Managing Your Tenancy Made Simple

You and your home matter to us

Your tenancy agreement is an important document. It sets out your rights and responsibilities as a STAR tenant. We know it can feel like a lot to take in so we’re here to help you understand what’s expected of you, and what you can expect from us, to help keep your home and community safe.

If you’re ever unsure about your tenancy agreement or need advice, our Neighbourhood Officers are on hand to offer guidance and support.

For quick answers to common questions, check out our handy Tenancy FAQ page.

Tenancy FAQs
Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement Your Rights as a Tenant Your Responsibilities As a Tenant Repairs Responsibilities Your Neighbourhood Housing Team Tenancy Audits New Customers Amending Your Tenancy Ending Your Tenancy

Our dedicated team are here to support you

If you would prefer to use one of our online forms, or use the STAR Tenant Portal, our team is here to help with a wide range of tenancy-related matters. Just click on the Report, Request, Apply button below and choose the topic that best fits your needs.

If your call is urgent please call us on 0333 32 12 200

Report, Request, Apply

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

We want you to feel safe, supported and proud of your home. As part of your tenancy, there are a few responsibilities that help us maintain safe, well-kept communities.

There are times when we or an approved contractor will need to visit your home. These visits will always be arranged in advance and may include:

  • Routine safety checks (e.g. heating servicing, electrical inspections, asbestos surveys)
  • Tenancy check-ins or audits
  • Urgent access where there’s a health or safety risk

We aim to give you plenty of notice and keep any disruption to a minimum.

Your rent and any service charges should be paid in advance, as outlined in your tenancy agreement. If your circumstances change, please let us know, our team is here to help.

Paying your rent

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their home. Please:

  • Be considerate of noise and behaviour
  • Avoid causing nuisance or anti-social behaviour
  • Report persistent issues so we can help resolve them

We will always try informal approaches first, but we’re committed to protecting residents from harassment and ongoing disruption.

You’re responsible for keeping your home and garden in good condition. This includes:

  • Decorating and minor repairs
  • Garden maintenance (grass, hedges, flowerbeds, trees)
  • Reporting essential repairs quickly
  • Keeping communal areas clear and safe

We know that making your home feel like your own is important — whether it’s putting up shelves, redecorating, or making small improvements. If you're planning any DIY work, please check with us first to make sure everything’s safe and allowed.

DIY and Alterations

We understand that many households now own one or more vehicles, and we’re committed to helping tenants park safely and responsibly. However, some of our properties were built before car ownership became widespread, which means parking space can be limited in certain areas.

Where possible, we encourage off-road parking—but this must be done in line with the following guidelines:

Parking on Your Property

  • Vehicles must not be parked in front or back gardens unless there is a properly constructed hard standing and a dropped kerb in place. 
  • You must have written permission from STAR Housing and approval from Shropshire Council’s Planning and Highways departments before creating a driveway or installing a dropped kerb.
Apply for a dropped kerb Do I need planning permission?

Parking on pavements, footpaths, or grassed areas is not permitted. If damage is caused to these areas, you may be recharged for repairs. See more on your responsibilities.

Shared Parking Areas

  • Parking in communal car parks is on a first-come, first-served basis. No resident has a reserved space or guaranteed right to park in a specific spot. 
  • Disabled parking bays are strictly for use by Blue Badge holders only.

What Parking Areas Should Not Be Used For

  • Frequent vehicle repairs or storing unroadworthy, untaxed, or abandoned vehicles 
  • Parking large vans, lorries, boats, trailers, or caravans without written permission 
  • Parking vehicles with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) unless approved by STAR Housing

Reporting Abandoned Vehicles 

If you notice a vehicle that appears to be abandoned, please follow the guidance on the Shropshire Council website.

Report Abandoned Vehicle

Some repairs are our responsibility, and some are yours. Your tenancy agreement has full details, but here’s a quick overview:

See your Repairs Responsibilities

To help us support you and your community, please also:

  • Report anti-social behaviour
  • Ask permission before keeping a pet or making alterations
  • Keep children and pets safe
  • Purchase home contents insurance
  • Test fire and carbon monoxide alarms regularly (we recommend weekly)
  • Keep your contact details up to date
  • Let us know about changes to your household, name, or marital status
  • Tell the Rents Team if your income or benefits change

Thinking About Buying Your Council Home?

If you're a STAR Housing tenant, you might be able to buy your home from Shropshire Council at a discount through the Right to Buy scheme. 

Even though your home is managed by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, the scheme still applies, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible. 

To find out more and see if you qualify, visit the Government’s official Right to Buy website.

Buy Your Council Home

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