Market rent homes
If you rent a market rent home from us, this page provides information about paying your rent, reporting repairs and managing your tenancy.
Market rent homes are charged at rates similar to other privately rented homes in the local area, rather than at social or affordable rent levels.
Our market rent homes are advertised via local estate and letting agents.
Your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement sets out your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
When you sign your tenancy, you will receive a copy of your tenancy agreement. Keep it safe, as you may need to refer to it in the future.
Paying your rent
All rent is paid by Direct Debit and due monthly in advance.
Your rights and responsibilities
Your Rights
The property is your home for the duration of your tenancy. As long as you keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement, you have the right to live in your home and enjoy it peacefully. We will carry out an annual inspection and will contact you beforehand to arrange a visit.
Your Responsibilities
Under your tenancy agreement, you must:
- pay your rent on time
- be considerate and respectful to your neighbours
- let us know when repairs are needed
- provide access for inspections, safety checks and repairs when required
Repairs and looking after your home
We are responsible for the structure of your home, communal areas, and any fixtures and fittings we have provided. This includes:
- plumbing
- heating
- communal areas
- roofs, gutters, and drains
- keeping your home secure and weatherproof
You are responsible for:
- interior decoration
- maintaining your garden
- looking after any goods you bring into your home
- minor household maintenance such as changing light bulbs, oiling door hinges and locks, and clearing blocked sinks
Your inventory, provided with your tenancy agreement, lists the appliances we provide and maintain.
You can report a repair online. In an emergency, call us on 01452 424344.
Joint tenancies
A joint tenancy allows two or more people to rent a home together under one tenancy agreement. All tenants share equal rights and responsibilities, including responsibility for paying the rent and following the terms of the tenancy.
If one tenant breaches the tenancy agreement, all joint tenants are held responsible.
We will carry out a financial assessment and seek references for all applicants.
Ending your tenancy
Your tenancy agreement explains how and when you can end your tenancy. In most cases, you will need to give us written notice and provide at least two months’ notice.
Once we receive your notice we will write to confirm the date your tenancy will end. We will also provide details of your check-out inventory, which will usually take place on your final day.
If you have a joint tenancy, any tenant can give notice to end the tenancy for everyone named on the agreement.
If one or more tenants wish to stay in the property, they will need to complete a new application before the notice period ends.
Getting your deposit back
Your check-out inventory will usually take place on your final day at the property. During the inspection we will compare the property’s condition with the inventory provided at the start of your tenancy.
If we identify any issues, we will discuss them with you during the inspection and explain any potential deductions from your deposit. Any agreed deductions will be confirmed in writing.
Once the check-out process is complete, we will submit the landlord’s part of the deposit release with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). You will then need to complete the tenant’s part of the process on the DPS website.
After both parties have completed their sections, the DPS will release your deposit. If you disagree with any proposed deductions, you can raise a dispute directly with the DPS for independent review.