East Suffolk Council

Being offered a council property

When you are allocated a property you enter into a legal contract with the council called a tenancy agreement.

If you are offered a property:

• checks will be made to ensure that your circumstances haven't changed e.g. that no rent or other debt is owed
• you will have an opportunity to view the property and decide whether you want to accept it 
• you are expected to make a decision as soon as possible after you view the property
• once the start date of the tenancy has been confirmed, occupation must be taken as soon as possible by all persons who initially applied (failure to do so will result in legal action being raised to recover the property)
• Rent is always asked for in advance, and will be requested when you sign your tenancy agreement. If you not in receipt of benefit you will be asked for one months rent in advance. If you are in receipt of benefit you will be asked for one weeks rent in advance. We do reserve the right to refuse to sign anyone up for a tenancy if the rent in advance is not paid.

You are expected to occupy your house as your main and permanent home. If you need to go away from your home for a long period please let us know. If you are not living at your home and you have not informed us, the council may begin legal action to evict you.