Depaul Housing Services has adopted the Depaul Group’s Vision, that everyone should have a place to call home and a stake in their community. This work is guided by the Vincentian Values, and these are the basis for everything the Charity does.
The core values are that we:
As a DHS customer you have important rights. These are set out in your tenancy agreement, lease or license agreement and will depend on what type of home you live in – for example whether it is a social rented home, or short-term accommodation in a supported housing scheme. Some of these rights are not always written in the licence/tenancy agreement but are established by law.
These rights also apply where another organisation provides services to you under a contract, but where DHS is still your landlord.
You have the right to live in a home fit for human habitation which meets the Decent Homes Standard. This means that we are obliged to keep your property and facilities in a good state of repair. DHS must also abide by relevant Health & Safety legislation. You also have the right to receive notice of a proposed visit to carry out repairs or maintenance or to view the condition and state of repair of the premises. Disabled tenants have a right to reasonable adjustments.
In addition, your agreement sets out the important things you are expected to do – such as looking after your home, giving notice to end your occupancy and behaving with consideration and respect to your neighbours.
Most of our customers live in temporary accommodation with shared facilities, where they receive extra support. If this applies to you, then you will have what is called a license agreement. This is not the same as a tenancy agreement and does not provide you with a permanent home with security of tenure.
However, you still have a number of important rights which include the rights outlined above and to information about some of our policies.
We are normally able to end the license and ask you to leave for a number of reasons at relatively short notice. This includes where there is a health and safety risk, non-payment of the license fee, or if we consider that you no longer need the type of accommodation or services we have provided.
Licenses can be different to each other, and so you should always refer to your own license agreement to find out the rights and obligations that apply to your scheme. Your support worker should be able to help you if you have any questions.
For our customers who hold an AST, your rights are outlined here.
If you would like more information on what we have to do as a Registered Provider of Social Housing there is information here: Tenancy Standard – GOV.UK
You can make a complaint about Depaul Housing Services:
Please note if your complaint is regarding anti-social behaviour we have dedicated procedures to deal with this. Please contact us for more information or to make a report.
You can find more information on complaints in our complaints policy and complaints handling process and through the Housing Ombudsman Service.
Note: This is intended as a general guide and is not a comprehensive or legally precise list of your rights. Always refer to your tenancy agreement and contact us if you are in any doubt. You are also free to take your own legal advice.