When new tenants move into the Association’s accommodation they will be asked to sign a Tenancy Agreement. This agreement is a legally binding document and it sets a tenant’s rights and responsibilities and the duties of the Association. You are advised to study this Agreement carefully.

Both the new tenant and the Housing Officer will sign two copies of the Tenancy Agreement when signing up for accommodation. One copy will be issued to the tenant and the other copy will be retained by the Housing Officer and stored in the tenant file.

The following paragraphs will only provide a guide to the main elements of your Tenancy Agreement as well as some general information. You should refer to the Tenancy Agreement to clarify any point of detail.

All tenants of Ark Housing are secure tenants in accordance with the Housing (NI) Order 1983. This Housing Order  provides secure tenants of registered Housing Associations with a code of statutory rights (The Tenants Charter) and these are summarised in Section C, page 4, of the Tenants Guarantee, which you received at the start of your tenancy.

If you have any queries about your Tenancy Agreement please contact the office for advice. Independent advice is also available from a number of agencies such as The Law Centre, Housing Rights Service, and Citizens Advice Bureau. Full details of these organisations and others are listed in the ‘Useful Contacts’ leaflet included with this Handbook. You should seek proper advice, if you are in dispute with us, before taking any action that may worsen your position.