Information about the moving journey
Moving journey checklist
Property nomination and final offer
Congratulations! You have been nominated for a property with Arun District Council. You have received your offer letter and should read this in full. If you need support understanding the information in the letter, please ask your housing options officer.
That means that you are now 'top of the list' for this accommodation, and it has been confirmed as suitable and affordable for you, based on information held on your housing file since working with Housing Options.
You should use this time to begin preparing for your move by seeking quotes from removals companies and ensuring you have explored the ways in which you can pay your first months' rent in advance.
You can also seek support from your housing options officer for information on any charitable organizations, government grants or affordability maximization guidance.
Voids and repairs
You may have been advised that the move into your new home is delayed due to 'void works', but you aren't sure what this means or how long it will take to be ready.
Void works are any works that need to be carried out on the property to ensure your health and safety. Voids are categorized by their timescale to complete, which could be 5, 10, 15 or 20 days. This is a measure of the size of the works required.
An example of 5-day works could be completing on electrical inspection; 20-day works could be the restoration of a bathroom. You will be contacted regarding the progress of any works.
There may be occasions where void works cannot be undertaken until the previous tenants have vacated, which can also add delays to your move. Please contact your housing officer if you have any questions about this.
Sign up to your new home
Once the property is confirmed as 'ready', you will be invited to view the property with a neighbourhood services officer. This may be on short notice, but it is important that you agree a suitable date and attend in person.
You will meet the officer at the property, and this person will conduct a viewing and show you the essential safety features at the property. You will be required to complete some documents or forms with the officer.
It is essential that you ask any questions about the property now, read any issued paperwork and confirm understanding. If once you have moved in, you require additional support with any queries, you can contact Housing Services who will be happy to help.
You will be handed your keys to your new home and your neighbourhood services officer will now liaise with your housing options officer regarding your rent account and confirm your tenancy has now started.
Leaving temporary accommodation
You can now begin your transfer from temporary accommodation. You should contact your housing options officer to confirm that you have accepted the tenancy offer and have collected your keys.
Housing Options will usually allow a couple of days for you to remove all of your possessions from the current accommodation and complete the check out process so that the space is suitable and vacant for another household in need to occupy as soon as possible.
You will need to arrange the return of any keys to Arun Civic Centre. You should now ensure you notify the DWP or Housing Benefit (if you claim) of your new address and landlord and follow the moving in checklist in your tenant handbook.
Your housing options officer will issue you with a decision letter ending the council's housing duty to you as you have accepted a 'Part 6' Final Offer, which will be issued to you via email or in the post. You are now welcome to enjoy your new home and community!