Sign-ups

Government guidance says moving home should be delayed when  possible at the moment. A move can go ahead if it’s into a void (as opposed to into an occupied property e.g. mutual exchanges) and sometimes a move is urgent despite the practical challenges right now.

To avoid face to face sign-ups in these case there is a Word tenancy agreement for those cases. Fill in (add rows for bigger families etc) and save as a PDF to email to new tenants. Turning it into a PDF before sending it is vital to minimise the risk of tenancy agreements that can be changed being passed between people and, potentially, used in scams / fraud.

The interim tenancy agreement accompanies the unsigned tenancy agreements guidance.  This includes wording that could be cut and pasted into an accompanying email.

Other tips

APIT – deal with as you would with the tenancy agreement explaining what this is. Send in the post to the new tenant and email [email protected] to say that you have done this. Make a note on a copy of this that this is what you have done and file with the tenancy agreement

Smoke alarm form – explain what this is and send to the tenant. Make a note on a copy of this and file with the tenancy agreement

Redecorating card – advise the tenant what you are sending and how to use it (there is also a leaflet you can include which explains this). After loading the card with a value post to the tenant. Ask the tenant to let you know if they don’t receive this as it can be cancelled and reissued. File the redecorating allowance form showing the amount granted.  NB:  At present redecorating cards can only be issue from staff based in 5PS.  More info here shortly.

Signing up for a gas account - If a tenant doesn't have a smart phone or access to the internet they can call the Homemove team on 0333 202 9802 Option 1 (open Mon-Fri 9-5)

Change of address HB forms -  Housing Benefits are currently accepting these unsigned by tenants.  However tenants can also use the Camden online form on the website to report a change in address too.

Starting tenancies

The starting tenancies page also has more information and checklists that you will find helpful to check you have everything covered to set the tenancy up as well as possible.

Added 24/3/20

Updated 7/4/20, 16/6/20