Being Part of a Community
We expect all our tenants to respect their neighbours and behave in a way that will not disturb their lifestyles. For information on how we deal with anti-social behaviour please click here.
- Living in flats
- Pets
- Car Parking
- Satellite dishes and digital aerials
- Running a business from home
- Gardens
- Safety & security
- Rubbish
- Pests
Living in flats
Who is responsible for the upkeep of the communal areas?
'Johnnie' Johnson Housing is responsible for keeping your communal areas clean, safe and well lit. We ask you to keep:
- all communal areas clear
- not to store inflammable materials unders stairs
- all fire doors closed
- noise to a minimum in shared areas
Pets
Do I have to ask permission to keep a pet?
You don't need to ask permission to keep a working dog such as a Guide Dog or to keep small caged animals, birds or fish in a tank. You do need permission to keep a dog, cat or birds such as parrots or pigeons.
We understand the value of having a pet and will not unreasonably withold permission if you live in a house or flat with its own access/garden. However, you must keep your pet under control, not allow it to foul the local area or disturb neighbours. If your pet causes a nuisance to others we will withdraw permission and ask you to remove it from the property. If you don't remove the pet we will be required to take legal action.
If you live in a flat with communal areas we will not normally give permission for a dog. We may allow you to take a cat into a flat but will ask that you do not replace it.
Car Parking
Where can I park my car?
At most of our schemes we provide car parking for you and, at some developments, there are garages for rent.
If there are special arrangements applying to your home (such as limited or no parking for visitors or spaces for which tenants have to pay a separate charge), we will advise you and your visitors to respect this agreement.
If you park your car in a communal car park, it must be taxed and road worthy. If there is an abandoned or nuisance car in your car park, we will work with the appropriate authority to get it removed.
Satellite dishes and digital aerials
Do I need permission to erect a satellite dish?
Yes, you do need permission. If you live in a bungalow we will normally give approval. If you live in a communal block, permission will depend upon the current situation at the block. Please contact your local Manager who will advise you.
Our Customer Service Advisors will be able to provide you with the most up to date information about Digital TV.
Running a business from home
Do I need permission to run a business from home?
We understand that working from home is becoming more popular and acceptable. However, you must advise us if you want to run a business from home. We will not withhold approval unnecessarily, but we will need to take into consideration issues such as :
- possible disturbance to neighbours
- traffic considerations
- use or storage of dangerous materials
However, even if we do give approval you may also need approval from other agencies such as the local authority planning department.
Gardens
Who is responsible for looking after my garden?
If your home has a separate garden, to which you have sole access, you are responsible for keeping it well maintained and tidy.
If there are communal gardens where you live, the Trust is responsible for its upkeep and you will pay for this in your service charge. We ask you to consider others when enjoying the gardens. If you are keen to help with the gardens, please let your local Manager know and they will make arrangements with the gardening contractors, but please don't start any work before agreeing this with your Manager and other tenants.
Safety & Security
How can I ensure the neighbourhood is safe and secure?
You and your neighbours could get together to form a Home Watch with the help of your local community police force and your local Manager. If this is something you would be interested in, please contact your Manager for advice. Living in a Home Watch area can reduce the cost of your contents insurance with some companies.
How can I keep my house free from unwanted visitors?
Always make sure that you ask to see evidence of a visitors identity if you do not recognise them. All our staff and contractors carry an identity card with a photograph and name with them when they visit. Other officials from the Council, Utility Boards etc should also have ID cards.
Trust staff have the right to enter your home only under certain specific guidelines:
- to inspect a repair
- to carry out repairs to your home or a neighbouring property. Unless it is an emergency, we will give you advanced notice and visit in working hours
- to assist with tthe welfare of a tenant in retirement housing
What happens if I lose my keys?
The Trust does not keep spare keys. We can arrange for a lock change or new keys to be cut, but we will charge you for this service.
We suggest that you keep a spare set of keys in a safe place or with a friend or neighbour you can trust.
If you think your keys have been stolen you need to tell the police and they will give you a crime number, you also need to tell your local Manager if the key is part of a suited sytem, which opens the communal doors.
Can I arrange for addtional security to my home?
There are many additional features you can add to your home to make it safer. Some of these may already be fitted and you should always use them, for example:
- doorchain where appropriate
- spy hole
- window locks
- additional door locks
Please discuss these options with your local manager before carrying out any work.
What happens if I have to leave my house for any length of time?
There are the normal actions you will have to take such as:
- cancelling the milk, newspaper deliveries etc
- locking all windows and doors
- leaving lights on and other signs to make the house look occupied
- turn off the water at the mains
- consider turning down the central heating controls but don't turn them off during winter months
- switch off emersion heaters
Let your local Manager know if you are going away for more than 30 days.
How can I keep my home safe and secure if I share an entrance with other tenants?
If you live in a flat with a communal entrance and door entry system, every tenant has to take responsibility for the security of the shared home. It is particularly important that you use the door entry system carefully and remember to:
- make sure the door locks behind you and never leave the door wedged open
- do not let anyone follow you into the scheme - ask them to ring the doorbell of the flat they require
- ask your own visitors not to let anyone in behind them either
- don't open the main door from your flat until you have spoken to the person ringing the doorbell and you are quite sure that you know who they are.
You also need to consider the risk of fire and never prop open the fire doors or tamper with them in any way.
Rubbish
Where can I get rid of my rubbish?
The Trust is not responsible for removal of rubbish bins but we do arrange for every home to have a way of getting rid of rubbish. Please dispense of your rubbish carefully. If you have a wheelie bin, put it out on your collection day. Please consider recycling as much of your rubbish as possible. Many local authorities now collect glass and newspapers direct from your home for recycling.
If you need to get rid of a large item, such as furniture, your local authority should be able to take it away possibly for a fee. Ask your local Manager for the correct telephone number to ring.
If you don't clear your rubbish and allow it to build up, then it poses a health risk. We may remove it, but we will recharge any cost to you. We will also recharge you if you leave any items in your home when you terminate your tenancy with us and we have to clear your home before we can re-let it to a new tenant.
Pests
What can I do if I find pests in my home?
It is almost impossible to keep even the cleanest home free from small pests, insects and vermin as they can get through the smallest of holes. However, you can avoid attracting them by always cleaning away rubbish and wrapping it up well, cleaning down all work surfaces and ventilating your home properly. Also avoid leaving food out for pigeons etc as this can attract other vermin such as rats, mice, squirrels and foxes.
If you discover any insects or vermin you need to contact your local Environmental Health Department.
You can also contact our Customer Services Team who can advise you of what action to take. If you live in a scheme with a Scheme Manager, let them know as they will approach the local authority in case more than one property is infested.
