Pathway to your home
We want you to move into one of our properties fully prepared to manage your home, and aware of the rights and responsibilities that go with a tenancy. To get you ready, read the information below or view the video..
Why does budgeting make a difference?
If you’ve got a clear budget it’s easier to work out where you’re overspending and how you can make your money go further. There’s a few things you can do to get yourself prepared:
- Have you planned a budget to see what you can comfortably afford? You’ll find some useful information on our making a budget page.
- You’ll need to have at least two weeks' rent saved up, and if you’re planning to pay your rent monthly, we’d take one month in advance.
- Do you have any debt? There are several free debt advice services available if you are struggling with debt. StepChange debt support charity offers free advice, you can telephone 0800 138 1111.
- If you’re worried about being able to afford your rent, we can support you into employment and training with our dedicated Employment and Training team.
- Don’t forget you’ll need money set aside for removal costs and furnishing your home.
Are you entitled to any benefits?
Over the past few years, there have been lots of changes to the benefits system, so we’ve put together some information to help you understand what impact it may have on you:
- Find out what welfare benefits you could be entitled to. Start with the easy to use Benefit Calculator
or the benefit/grant finder . - For information on how to apply for benefits, visit the Department of Work and Pensions Benefits website site. You can also find some useful information on our Welfare benefits advice webpage.
What else will you need before you can apply for a tenancy?
There are a few things that you’ll need to have in place before you can get started:
- You’ll need a bank account. If you don’t have one, visit the MoneyHelper website for useful information on how to set up an account.
- Make sure you have photo ID. This can be a passport or driver’s licence. If you’re not a UK citizen, you’ll need to show you have the Right to Rent and recourse to public funds. Visit Shelter's website for advice .
- Do you have a current tenancy? If you do, make sure you’re keeping to the terms of your agreement as we’ll request a reference.
- You’ll need a computer or mobile device. Find out where you can access one for free at Onlinecentresnetwork.org
- If you’re getting support, make sure you’re working with them as we may need to contact them.
We can offer additional support to get you tenancy ready
Read more about how the Steps to tenancy success programme can help people who’ve been told they can’t be considered for a property when they’ve applied, because we don’t think they’ll be able to sustain their tenancy.
The Steps to tenancy success programme works with people 1:1 and in small groups, covering topics on money, housing, tenancy and cost of living.
If you’d like to be considered, please email Steps@sovereign.org.uk and let us know how you’d prefer us to get back to you. And don’t forget to leave your contact details.
If you’d like to find out more about renting a home from us, please look at our Renting a home webpage.
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