Firstly, we're delighted to welcome you and your family to your new home. We've put together this checklist of things to do, useful services and how everything works to make your move as smooth as possible.
It's important you get to know the terms of your tenancy agreement which includes your rights and responsibilities along with our responsibilities as your landlord.
A quick overview of your tenancy terms include ensuring you:
In return we will:
You should:
You must let your Local Authority know that you have taken this tenancy so they can register you for Council Tax. You can find a list of Local Authorities further down this page under 'Useful Contacts'.
We recommend that you take out personal contents insurance to protect the things that matter to you the most.
Plus Dane can help you obtain home contents insurance easily and at a price that is affordable. While many people often hope that nothing will happen to their belongings, sometimes things can go wrong unexpectedly.
With a special scheme called My Home arranged in conjunction with the National Housing Federation you can protect your belongings and gain peace of mind knowing if the unexpected happens you are covered.
For more information visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk
If you plan on having a TV when you move into your home you should apply for a TV license. Please not that we don't provide or repair TV aerials on individual homes.
We know that settling into your new home can be an exciting but also challenging experience, especially when it comes to furnishing and making your space feel like home. Finding affordable furniture and flooring is essential, and we're here to help by providing advice and signposting to local resources.
There are plenty of charity shops and second-hand furniture stores across the North West that can offer great deals on pre-loved items, from sofas to dining tables to wardrobes.
Local community groups on Facebook and platforms like Freecycle are great places to find free or very affordable furniture. Check out these platforms to find gently used items from people in your area.
Search for: “Free Furniture in Liverpool”, “Wirral Free Items”, or “Sefton Freecycle” on Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle.org.
Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Shpock and eBay often have free or cheap items listed by locals looking to get rid of furniture.
Some local councils provide grants or assistance for those struggling to furnish their homes. It's worth contacting your local council to find out if they offer any support. Here's some current offers:
While not free, budget-friendly stores like IKEA, B&M, Home Bargains, and The Range offer furniture and homeware at low prices. You can often find great flooring deals in stores like these too.
For affordable flooring options, check out the following DIY retailers who often have budget-friendly choices like laminate, carpet tiles, and vinyl.
Some local charities and organisations offer free or low-cost items, especially for those in need. They collect unwanted furniture and redistribute it to people in your area.
We have set standards which you can expect to find when you move into your new home. You can find our Empty Home Standards document here.
Electric - British Gas - 0800 048 0202
Gas - British Gas - 0800 048 0202
Water - United Utilities - 01925 237 000
Cheshire East Council - 0300 123 5500
Cheshire West & Chester - 0300 1238 123
Halton Borough Council - 0303 333 4300
Knowsley Borough Council - 0151 489 6000
Liverpool City Council - 0151 233 3000
Sefton Council - 0345 140 0845
Wirral Borough Council - 0151 606 2004
Universal Credit - 0345 600 0723
TV Licensing - 0300 790 6144
Debt Advice - Step Change - 0800 138 1111
