sheds they have provided
Ceilings
Skirting boards
Drains & gutters.

Your landlord should also keep in good working order:

Water, gas, electricity and heating
Kitchen/bathroom fittings provided by them

Be a good neighbour

Do not play loud music, or have your television or radio loud, especially at night
You are responsible for your pets
If you have a problem with a neighbour, contact someone on your ‘who to help’ list
Do not be abusive to people
You are responsible for your visitors
Do not park on footpaths.

Moving out

When you want or need to move out you will need to give your landlord Notice that you are leaving

You need to return all keys and fobs
You need to leave your home clean and tidy (your landlord will normally do an inspection to check)
Make sure you take all your belongings and rubbish.
If you have any problems talk to your landlord who may be able to help.