Your rights in your tenancy agreement

We have to follow guidance provided by the government when setting rent for social rented homes. 

However, you may be able to challenge an increase to your rent if you don’t think it’s reasonable. This will depend on the tenancy agreement you have with us. Your tenancy agreement sets out the rules we have to follow when setting your rent and any other charges.  

How do I challenge my rent?  

You should seek independent legal advice if you do want to consider challenging an increase to your rent. You can find out more information on the Citizens Advice website.     

Can I refuse to pay my rent?  

We carefully review rent and service charge levels every year. It’s vital you pay your rent and service charges under the terms of your tenancy or lease.   

If you don’t pay your full rent and service charges, your account will go into arrears and we’ll take action to recover the unpaid sums. You may end up facing more debt and court costs, making things even more difficult. 

If you think you’ll have difficulty paying, please contact us as soon as possible to find out what support is available. 

You and the individuals listed on your tenancy agreement have the right to live in the home your tenancy agreement applies to. It must be your only and main home. 

You must get our permission if anybody comes to live with you for more than four weeks. You’re not allowed to move out and sublet your home either. 

What happens if I want to end my tenancy?  

You’ll find the notice period you must give us within your tenancy agreement. You must let us know if you want to end your tenancy. 

It’s your responsibility to leave your home and garden clean and clear of all your possessions. We will inspect your home before you leave and may recharge you if we have to clear any possessions from your home or garden. 

We will not ask you to let us into your home unless we need to:  

• Carry out repairs to your home or a home connected to yours 

• Carry out safety checks and servicing on gas, electrical or water appliances that we provide (as required by law) 

• Inspect the condition of your home (usually to help us plan necessary improvement work) 

• Check on your safety or welfare, where we have cause for concern 

• Repossess your home at the end of your tenancy. 

We’ll give you at least 48 hours’ notice before we need to visit you (unless in an emergency). Please check your tenancy agreement to check your notice period. 
 
You must give us access to your home when needed to carry out health and safety inspections or works. Many of these are essential for your safety and for the safety of others who live in your home or building.  

You must be a respectful neighbour and make sure everyone in your home (including visitors) are considerate and don’t cause a nuisance to neighbours. Read more about anti-social behaviour.

You’re able to take in a lodger, but you must get our permission. We’ll not be unreasonable with any request. 

Certain members of your family may have the right to inherit your tenancy. If any family member is applying for a succession, they must let us know within a month.

You can find out more via our Succession Policy here.

Mutual exchanges are when you find another social housing resident to swap homes with. This option gives you the flexibility to decide which area you’d like to move to, anywhere across the UK. 

You’re able to do this, but you will need our written permission to mutually exchange.

You have a right to ask us what personal information we hold about you, and to request a copy of your information. This is known as a ‘Subject Access Request’ (SAR).  

To make a Subject Access Request please email us at data.protection@southernhousing.org.uk or phone us on 0800 121 60 60.

You can make a complaint if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.

We encourage you to get in touch with us about anything you’re not happy with as we can use this information to learn and understand where we’ve got things wrong and look to improve the situation. 

We’ve further information about our complaints process here.

Your home must meet legal standards for housing, ensuring it’s free from serious health and safety risks (referred to as ‘category 1 hazards’).

Find out more about the Decent Home Standard here.

As a Southern Housing resident, it may be possible to buy the home that you rent from us.

There are a number of schemes that allow you to do this and the eligibility criteria for each is different. Find out more here.