As a tenant it is your responsibility to make sure that your rent is paid regularly and on time.

This applies whether you pay all your rent or whether some is paid through Housing Benefit.

You must pay your rent in advance and you can pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

If you experience difficulties in paying your rent, it is important that you contact the Association as soon as possible. Housing Services staff can discuss this with you over the telephone, arrange an appointment either in the office or at your home and, ultimately, agree a realistic repayment schedule which you will be able to meet.

If you’re on a low income, you may be entitled to a reduction in the amount that you pay in rent. This is called Housing Benefit, and you can apply if you rent property from the Council, Orkney Housing Association, or a private landlord. The application form (pdf), as well as further information, is available on the Orkney Islands Council website.

Other ways to pay, cash or cheque over the phone or at the office.

Orkney Citizens Advice offer free impartial advice to anyone experiencing financial difficulties. If you would like to speak to a Citizens Advice Bureau representative, require help with budgeting, or require help with debt problems, you should contact:

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Anchor Buildings
Bridge Street
Kirkwall

Tel: 01856 875266

They offer free, confidential service on a range of matters including Money Advice.

The Association has a dedicated member of staff to provide one-to-one support for tenants requiring energy advice. Please contact your Housing Officer by email at enquiries@ohal.org.uk for information and advice.

For more general information, Greener Scotland and the Energy Savings Trust's websites both have resources available for anyone to view.

Your tenancy agreement stresses the need for tenants to show respect for other people; this also applies to anyone living with you and visitors to your home. You should, therefore:

• Avoid causing too much noise
• Control any pets
• Dispose of rubbish appropriately
• Avoid harassing neighbours or visitors to the neighbourhood

You must keep the internal decoration of your home in good order, especially when you hand it back at the end of your tenancy. You are also responsible for repairing any damage and carrying out minor repairs. You are also obliged to:

• Report repairs promptly after they come to your notice
• Allow the Association access to inspect or repair at any reasonable time
• Maintain any garden or ground let to you as part of your home unless this is covered by your service charge
• Where there are common or shared gardens, stairs, etc. you are obliged to keep these clean and in good order unless this is covered by your service charge

You are responsible for taking care of the common areas, for example cleaning up after any pets you may own. This responsibility also applies to anyone living with you and your visitors.

You may carry out alterations and improvements to your home providing that the Association has given its permission in writing. Further information is available, as an information sheet, to download.