Here we try to answer a few general questions about your tenancy. If your query is not answered here, please contact your Scheme Manager, Housing Officer or local office for more information.
Your Affairs
Can I have someone to help me with legal and financial matters?
Yes. You can appoint a Power of Attorney to deal with your affairs or if you have a Guardian they can help you. Just speak to your Scheme Manager or Housing Officer and we can agree with you how this will work best to suit your needs.
You can choose to appoint a family member or friend as a Financial Contact Person, who will assist you with managing the financial aspects of your tenancy. They will receive a copy of any correspondence we give you about your finances, rent and changes that could affect these.
You also have the right to appoint an independent respresentative to speak or act on your behalf. We can provide details of specialist organisations that provide advocacy services.
Moving In
Can I have extra sets of keys?
When your tenancy starts you will be given 3 sets of keys. Copies for your regular visitors can be arranged through your Scheme Manager or Property Officer. There will be a small charge for this.
Do I have to pay for a TV Licence?
Some Bield tenants do not need an individual licence as a special licence covers the houses within a scheme. Your Housing Officer or Scheme Manager will advise you when you move in. Tenants over 75 do not need a licence at all.
Do I still have to pay Council Tax?
Yes. You will be responsible for making Council Tax payments and should contact the local Council to advise them when you start your tenancy.
Can I bring my pet with me?
You can keep pets in most Bield properties, but should first write to us to get permission. Any pet will need to be kept under control at all times.
Living with Bield
Do I have to do any gardening?
Most of Bield's schemes have a garden area that you can use at any time. Bield arranges for all the gardening to be done by contractors, but many tenants enjoy "helping them along" with a bit of pruning and weeding. Some schemes even have organised gardening clubs. You can be as involved as much or as little as you wish.
Who will clean my windows?
For the majority of tenants, Bield arranges for the outside of the windows to be cleaned, along with all the windows in the communal areas. You are responsible for arranging for the inside of your windows to be cleaned.
Where do I put my rubbish?
There are usually external bin stores or communal bin rooms at each scheme for domestic refuse. Collection days and special uplift arrangements will be advertised in your scheme.
Can I have a parking space?
Most schemes have a limited number of parking spaces for use by tenants and their visitors. There may not be enough parking spaces available to provide you with a dedicated space. If you are a registered disabled driver speak to your Scheme Manager or Housing Officer so we can try our best to ensure your needs are catered for where possible.
Can I have an electric scooter?
If you wish to use or store a scooter within your scheme you need to obtain our permission, primarily to ensure the safety of other tenants. Please ask your Scheme Manager for further information. If you have a conventional or electric wheelchair you do not need permission to use it within the scheme.
