Moving In
Safety and Security
There are several common sense ways of ensuring that you are safe in your accommodation eg. a chain behind the door or a spy hole.
If you feel unsafe in your home or are being bothered in any way please go to a Housing Aid Centre/ Access point CAB. If the situation becomes an emergency, try to stay calm and contact the Police as soon as possible.
Decorating
In some circumstances, you can get assistance from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Job Centre Plus or the housing access point if you are in their accommodation. Check if you can, before moving in. If you are moving into private rented accommodation, check who is responsible for decorating and try to get this in writing.
Furniture
There are some furniture stores who sell second-hand furniture cheaply. BEWARE of buying second-hand electrical equipment and soft furniture, which may give off toxic fumes if a fire occurs. Some Local Authorities or charities may operate free furniture aid schemes. Ask at your local Housing Aid Centre/ Access point CHAS, CAB or Social Services.
Eviction & Harassment
If you are threatened with eviction or are being harassed in your accommodation, you should go to your local Housing Aid Centre, CAB, Law Centre or the Local Area Housing Office/ Access point, as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you of your rights and may refer you to the Tenancy Relations Officer. They are able to prosecute landlords/ladies who are acting illegally.
Support After You Have Moved In
Many local agencies will be able to offer support to you once you have found a place to live. Most of them will take self-referrals and will tailor support to what you need.
