Tenants' handbook
On this page you'll find all the information you need to know about being a tenant. The factsheets below have replaced all previous paper editions of the Tenants' handbook. You can download and keep them for future reference. You should also refer to your Tenancy Agreement.
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Repairs and maintenance
Repairs
Keeping your home a safe and enjoyable place to live is important to us.
This guide sets out the service you can expect to receive from Osborne Property Services and Sun Realm, our repairs and maintenance partners. It also tells you how we can support you with repairs that are your responsibility.
Tenants' Handbook - Repairs (PDF 322KB)
This guide shows you the prices we charge for the rechargeable repairs we are often asked to carry out.
Tenants' Handbook - Recharges price list (PDF 205KB)
Fencing
This factsheet explains which fences are your responsibility and when we will build a new fence or wall.
Tenants' Handbook - Fencing (PDF 307KB)
Condensation, damp and mould
Most damp, mould or mildew in the home is caused by factors such as the temperature of your home or poor ventilation. Find out more about damp, mould and condensation.
Alterations and improvements to your home
Council tenants must ask us for permission to make alterations or improvements to your home. You can find out more on our Home improvement page.
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Paying for your water
In April 2018, we stopped charging our tenants for water and wastewater services. Instead, the water companies now send you a separate bill and it will be your responsibility to pay them directly.
This factsheet tells you more information about paying for your water.
Tenants' Handbook - Paying for your water (PDF 422KB) -
Your tenancy
Types of tenancy
As a tenant you will have one of the following types of tenancy:
- Introductory tenancy (usually for the first 12 months from the date that you start your first tenancy with us). Upon successful completion of your Introductory tenancy you will automatically be issued with a five-year Flexible tenancy.
- Flexible tenancy (usually tenants whose first tenancy with us started on or after 1 April 2013 and who have successfully completed an Introductory tenancy).
- Secure tenancy or ‘Lifetime tenancy’ (all tenants of supported housing, and usually all other tenants whose first tenancy with us started on or before 31 March 2013).
- Joint tenancy
- Demoted tenancy
Standard for letting empty homes
Find out more about the work we do to your home to make sure it is safe, comfortable and clean when you move in on our standard for letting empty homes page.
Changing or ending your tenancy
If you need to make any changes to your tenancy or end it, then please visit our Changing or ending a tenancy page, which includes information on what to do when a tenant dies.Leaving your home
This leaflet contains all the information you need when you are leaving your home.
Tenants' Handbook - Leaving your home (PDF 640KB) -
Living in your home
Contents insurance
We offer all our tenants the opportunity to take out home contents insurance with our own special scheme. The prospectus below tell you more about this service.
Home Contents Insurance Prospectus (PDF 369KB)
Pets
This factsheet contains information about keeping a pet in your council home.
Tenants' Handbook - Pets (PDF 731KB)
We have again been successful in receiving the Gold Award from the RSPCA for the steps we take to promote responsible pet ownership amongst our tenants:
RSPCA Paw Prints Gold Award - Dacorum Borough Council 2020 (PDF 265KB)
Anti-social behaviour
This factsheet contains information about anti-social behaviour, how to report it and how we will help.
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Paying for your home
Rent
The factsheet below is a guide to paying your council rent.
Tenants Handbook - Rent (PDF 191KB)Recharges
This factsheet contains information about recharges and rechargeable repairs.
Tenants' Handbook - Recharges (PDF 326KB)
Tenants' Handbook - Recharges price list (PDF 474KB)If you would like to pay your recharge by standing order, please print this form and take it to your bank.
Standing Order request form (PDF 163KB) -
Health and safety in your home
Fire safety
This factsheet explains what you should do to keep your home safe and prevent fires.
Tenants' Handbook - Fire Safety (PDF 302KB)
These sheets show the fire safety information we give to residents of our blocks of flats, supported housing schemes and temporary accommodation.
Fire Safety Policy - Blocks of flats with lifts (PDF 131KB)
Fire Safety Policy - Blocks of flats without lifts (PDF 131KB)
Fire Safety Policy - Supported Housing schemes (PDF 132KB)
Fire Safety Policy - Temporary accommodation (PDF 141KB)Electrical safety
This factsheet shows how you and the council can work together to make sure that your electrical appliances are safe to use.
Tenants' Handbook - Electrical Safety (PDF 521KB)
Asbestos in the home
Many of our properties were built using materials that contain asbestos. This factsheet explains why most asbestos is not a cause for concern and tells you how to avoid possible danger to your own and your family’s health.
Tenants' Handbook - Asbestos in the Home (PDF 313KB)Legionella
This factsheet explains what we will do to keep your water supply safe.
Tenants' Handbook - Legionella and Water Safety (PDF 276KB)Gas safety
This factsheet shows how you and the council can work together to make sure that your gas appliances are safe to use.
Tenants' Handbook - Gas Safety (PDF 327KB)Clear landings
This factsheet provides information about our clear landings policy and safety in the communal areas (such as hallways or landings) of blocks of flats. It also tells you about what will happen if items are left in communal areas.
Tenants' Handbook - Clear Landings (PDF 303KB)Lofts and roof spaces
These factsheets tell you about whether you can store your belongings in the loft or roof space of your home. They also tell you about what we will do if we need to move your belongings to access the space.
Tenants' Handbook - Lofts and roof spaces in blocks of flats (PDF 344KB)
Tenants' Handbook - Lofts and roof spaces in houses (PDF 324KB) -
Moving home
Bedroom standards
This factsheet explains the Dacorum Bedroom Standard and the Government Bedroom Standard. It tells you what size property you are eligible for based on your household make-up.
Tenants' Handbook - Bedroom standards (PDF 508KB)Changing or ending your tenancy
If you need to make any changes to your tenancy or end it, then please visit our Changing or ending a tenancy page, which includes information on what to do when a tenant dies.
Leaving your home
This leaflet contains all the information you need when you are leaving your home.
Tenants' Handbook - Leaving your home (PDF 640KB)
Rights and responsibilities
We are a Registered Social Landlord, so your tenancy with us comes with rights and responsibilities, some of which are set out in law. Many of these can be found in your Tenancy Agreement.
Contact us
You can contact the Housing team by emailing housing@dacorum.gov.uk or by phoning 01442 228000 and asking for 'Housing'.