As a tenant, you have a number of rights and responsibilities, which are set out in your tenancy agreement (link) and are also set out in our Estate Management Policy (link) We advise all tenants to read and understand their tenancy agreement and to contact us if there is anything that they do not understand.

RIGHTS

Your main rights as a tenant are to be given a home which meets lettable standard, to have it maintained in a wind and weathertight condition, and to have essential repairs carried out.  If your home is an older property, we will also undertake investment works.

You also have a right to carry out improvements to your home, to run a business from your home, to keep a pet, to take in a lodger, and, in certain circumstances, to sub-let your home.  All these and other rights are subject to our prior permission, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

You also have a right to the quiet enjoyment of your home and to not be the victim of abuse, harassment or discrimination.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your main responsibilities as a tenant are to pay your rent promptly, to keep your home and garden in a clean and tidy condition, and to promptly report any defects.  This responsibility includes keeping your home warm and ventilated, although HHP appreciates that levels of fuel poverty in the Outer Hebrides are the highest in the UK and achieving this can be difficult for many of our tenants.  Tenants who share use of communal areas are expected to take their turn in keeping these areas clean and tidy.

You are also responsible for behaving in a manner than does not affect other tenants’ quiet enjoyment of their homes and must not to behave in an antisocial manner or harass other tenants and residents.  Tenants are responsible for the conduct of their children and their guests.

HHP takes a zero tolerance approach to tenants who use their home for illegal or immoral purposes, and will take action to evict tenants who do so, particularly those convicted of intent to supply drugs from the property or in the neighbourhood.