New tenants
Welcome, we hope you will be happy in your new home. This page contains some information that may help if you have recently moved into a Council property.
Managing your rent account
You will have paid four weeks rent in advance at your sign-up appointment - you should keep continue to keep your rent account in credit at all times. You can pay your rent in a variety of ways.
Gas, Electricity and Water
You are responsible for getting your gas, electricity and water supplies set up in your name. As standard, our properties are set up with British Gas for gas and electricity, and Anglian Water for water supplies.
When you sign your tenancy agreement, we'll give you up-to-date readings of your gas, electricity and water meters. You should give these to the suppliers when you set up your accounts.
Council Tax
You are responsible for paying Council Tax for your property - you should register with Council Tax. If you earn a low income, are unemployed, or live alone, you may be able to get a discount or help with paying your Council Tax.
Decorating your home
You are responsible for decorating the inside of your home. We may give you a decorating voucher when you move in. If you are awarded a voucher, you can use this voucher at the Wilkos, Parkway Long Sutton, Bridge Hardware Sutton Bridge, Andrews Spalding, and Tonwoods Holbeach - it must be used within 3 months.
Your new home does not come with carpets or furniture. If you receive state benefits, you may be able to get a Budgeting Loan/Budgeting Advance from the Job Centre. Spalding Town Husbands offers grants to some households via the Spalding Relief in Need Charity - please contact Citizens Advice for more information. You can also seek cheap and sometimes free items from Facebook Market Place and charity shops.
Sheltered housing tenants
Sheltered Housing tenants have additional services available to them including a telecare service and weekly Meet and Greet sessions.
Welcome to Sheltered Housing Letter (PDF) [280KB] (opens new window)
Contents insurance
It's important to have insurance for the contents of your home.
Disabled aids and adaptions
We can install a range of home aids or adaptations to help you live more independently or improve your standard of living. Further information can be found here.
TV Licensing and satellite installation
If you have a TV, you need a licence. If you don't have one you could face a substantial fine. Visit TV Licensing for more information. Please ensure you ask for permission before installing a satellite dish. Note, there may be additional requirements on our new build estates due to the covenants in place by the developer.
Rubbish and garden waste collection
The Council operates a weekly household rubbish collection facility, collected in bags, not wheelie bins.
Reporting repairs
As you settle into your home, you may find some repairs that need reporting. Please report them to us as soon as possible by phoning 01775 761161.
Meet your neighbours
Getting to know your neighbours can be a great way to settle into your new home. Whilst knocking on the door of your neighbours to say hello can be daunting at first, it helps to build a relationship from day one.
Settling into your home
We will visit you at least three times during the first 12 months of your tenancy. You can contact your Housing Officer about rent or tenancy queries between these times by phoning 01775 761161 or emailing estatemanagement@sholland.gov.uk
Useful contacts
Lincolnshire County Council provides many services including education, roadworks and social services for the district, further information can be found by clicking on the links below