Information for new tenants
When you become a tenant, you will have signed a tenancy agreement and some other important documentation. Here is a summary of some of the things you will have discussed at your initial sign up meeting.
On this page
Paying your rent
Your rent is payable from the day that your tenancy starts, this exact date should be stated on your tenancy agreement, along with the amount that you need to pay.
There are various ways to pay your rent. It is extremely important that you pay your rent on time, if you don't, you could risk losing your home.
Housing benefit
Housing benefit is paid from the date that you move in to your property, and will be paid directly to your rent account. We can only process changes that we know about so please Tell us about a change.
If we are not notified, you may have to pay back any benefit that has been overpaid to you.
Utilities (gas, electric etc)
You will need to contact us to arrange a gas 'turn on and test' when you move into your property, as the gas will have been turned off when the previous tenant moved out.
Please be aware that we do not arrange your gas and electric suppliers for you. It is up to you to contact the utility company of your choice to arrange this. You will also need to contact the water authority and phone / broadband suppliers if you are connecting a land line in your property.
Tenant home contents insurance
As your housing provider, High Peak Borough Council insures the building and anything we provide. You're responsible for insuring your own belongings (your home contents), such as furniture, carpets and electrical items.
Why might you want contents insurance?
If something unexpected happens (for example a leak, fire, theft or accidental damage), replacing your belongings can be expensive. Contents insurance can help you cover the cost of replacing your items.
We have access to a product that has been designed for tenants home contents insurance. This is provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc (Ecclesiastical) and called - Simple Home Contents.
How do you get a quote?
You can find out more information about this insurance policy and get a quote online by visiting Tenants Home Contents Insurance
If you'd prefer to speak to someone you can also call 0333 038 4156.
The cost of insurance depends on things like your postcode, your circumstances and the level of cover you choose.
Remember this is optional, and you can choose to use a different provider, or have no contents insurance at all.
To find out more, please visit Tenants Home Contents Insurance
New Provider
If you had insurance arranged with this product before 01/09/2026, this will have been with Royal and Sun Alliance Limited (RSA).
From this date all new and renewing policies will be with Ecclesiastical. Their partner URIS run the servicing of the insurance, which means URIS will give you a quote, take your payments and support you if you have any questions or need to make a claim.
Reporting repairs
Any urgent repairs that needed carrying out should have been identified or carried out before you moved into your property. Report a repair.
Neighbourhood Co-ordinator visits
During the first year of your tenancy you will receive three visits from your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, mainly to check that the conditions of your tenancy are being followed. This is also an opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns you may have.
If you need to speak to your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator in between visits, please don't hesitate to contact them for an informal chat.
