What To Expect When Offered A Property

I have been offered a council property – what happens next?

We try to ensure that properties are empty between tenants for as little time as possible. Once any urgent repairs have been carried out you will be contacted by the lettings team. They will arrange for you to view the property within the next few days. If you accept the property you will be given a key safe code, which you can use to access the keys for the property at an agreed time and date. You will be responsible for paying the rent once you have possession of the keys.

What happens at the viewing?

• You will need to bring two forms of identification including one with a photo. These can include passport, driving licence, or a utility bill with your name and address.
• This will be your opportunity to have a good look around the property inside and out. The Neighbourhood Housing Officer will be happy to answer any questions you have.
• The Neighbourhood Housing Officer will explain the terms of the tenancy and direct you to our online Tenants Handbook.
• You will be shown where the stopcock is for your property.
• You will be shown where the gas and electricity meters are in your new property and the officer will take meter readings.
• You will need to arrange a "turn on and test" appointment for the heating system – this will be explained at the viewing.
• If, having viewed the property, you decide to refuse the property you will be asked to complete a refusal form.

What happens after the viewing?

• You will need to follow the instructions from your Neighbourhood Housing Officer. You will need to either complete the Housing Benefit change of address form, a Universal Credit change of address form and/or pay one to two weeks rent (depending on your circumstances).
• Your Neighbourhood Housing Officer will supply you with instructions and the code for the key safe after you have supplied all documentation relevant to the viewing and sign up process.
• Your tenancy will start from the date you sign your tenancy.
• If you are transferring from another Ashford Borough Council property you will be asked to complete a Notice to Vacate form at the viewing. You will need to return your keys at an agreed time via a key safe that will be installed on your property.
• If you delay the key return past the advised time, you will be charged for a further week's rent.
• You must tell us when you have left the keys and vacated the property by calling 01233 330688 or emailing the team.

Tenants Privacy Notice

We as a local housing authority manage and maintain all council owned properties in the borough of Ashford, we need to collect your personal information to administer our housing (landlord & tenant) services. Most of the personal information we hold about you is provided by you. The information collected and held will vary and depend on the nature of the service. If you choose not to provide us with the information we ask for, in many cases, we will not be able to provide you with the service. Our Housing Services Landlord and Tenant Privacy Notice shows when and with whom we may share your data.

If you have any further questions please contact the Housing Services team on 01233 330688 or email the team.