CIH course supports first-time tenants

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Education

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has created a course that supports first time renters in the first year of their tenancy.

It is hoped that the course will also help residents avoid problems like debt.

The CIH has partnered with the National Open College Network (NOCN) to develop the course, which is designed to support people renting for the first time.

The course will help new housing association, council or private landlord tenants, and give support to people joining or leaving the armed forces.

The level one pre-tenancy course will help to give people the confidence and practical skills to tackle the challenges involved in taking on a new tenancy.

It will help them to understand more about their rights and responsibilities as a tenant and let them know what they can expect from their landlord too.

Martin Winn, director of professional development at CIH, said: “We are very excited about this new programme. NOCN has considerable experience in awarding this type of qualification and, with CIH support and endorsement, we can see this qualification as the sector’s standard for helping some new tenants take on a tenancy.”

Graham Hasting- Evans, managing director at NOCN said: “When suddenly faced with the costs involved in running a home, confusing forms to fill in and the everyday tasks involved in looking after a home and being a good neighbour, some people just don’t know what to do.”