Moving in

If you're unemployed or earn a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit to help pay your rent. You'll need to apply to your local council or your Jobcentre Plus office for universal credit.

You should apply as soon as your tenancy starts. This is because although proof of tenancy is needed to accept your claim, the benefits might not be backdated to the day you moved in if you apply later.

If you already receive housing benefit or Universal Credit, you need to tell your local council or Jobcentre Plus office about your house move. If you don't, you risk losing benefits.

You will need to pay rent from the first day of your tenancy, and we will ask for one full month’s rent in advance before you sign your tenancy agreement.

You’re responsible for getting your gas, electricity and water supplies set up in your name. You should set up your accounts with the current suppliers straight away, so you have gas, electricity and water when you move in. You’ll need proof of identity and your tenancy agreement to do this.

When you sign your tenancy agreement, we’ll give you up-to-date readings of your gas and electricity meters.  You should give these to the suppliers when you set up your accounts.

You may need to turn on your water supply using the water shut-off valve, also known as the stopcock. We’ll let you know where it is when you move in.

You’re responsible for decorating the inside of your home. When you move in we may be able to give you a decorating pack, including paint and paintbrushes. You should discuss this with us when you sign your tenancy agreement.

Your new home does not come with furniture, so you’ll need to provide your own furniture and appliances, including a fridge and cooker. If you receive benefits, you may be able to get an interest-free loan from your Jobcentre Plus office to cover essential furniture.

You are responsible for paying Council Tax for your property. Contact Cornwall Council to tell them your new address and who is living in your home. If you earn a low income, are unemployed, or live alone, you may be able to get a discount or help with paying your Council Tax.

Coastline insures the building you live in, but it’s important that you purchase insurance for the contents of your home. Otherwise, things like your furniture, carpets, electrical appliances and other belongings will not be protected from fire, theft, or damage.

You can use any insurance provider, so do get several quotations to compare prices and levels of cover. That way you will be able to get the right insurance for your household.

One service to consider is Thistle My Home, a preferred supplier to the National Housing Federation. It's a specialist insurance scheme, and the policy covers the contents and personal belongings for tenants in social housing against loss or damage from specific events (for example, fire, theft or escape of water).