Welcome to Your New Home
We’re so pleased to have you as part of the STAR Housing community.
You can expect that your new home has been assessed and meets the Decent Homes Standard, which means it’s safe, comfortable, and fit to live in. This national standard ensures that your property is in good repair and provides a warm, dry living environment. At STAR Housing, we’re committed to maintaining these standards so you can feel confident and secure in your new home.
This page gives you a quick overview of the key things you need to know as you settle in.
Register for the STAR Tenant Portal
We recommend all new tenants register for the STAR Tenant Portal, it’s the easiest way to manage your tenancy online.
Benefits include:
Keys
Decoration
Repairs
Some repairs are our responsibility, and some are yours. For all repairs information including repairs timescales see Repairs, Maintenance and Home Safety.
Utility Supplies
Gas
When you move in, we’ll let you know who your gas supplier is. Once you’ve set up your account with them, you’re free to switch to another supplier if you prefer.
Electric
When you move in, we’ll let you know who your electricity supplier is. Once you’ve set up your account with them, you’re free to switch to another supplier if you prefer.
Oil
Solid Fuel
Water
Energy Debt Advice
If you smell gas or fumes
For more advice, visit the National Gas Emergency Service website.
Other Household Services
Here’s a list of organisations you may need to notify of your change of address:
You can set up a mail redirection with Royal Mail to have your mail sent to your new address.
Contents Insurance
It’s a condition of your tenancy that you have contents insurance to protect your belongings from fire, flood, or theft.
We work with a trusted provider offering affordable home contents insurance, please ask us for details.
Making Changes to Your Home
We encourage you to make your house your home, but you must get written permission before making any changes. See Thinking about doing some DIY?
Always refer to your asbestos report before starting any work.
Examples include:
You can complete a Property Alteration Request Form or request a form to be sent to you by post.
Thinking of Keeping a Pet?
We know pets can be part of the family, but you’ll need to let us know before bringing a pet into your home.
Some properties have restrictions, and we’ll need to make sure your tenancy agreement allows it.
Emergency Water Shut-Off
When you move in, we’ll show you where your stopcock is and how to turn off the water supply in an emergency.
If you have any concerns about your new home, our team is here to help with a wide range of tenancy-related matters. Just contact us in the way that suits you.
More Information
If you have any concerns about your new home, our team is here to help with a wide range of tenancy-related matters. Just contact us in the way that suits you.
We’ll arrange a settling-in visit around 4–6 weeks after your tenancy begins. This is a chance for us to check everything’s going smoothly, confirm who’s living at the property, and make sure there are no outstanding issues. It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions or raise anything you’re unsure about.