West Lothian Housing Partnership Tenant Handbook Contents

11. Introduction - 3 11. About West Lothian Housing Partnership 12. Living in your home 7 13. Repairs to your home 17 14. Paying your rent 27 15. Your rights 33 16. Your responsibilities 39 17. Getting involved 53 18. Being safe in your home 57 19. Moving house 69 10. Council services 73 11. Useful numbers 79 Customers with Special Requirements West Lothian Housing Partnership

Company Details

West Lothian Housing Partnership was originally set up by West Lothian Council to deliver regeneration and new build housing. It remains a company limited by guarantee. The Partnership is also a Scottish Charity registered with OSCR, and a Registered Social Landlord regulated by Communities Scotland.

West Lothian Housing Partnership was established in recognition of the growing demand for affordable rented accommodation. This growth reflects the rapidly increasing population of West Lothian, growing housing lists and the record number of homelessness presentations being handled by the Council.

Like any housing association, West Lothian Housing Partnership is run by its governing body, the Board, which takes the key decisions, approves policies and plans, and employs staff to manage the business.

All Board members are volunteers. There is provision for up to 15 Board members: five Council nominees, five tenants and five independent community members.

Any tenant may apply, for free, to become a general member of West Lothian Housing Partnership. Members can in turn vote for the election of tenants to the Board or stand for election themselves.

West Lothian Housing Partnership manages its houses from its office at Lennox House. Repairs are contracted to West Lothian Council Building Services (following competitive tendering).

Developing our Housing Stock

West Lothian Housing Partnership has always aimed to grow through the development of new affordable homes for rent in West Lothian. Development of new housing has been, and continues to be, funded by a combination of grants from Communities Scotland and West Lothian Council with loans arranged privately.

We always seek to: v build well-designed, warm secure homes v complete homes as soon as possible v make effective use of public subsidy v secure good private finance terms v maximize the social and economic spin-offs of housebuilding v build-in innovation, sustainability and quality

3 Page Page Where our houses are

West Lothian Housing Partnership currently has stock in:

Limefield Road, Boghall 20 Alexandra Ave/Alexandra Dr/Marina Rd, Boghall 69 Marina Road/ Philip Ave, Boghall 33 Elm Terrace and Rowan Place, Blackburn 53 Auchenhard Place, Stoneyburn 15 Perth Street, Craigshill 40 Gowanlea Court, West Calder 20 Dunn St/Ellis Place/West Park Grove, Broxburn 28 Bridgend Court, Bathgate – due to complete October 2008 18 Former Academy site, Blackburn – due to complete August 2009 60

Future role for West Lothian Housing Partnership

We plan to continue our growth, through new build and in other ways that can support the needs of our tenants and those requiring housing in West Lothian.

In order to do this we will seek to strengthen our relationships with our local partners, both RSLs and West Lothian Council. Together we will seek to promote investment in social housing across West Lothian.

4 Page Page Getting in touch with West Lothian Housing Partnership

Telephone 01506 416438

Write to: West Lothian Housing Partnership Lennox House Almondvale Boulevard Livingston EH54 6QP

E-mail: [email protected]

Opening times: Monday – Thursday : 9.00am–5.00pm Friday : 9.00am–4.00pm

Repairs

Repairs should be reported to your Housing Officer on 01506 416438 or you can e-mail [email protected].

Emergency Repairs

If you need to report an emergency repair outside office hours or at the week- end, you should telephone 01506 630288. This number is only for emergency repairs which can’t wait until the West Lothian Housing Partnership office is open. If a tradesman is called out for something which is not considered an emergency, you may be recharged for the work.

For other queries, please call 01506 460777.

5 Page Page 6 Page 2. Living in your home

u Moving into your new home u Succession u Relationship break-up u Transferring your tenancy u Joint tenancies u Breaking your tenancy agreement u Ending your tenancy u Making a complaint, comment, suggestion u or compliment 8 Page TwoStep One Step 2

important. anything forget don’t you sure making in helpful be may below checklist The stressful. be can house Moving In Moving 6. & 5 Sections in handbook, this in detail greater in explained are responsibilities.These your also and tenant Secure Scottish a as have you through it with you when you signed it and will have highlighted the main rights gone have will Officer YourHousing home. new your for have important you document most the is agreement tenancy The Agreement. Tenancy a called document legal a sign will you home new your for keys the accept you When Tenancyyour Signing Agreement home new your into Moving

Living in your home your in Living ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

your own arrangements own your your Housing Officer immediately.Officer Housing your Housing Officer Housing your with touch in get problems any have you -if works make to company electricity or gas the contact payment of readings the them tell and occupier new the are switched on and are working. If they are not, report them to them report not, are they If working. are and on switched make sure that you know how the central heating system heating central the how know you that sure make are supplies water,electricity the and that gas check method different a use to want pay.you to If want you how decide and tokens or cards takes meter the whether check you that companies electric and gas the tell - in move you as soon as readings take and are meters the where check door,which fits including key which know you that check check the section on fire prevention (Section 8) - take time take - 8) (Section prevention fire on section the check locks, window any operate can you that and close and open will windows the all that check house the outside those to work out an exit route in the event of fire. of event the in route exit an out work to information about this in Section 8. Section in this about information more is there - working is detector smoke the sure make valve stop water the test lock door every for key a have you that check machine leaks and floods the flat below.flat the floods and leaks machine washing your party,if third eg. a from claims for you covers policy your that Check insurance. contents home out take - outside gas and electricity meter boxes meter electricity and gas outside - door entrance close/common - doors back and front - Checklist

priority: First get would who person. qualified one than and more is tenancy,there if priority the inherit to qualified is who out sets law The the inherit to Succession. called tenancy.is This law by qualified be may death tenant's the of time the at home principal or only their as house the in living was who someone dies tenant a If dies tenant a If tenancy.your over take to right legal a have may partner or wife husband, your home, your leave or die you If up? breaks relationship a or home the leaves dies, tenant a if happens What h tnny a ol b ihrtd wc. f h tnny a aray been TenancySecure Scottish continue. whose will tenant joint already has tenancy surviving a is there the unless tenancy the end If will death third the twice. twice inherited inherited be only can tenancy The successions? of number the to limit a there Is months. 3 within house the leave and death, tenant's the of weeks 4 within writing in us If someone qualifies to inherit the tenancy but does not want it, they should tell either: priority,can of they level same the have both they and tenancy the inherit to qualifies person one than more If succeed? to qualifies person one than more if What priority: Third priority: Second

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

immediately before the tenant died tenant the before immediately months 6 least at for home principal or only their been had Tenant's cohabitee or same sex partner,house Tenant'ssex the same provided or cohabitee Tenant'sspouse surviving Decide among themselves who should get the tenancy the get should who themselves among Decide family tenant's the of member a or tenant the for care to house the at live to order in home principal or only previous her or his up over,given or had 16 who aged is who carer A death tenant's the of date the at home principal or only her or his as house the in living was who and death, tenants' the of date the at old years 16 least at is who family tenant's the of member A tenant joint Surviving Ask the Housing Officer to decide to Officer Housing the Ask tenancy joint a for Ask

Living in your home your in Living

2 9 Page 10 Page 2 charge you (See Section 3 on re-chargeable repairs). re-chargeable on 3 Section (See you charge certain keep to you or - in cases like keeping the garden tidy - we’ll do the agreed work ourselves and make to you action take will we conditions, agreement, these to keep don’t you tenancy If conditions. your signed you When agreement tenancy your Breaking tenant This tenancy. joint rent. the the paying includes other of conditions the the and all for you responsible equally that are means tenants or this tenancy joint a have you If tenancies Joint advice. for Officer Housing tenancy.your of Contact breaches other or arrears rent no are there and months 6 least at for home principal or only their as house same the in living been have they provided partner or wife husband, your to transferred tenancy your get to able be may you want, you If Transferringtenancy your advice. legal advice on how to deal with this situation. You may also want to get independent for Officer Housing your tenancy.Youcontact the should to right a have may you of partner,both your from separate you or down breaks marriage your If Break-UpRelationship features. special the need who people for available is housing special sure make to try to is rules these for reason The themselves. house the of features special the needs succeed to qualifying person the a if time inherited second be only can it then dies, tenancy the to succeeding person the If them. for accommodation alternative suitable find will we housing, needs special been not had house the if succeed to entitled been have would carer or family the of member However,a house. if the inherit can themselves house the in adaptations or features special the needs who person or tenant joint cohabitee, wife, husband, a only needs special with person a by use for adapted substantially or designed been has house a where that says law The housing? adapted wheelchair or sheltered for rules special there Are ‘Yourresponsibilities’. on 6 Section see tenancy, your of conditions the break do you if happen will what about information further Officer.For Housing local your contact please If you’re having difficulty with any of the conditions in your tenancy agreement, Living in your home your in Living out a property inspection before you leave. you before inspection property a out carry and call to appointment an make also will They due. balance rent stating Your Housing Officer will write to you confirming the date your tenancy will end next? happens What is which decoration lost or have repairs these. for recharged be could you also and necessary outstanding will any You discuss weeks. four to full opportunity the the for property rent your charged abandon be or required could notice you weeks four the give to fail you If notice? weeks four you give don’t I if What your and out address. new move to going are you date the us a tell writing should You us. by to notice letter this us give can You notice. written weeks 4 Partnership If you want to end your tenancy you are required to give West Lothian Housing tenancy? my end I do How tenancy your Ending Living in your home your in Living 2 11 Page 12 Page 2

the tenancy. If the absent joint tenant cannot be found and it is reasonable to reasonable is in it and interest found be their cannot tenant joint end absent the tenancy. or If the tenant, joint a as remain to wish they whether asked and contacted be will tenant joint absent the address,forwarding a is there If tenancy.the in Your situation.thecheckenquiries HousingmakeOfficertowill the in living longer house, no you can is ask your who Housing elseOfficer tosomeone end thewith absent tenancyjoint tenants'joint interest a have you If tenant joint by Abandonment tenants. joint other the of each to Partnershipand Housing removed from the tenancy by giving 4 weeks notice, in writing, to West Lothian the other joint tenant wants to continue as the tenant, you can have your name tenancy,but the in interest your end to wish you and tenant joint a are you If tenancy joint your Ending about know we if over, or years 16 them. aged family your of member or tenant joint lodger, sub-tenant, co-habitee, spouse, your is who you with living else so a copy of the written warning which is sent to you will also be sent to anyone represented, be to right the have also you with live who People court. the If we take you to court, you will have the chance to put your side of the story to law.by Youdown get: set will is which procedure, strict a follow must way,we this in tenancy your end to want we If actingarereasonably.satisfycourtordercourtandwethat the a of your tenancy agreement, eg. by not paying your rent.To do this, we must get the in Housing(Scotland) 2001whichAct detailedincludes wherehavebrokenyouterms the circumstances specific under tenancy your end only can We tenancy? your Partnershipend Housing WestLothian can When youhand your keys inlate youcan still becharged rent forthe property. Youshould hand your keys in on the date arranged with your Housing Officer. If disposal. their of cost the charged be will you out, move you after property your in found are items If locked. and closed securely are windows and doors all that your and belongings all of cleared been has it that property the leaving before property.check your Please to keys the all you with bringing House Lennox at call Please out? move I day the on do to need I do What believe that they do not intend to live in the house, the Housing Officer may Officer relevantservetheHousingtheirtenancy.legalinterestnotices endthe toin the house, the in live to intend not do they that believe

Living in your home your in Living ■ ■

will be on and why the Council wants to end your tenancy.your end to wants Council the why and on be will from when it is served. is it when from courtwithin a 6 month period, which cannot be less than 28 days A court summons - this tells you what date the court hearing court the date what you tells this - summons court A writtenwarning which will tell you that we can take you to ANotice of Proceedings for Recovery of Property - this is a

rm lee ngiec o te at f h Prnrhp ut e asd to passed be must Partnership the of part the arising on property negligence party’s alleged third from a to damage or injury personal of Complaints out. carried being action an in delay considerable or loss monetary actual suffered has complainant the Partnershipconsiders the where offered are payments Compensation compensation. of payment ■ ■ Ombudsman; Services Public Scottish the to complain Partnership,to the of process appeals the including complaint their of outcome ■ ■ ■ investigation; ■ interview; any at present advocate or friend a have to cost, own their at right, their of complainants inform required; as languages ethnic in also and tape, print, large e.g. formats, appropriate in request on charge, of free available, ■ use; and understand ■ ■ ■ ■ will: We do? WLHP will What properly.handled been not has application housing a out; carried been not member or contractor has behaved in an unacceptable manner, has committee or it is felt that staff, of that member a provided; repair been not a has requested information be may are complaints you of which about Examples service the of aspect unhappy. any about complain can You YouCan About? What Complain ■ ■ ■ opinion: their in that, us telling is customers our of one if know to want We possible. as customer that ensure to complaints are wants promptly recognised and dealt with as efficiently and effectively (WLHP) Partnership Housing Lothian West PolicyComplaints h Prnrhps nues ihu amsin f iblt. opans il be will Partnership’sInsurers. the Complaints to passing to prior acknowledged liability. of admission without Insurers Partnership’s the publish a procedure for dealing with complaints which is easy to easy is which complaints with dealing for procedure a publish at its discretion, offer at any stage in the procedure, an apology or or apology an procedure, the in stage any at offer discretion, its at procedure; the of stage each and complaint the of details all record fully final or investigation the with satisfied not if right, their of customers inform officer; senior a by complaint a of review a request to customers allow delivery; service of point the at complaints resolve to try reasonable, where any of outcome and progress the of informed fully complainants keep are procedures Partnership’scomplaints the on leaflets information ensure confidence; in complaints with deal promptly,complaints fairly; courteously,to and respond systematically services; its about customers by made complaints all fully investigate we have failed to do something. do to failed have we have; should we which something do to failed have we badly; something done have we Living in your home your in Living

2 13 Page 2 Living in your home

Informal Resolution of Complaints

You have every right to make a formal complaint if you wish to do so. However it is often quicker and easier for everyone if the problem can be resolved informally.

If you are not satisfied with the service, you should let us know as soon as possible what, in your view, has gone wrong. Usually the complaint should be made to the member of staff who has been dealing with the matter and is most directly responsible.

Our staff will clarify with you what the problem is, what solution is being sought, explain what action will or can be taken, apologise if appropriate and let you know when the problem should be resolved. Every effort should be made to sort the problem out quickly, and to advise you of the position.

If the relevant staff member is not available, another member of staff will ensure that details of the complaint are recorded and passed on as soon as possible to the appropriate member of staff.

Complaints will be acknowledged within 3 days, and you will be advised of the outcome within 10 working days by the most directly responsible member of staff.

Staff may need to clarify whether a formal complaint is being made or whether the person would prefer to resolve the problem informally in the first instance.

Formal Complaints Procedure

Stage I - Formal Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint through the informal process, a formal complaint should be made to the Chief Executive. All formal complaints will be acknowledged within 3 working days, and a full response will be sent within 10 working days, unless the complaint is outwith the Partnership's control and a written response will explain where this is the case and suggest an alternative timescale.

Stage II - Appeals Procedure

If you are still not satisfied that the complaint has been resolved you should write to the Chair of the Board of Management, who will convene a customer complaints panel to allow further consideration of your complaint.

If you are still dissatisfied with the process or outcome, you may have the right to contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman for certain types of complaint.

14 Page Page Living in your home 2

Consultation and Review

WLHP will consult with recognised tenants groups on a regular basis to assess the effectiveness of its Complaints Policy; produce an annual report on complaints reviewed which will be sent out to tenant groups within WLHP, and review the nature of the complaints received to analyse whether any change to the policy or procedure is required.

Independent advice

Before deciding to make a formal complaint, you may wish to get independent advice from one of these local agencies:

The Advice Shop Unit 9-12 Waverley Street, Bathgate EH48 4HY Telephone 01506 776444 e-mail [email protected]

Citizens Advice Bureau Shiel Walk, Craigshill, Livingston Telephone 01506 432977

Contacting WLHP about a complaint

If you wish to make an informal complaint, contact your Housing Officer at WLHP, telephone 01506 416438 e-mail [email protected]

If you wish to make a formal complaint please write to the Chief Executive of WLHP, Lennox House, Almondvale Boulevard, Livingston EH54 6QP telephone 01506 460777 e-mail [email protected]

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

If you want to complain about a WLHP complaint after going through our complaints process, or enquire if they will be able to help, then you should contact the Ombudsman within twelve months of the original problem.

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman 4 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NS Telephone 0800 377 7330 e-mail [email protected]

15 Page Page 16 Page 3. Repairs to your home

u Our responsibility to you u What you are responsible for u Reporting a repair u When will my repair get done? u Your right to repair u Making improvements and alterations u Compensation for improving your home u Rechargeable repairs 3 Repairs to your home

Our responsibility to you

We will do all we can to carry out any repairs which we are responsible for within a reasonable timescale (categories of repairs are given below). We are responsible for buildings and the outside of the property (including common parts) and for making sure that your home is wind and water tight and reasonably fit for human habitation. In addition, we will normally repair and maintain the following fittings inside your home -

■ sanitary fittings (for example, sinks, wash basins, baths, showers and toilets), ■ fittings which supply water, gas and electricity, ■ fires and central heating systems which we have installed or have agreed to maintain, ■ water heating systems which we have supplied, ■ all internal finishings except for decoration.

We will not repair or maintain any other domestic appliance which use water, gas or electricity [for example cookers or electrical equipment] unless we provided them.

What does 'reasonably fit for human habitation' mean? It means there is no serious disrepair or sanitary defects such as:

■ Lack of ventilation ■ Lack of lighting ■ Dampness ■ Lack of water supply ■ Inadequate drainage

What you are responsible for

You are responsible for work needed as a result of damage caused by you, a member of your household or visitor to your home. If any damage is caused by vandalism, you must report it to the police and then contact us.

Repairs which you are responsible for include :

■ replacing lost keys, ■ interior decoration, ■ repairs to garden sheds or garages within the garden, ■ erecting TV aerials except where there is a communal aerial.

18 Page Page try to arrange a suitable appointment. suitable a arrange to try will who Officer Housing your with touch in repair,get a report to need you If Appointment by Repairs repair? a report I do How them. repair to unable be occur. If you do decorate within this time and cracks appear, the contractor will to shrinkage any for and settle to property the allow to year first the for home your decorate to not asked Youare construction. its to due are which house the in faults to due are which repairs any for responsible is contractor the time this year.During first the for period liability defects a have houses built Newly liability Defects Officer.Housing your ask please repairs other any about unsure are you If ware. sanitary and units kitchen to marking minor any repairing and of replacement the include These responsible. are you which for repairs minor of number a are there addition, In ■ ■ ■

plugs for sinks and baths, and sinks for plugs fuses, lightbulbs, Repairs to your home your to Repairs 3 19 Page 20 Page 3 carry out any work necessary.work any out carry and inspect to notice hours 24 on home your enter to right the have we failed, have access arrange to attempts and necessary is work the However,if you. Access standard the to up houses re-letting. for required empty bring to needed are which repairs those Repairs House Vacant starts). programme the until done be not will they work, of programme (if they are not already included in an improvement programme. If they are in a Routine repairs it. reporting a it’s If include Priorities Ifit’s a - include Emergencies an it’s If done? get repair my will When

Repairs to your home your to Repairs Priority ■ ■ ■ we will always try to carry out repairs at a time that is convenient for convenient is that time a at repairs out carry to try always will we

Routine Emergency

lackof security for the property (for example a broken door lock) tanks water and pipes burst supply electricity of failure total repair we will do it within 3 working days of you reporting it. include footpath repairs, exterior repairs to doors and windows repair we will complete it within 10 working days of you of days working 10 within it complete will we repair - partial loss of heating or hot water.hot or heating of loss partial - we will do it within 24 hours of you reporting it. reporting you of hours 24 within it do will we should be completed in 7 working days and include and days working 7 in completed be should 3 compensation. any or contractor another instruct to right the have not do you out carried or If you have not provided access to enable the qualifying repair to be inspected Important arrears. against compensation the offset may we rent, of arrears in are you If compensation. £15 to entitled be also will you time, If our contractor has started, but not completed, the repair within the maximum circumstances). exceptional no were there (provided £100 of £3 for each working day until the repair has been completed, upto a maximum further a and caused, inconvenience the for you to compensation £15 pay will we contractor another instruct to had have you and delay a been has there If Compensation the extend to necessary be may time. maximum arrangements temporary cases, such In conditions. weather to severe as such possible period, maximum the not within repair the is do it which under circumstances be occasionally may There scheme. Repair to Right the under repair qualifying a is it if repair a report you when you tell will WePartnership. time on Housing Lothian repair West from the payment compensation start a to to entitled fails be may contractor you our and repair qualifying a is it If work? scheme the does How repairs, essential certain have time-scale. maximum a within done repairs', 'qualifying to called you enables Scheme Repair to Right The Yourrepair to right Repairs to your home your to Repairs 21 Page 22 Page before you get it. get you before ahead go not must you Council the from warrant building a or permission planning need you if permission, you give we if even that Remember attached. have we that conditions the have You why. the or refusal you our about tell unhappy are you will if court sheriff we the to appeal work to right the do to you allow to refuse we If attach may we improvements or alterations proposed work. the of standard the about conditions the to agree we If warrant. building a need you if and application planning your home or make it unsafe. We will tell you if you then have to put in a formal We must look carefully at the work you want to do to see that it will not damage ahead. go to you allows law the month, we and month a within a within respond not do writingwe If reason. good without in permission refuse cannot request your to respond must we law By do. to want you is it what of home, you must ask permission. Contact your Housing Officer with full details Apart from decorating, if you want to make improvements or alterations to your alterations and improvements Making Repairs to your home your to Repairs 3 3 finished time. this during improvements the inspect Yourwill Officer Housing tenancy. your left know: to need will Wehave you after days 21 to up and tenancy your of end the You must make a claim in writing to us within the period starting 28 days before compensation? get I do How repossessed. tenant. being incoming is an home to your benefit if of payable be not will is and Compensation maintained and on tenant. moving next the for behind improvements are the leaving you unless compensation for claim a make cannot out. You carried you criteria: following as the met have long as done, have you work the for compensation receive may you then behind, improvements certain leaving and tenancy your ending are you If home your improving for Compensation Repairs to your home your to Repairs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

The date the improvements were started and when they were they when and started were improvements the date The cost improvement each much How made have you improvements What Youraddress and name been have they improvements, the in value some work still is There the have writing. in to Youclaim a make permission given were and asked You 23 Page 24 Page following: the of one by reviewed your decision the of have then days will We award. 28 your of within notified being decision the reconsider or review to us ask can You claim? my on decision landlord’s my with agree don’t I if What improvements: following the to applies Compensation to Right The for? compensation get I can improvements of kind What amount. compensation the WLHP will also deduct any money outstanding to us, such as rent arrears, from ends. tenancy the when improvement the of condition the on depending down or up - payable compensation the adjust also can WLHP improvement. the on spent total the than less be may and account into this take will us from receive you The valuation of the improvement decreases over time and so the final amount the once WLHP to completed. is work bill the of copy a sending consider to wish may you and evidence of the amount spent. It is a good idea to keep any bills in a safe place We will start with the cost of the improvements and may require you to provide out? worked compensation my is How ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Mechanical ventilation in bathroom and kitchen and bathroom in ventilation Mechanical insulation Sound preparation food for surface Work WC cupboards Storage valves radiator Thermostatic heating water or Space system] alarm burglar than [other measures Security fittings electrical other and Rewiring insulation Loft basin hand Wash sink Kitchen cylinder or tank water pipes, of Insulation proofing Draught replacement window or glazing Double insulation wall Cavity shower or Bath An independent valuer or surveyor appointed by WLHP.by appointed surveyor or valuer independent An Repairs to your home your to Repairs 3 3

you report the repair. You will also be advised of repair.advised the be Youreport also you will Where an item is re-chargeable this will clearly be pointed out to you at the time tenancy.your with associated persons by done damage include also can This neglect. or actions your of because required be may repair a cases other Certain repairs are not the responsibility of West Maintenance Routine cost. the for you charge and ourselves work the out carry to arrange will we and this of advised be will you unprofessional and poor is out carried work or done been not have repairs the that found is it If made. be will inspection further a house the leave you Once leave. you before items the reinstate to opportunity an given be will you time this At you. to out pointed clearly be will these then unsafe, is or standard required a of not is which any work undertaken made or have permission, without you alterations if or house the to damage any find they If property. the inspect will Officer Housing a home your leaving are you that us tell you When House Moving happen: can This to necessary it finds Partnership property.their on out carried repairs Housing for tenants charge Lothian West time to time From repairs Rechargeable out the repair.the out Repairs to your home your to Repairs ■ ■ ■

misuse of the property.the of misuse If we have to carry out work because of neglect or neglect of because work out carry to have we If repair a out carry to us asked have you and home your in staying are you If If you are leaving your home to move elsewhere move to home your leaving are you If Lothian Housing Partnership. theestimated cost ofcarrying

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25 Page 26 Page What if I disagree with the bill? the with disagree I if What should you instalments, by arrangements. make pay to Officer Housing your contact to wish you If instalments. in able be bill may the you pay then to once at bill whole the pay cannot you that feel you If transfer.bank or cheque by paid be can this and account an sent be will you completed, been has work Once done? work for pay I do How put in writing to your Housing Officer.Housing your to writing in put write to the Chief Executive. Chief the to write action take will you. Partnershipagainst action court taking include could Housing which Lothian West bill your pay don’t you If enquiry.the to reply formal a you give bill? will my who pay Officer don’t Housing I your if by happens days What working ■ ■ ■

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u How can I pay my rent? u Having difficulty paying your rent? u What happens if I get into arrears? u Applying for housing benefit u Help with claiming other benefits u Paying service charges u Former tenancy arrears 28 Page 4 the If for any reason your payment does not go through, you will be able to contact instructions the Follow onto Log ready details card debit or credit your Have ready card payment rent your Have internet the over rent Payingyour phone the over hear will you instructions the Follow Call ready details card debit or credit your Have ready card payment your Have phone by rent Payingyour internet or phone the over card your Youuse also can prefer.you if phone, the over debit, direct a up set also can We signs: these see your where it Use paid. have you that proof as over.receipt them printed hand a Youand given payment be will your with along counter the to card swipe your take is do to need will you All Woolworths. can You away) straight another have we’ll and know us let this, lose you if (Remember, from card, rent Youyour need will rent? my pay I can How

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allpay.net ., in order to pay your rent. your pay to order in ., allpay.net , including including , send you send surgeries in local council offices and community centres. community and offices council local in surgeries make advice runs also It to. entitled are can they everything getting are people that sure and Council Lothian West by run is Bathgate in Shop Advice The claiming. currently not are but to entitled be may you benefits identify help will and form, Benefit Housing your in fill to you help will YourOfficer Housing expenses. essential your paying after have you money much how and owe you rent much how on depend may This debt. your clear to regularly pay to and you will be able to come to an agreement about how much you can afford you with circumstances your at look to able be will He/she home. own your in or House Lennox in either confidence, in Officer Housing your to Youtalk can help. to able be won’t we problem a is there know we Unless it. for ask you once available only is rent your with up catch to arrange to Housing your with touch in Help having. are you difficulty temporary a only is it if even immediately Officer get rent, your paying problems any have you If your to up facing problems. difficult kinds be all can it for that arrears understand we rent and in reasons, of themselves find can people that know We PayingYourin Difficulty Rent? Having Paying your rent your Paying 4 29 Page 30 Page 4 everyone else down. else everyone and yourself let you rent, pay to failing By homes. tenants’ other and your upgrading towards goes part Another home. your maintaining and repairing into directly goes rent your of part large A necessary.if action eviction take will we but home, your in stay you help to power our in everything do will We arrears? my ignore I if happen will What Paying your rent your Paying and return it immediately. If you do not, you could lose your benefit. your lose could you not, do you immediately.If it return and in it fill Youmust time. to time from form review a you send may Council The to. entitled not are but awarded been have you money the back pay to may have you your happen they of when out changes these or of into informed not moving are someone we If or house. wages, in cut a or in rise a include form, Benefit Housing your in put you what to different become and change circumstances your Whenever adviser.CIS a or Officer application form. If you would like help in filling out the form, ask your Housing (telephone office CIS local your or us Contact Benefit Housing for claim a Making Retirement State the as unsure, are you qualify.If not such will they that think Pension benefits receive who For people claim. a some make not example, do Benefit Housing to entitled are who people Many income. of know if you qualify within 14 days, providing you you supply all let the necessary to proof able be should Section Benefit Housing the claim, a making When rent. your of all or some cover to us to directly paid be usually will it Benefit, Housing for qualify do you If Benefit. Housing by paid be to rent your of all or some for qualify may you done, been have calculations the all When include: Benefit Housing of amount the affect which things other The have. you savings of amount the plus house the into coming money of amount the on depends to entitled are you Benefit Housing of amount The possible. as soon as apply back-dated,so usually not income and if you qualify. You must make a claim low to receive a this and on claims are are you if rent your towards paid is which money is Benefit Housing me? help Benefit Housing Can ■ ■

the number of people who are working. are who people of number the ages, their and house the in living people of number the you must let Housing Benefit know Benefit Housing let must you 01506 776800 01506 make a claim a make Paying your rent your Paying ) and ask for an for ask and ) . Changes . . 4 31 Page 32 Page 4 tenant arrears. tenant former the pay to arrangements make to office the to speak should you notice weeks 4 giving without or rent, outstanding the all paying without move you If arrears tenancy Former your in shown be will home your rent. the with for along paid be must and agreement tenancy pay to have you charge service Any charges Payingservice this. on advice offer will CAB or TaxShop and Advice The Credits. Allowance, Living Disability Allowance, Attendance as such benefits social security mean we benefits’ ‘other By can. who someone with touch in you put or benefits other claim you help either will who Officer Housing your Contact benefits other claiming with Help of any change. circumstances relevant if your Agency Benefits the and Council the both contact must you Again, working. are they not or whether to according vary will adult each for deducted amount living The adults Benefit. Housing your of other reduction a be will have there case this you In you. with unless Benefit, Housing of amount maximum the get will you Allowance Seekers Job or Support Income on are you While form. Benefit Housing Council a Benefits the in filled you if Even in fill to need still you on, signed you when NHB1) (called form rebate Agency form. Benefit Housing a in fill to need still you Allowance, Seekers Job or Support Income on are partner your or you If Support? Income on am I if What Paying your rent your Paying 5. Your rights as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant

You are now a Scottish secure tenant of West Lothian Housing Partnership. Your rights as a Scottish secure tenant are set out by the Housing (Scotland) Act of 2001. These rights are also contained in your tenancy agreement.

If you have any queries relating to the tenancy agreement contact your Housing Officer. 34 Page 5

include: tenancy joint a for request your refusing for grounds Reasonable a so. doing for for grounds reasonable have we request if tenancy joint your refuse only will We tenants. joint become to applying are who individuals the all with together writing), (in apply Youmust tenant. joint a as you with included them have to apply can you you, with lives someone If tenancy joint Youra to right by signed is which contract binding2 Section See responsibilities. and rights your details and us, legally and yourself a is agreement tenancy Your agreement tenancy written Youra to right

Your rights as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant Partnership Housing WestLothian a Your as rights ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

tenancy conditions tenancy tenancy on the grounds of anti-social behaviour or breach of breach or behaviour anti-social of grounds the on tenancy Any of the individuals have been evicted from a previous a from evicted been have individuals the of Any another property another TenantSecure Scottish a of currently is individuals the of Any overcrowded is property The drugs illegal of supply the as such crime, serious a of convicted been has individuals the of Any rent) of payment non (including grounds conduct the of one on you on served been has Notice A Order Behaviour Social Anti current a to subject are individuals the of Any tenant the were they which of tenancy previous a on arrears charge service or rent outstanding have individuals the of Any age of years 16 than less are individuals the of Any home principal or only their as house your in living are tenancy joint the requesting individuals the all Not

that are likely to significantly affect you. There is more information about how about information more is There you. affect significantly to likely are that You have the right to be consulted on changes to policies and service standards delivery service on consulted Yourbe to right the view to you for made be charged. be may will fee a and information, appointment An Office. Housing your to apply should you information personal this see to wish you If files. paper computer or on WLHP by held information personal view to right the have You files personal to Youraccess of right Officer.Housing your to made be should Applications withheld. unreasonably be not will This consent. written prior our with lodger a in take to right the have tenants WLHP lodge a in Yourtake to right over by take service Tenanta establishing Organisation. management Management to housing the landlord of their aspects certain with of management negotiate the to right the have WLHP tenants home your of management the over Yourtake to right months. 6 least at for home principal only their as house By law you can only assign the tenancy to someone who has been living in the occur.also will increases rent of Monitoring planned. are increases rent any if WLHP tenant. notify must tenant The the against taken be will arrears rent or nuisance breaches, neighbour tenancy as for such action any and tenant the with is responsibility all i.e. terms, tenancy the of aware is tenant the that ensure will Officer Housing the be should and approval or refusal given in writing. tenancy When granting approval for sub-letting the assign assessed be will or application The office. local your to returned and sub-let completed to permission requesting form A tenant. the by applied being conditions unreasonable are there feels landlord the where prior withheld be our only withcan This only permission. but written tenancy your assign or sub-let to right the have You tenancy your assign or Yoursub-let to right we will do this in Section 7. Section in this do will we Your rights as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant Partnership Housing WestLothian a Your as rights r

5 35 Page 36 Page 5 a b ette t b cmestd o te ot f hs wrs hn the when works those of cost details. more for the 3 Section See end. and to comes for tenancy compensated be to entitled be you permission, may written our with works improvement out carried have you If home your improving for Yourcompensation to right more for 3 Section See do. to details. permission you give do we that work any to permission written give to unless we refuse have a good reason. We not may set reasonable conditions with will respect We decoration. interior than other house, the to work any out carrying before consent written our get Youmust alterations or improvements Yourmake to right details. for 3 Section See repairs. certain out carrying for scales time maximum out set rules repair to right The Yourrepair to right details. more for 9 Section See so. doing for grounds reasonable are there if Secure refused be can Consent writing. Scottish another with house in consent their given have tenants your both of landlords the that provided tenant, exchange to right the have You exchange mutual a Yourdo to right Your rights as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant Partnership Housing WestLothian a Your as rights order (See section 2 for more details). more for 2 section (See order 4 giving tenant weeks (28 days) written notice to WLHP,the by end or by mutual agreement, or by a court an to brought be may tenancy secure Scottish A tenancy your Yourend to right services housing to relation person. in procedures or policies our of any explain to someone like would you if House Lennox at appointment an for Ask and policies landlord's about: information includes This your about information to right procedures. the have You Yourinformation to right ■ ■ ■ ■

West Lothian Housing Partnership decision making process in in process making Partnershipdecision Housing Lothian West procedures and policies maintenance and Repairs Tenantstrategy participation procedures and policies Allocations Your rights as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant Partnership Housing WestLothian a Your as rights 5 37 Page 38 Page 6. Your responsibilities as a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant

u Noise nuisance u Children and young people playing u DIY work and alterations to your home u Other breaches of your tenancy agreement u Harassment u Keeping pets u Use of common and shared parts u Car parking u Abandoned vehicles u Running a business from home u Looking after your garden u Access to your home u Storage of flammable material u Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour u Victim support 40 Page 6 Officer will! Officer Again, if your neighbours do complain, take it seriously - because your Housing take action (including legal action) against tenants will who and are complaints noise acting with dealing unreasonably.in experienced is Officer YourHousing regularly.happens it if upsetting and annoying very be to likely is night the into playing music loud and families young have or elderly be may Yourneighbours advance. in well know neighbours your let you sure make please party a have to intend you If Parties headphones! use - loud be to it like you if and level, reasonable a at music play - others for consideration one of the main reasons why neighbours fall out with each other. Please show Music played loudly at any time of the day or night is extremely annoying and is music Loud so. do to safe is it when around run it let only and areas residential in lead a on is dog your elderly sure make Always to people. and children to particularly concern, and distress cause own their on around running dogs where Lothian West in areas of number a are There problem. the solve to try and seriously comments their take please complain do neighbours your If garden. own your have don’t and periods of time, and that it is exercised regularly - particularly if you live in a flat long for alone left not is it that sure make please dog a during have you or If time night. the of periods long for bark dogs when annoying really be can It barking Dogs does really nuisance. a cause noise when night and day the of times some and unacceptable are which noise of types some However,are noise. there daily create will some activities that accept to has everyone and life, day every of fact a is Noise nuisance Noise comfort. and to peace in homes your in live can neighbours your and you that sure make intended are They neighbourhood. your and neighbours your your of home, take you care the with do to are responsibilities These Officer. a number of responsibilities which were explained to you by your Housing When you signed the tenancy agreement for your new home, you accepted Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities their home. their repossess to action legal take may we conditions, tenancy is visitor,these of breach or in household, family, their of member or tenant, any that find we If and owners tenants, all WLHP.of includes behalf on working anyone or occupiers), (this neighbours harasses with, reason, live whatever for they who, someone anyone against action take will WLHP religion. or age discrimination because of someone’s sexual orientation, race, colour, disability, : includes Harassment or physical cause to person. intended another to harm actual or distress mental is which behaviour any means Harassment Harassment in home. your be of possession recover will you activities these to serious breach of your tenancy agreement and WLHP is likely to take action to linked activity criminal any or prostitution for used is home your If conditions tenancy your of breaches serious Other WLHP from consent Please bear in mind that improvements and alterations will require written complaints. any receive to likely less are you this, do you If finished. be will it when and take to likely is it long how Officer Housing your and neighbours your tell you that sure make please work, of lot a doing are you If 9pm. after out carried be not should noise loud other or drilling banging, involves which that work sure Any evening. the make in work to please intend you if know home neighbours your let your you to improvements out carrying are you If home your to alterations and work DIY people. local other for concern for cause a be can it and night at out be to children, young especially people, young for dangerous be can It neighbourhood. your in living others to nuisance a causing not are they that and are teenagers and children your where know you that sure make Please playing people young and Children [See Section 3 for more details]. more for 3 Section [See illegal or immoral purposes immoral or illegal Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities , such as drug dealing, drug as such , 6 41 Page 42 Page 6

agreement. tenancy your breaking for you against action legal take and home, your from If your pet causes a persistent nuisance we can require your pet to be removed neighbourhood the and property the pets: permitted all to apply conditions following the environment, neighbours, your pet, the protect To Conditions an sign to asked be will you given, apply.that conditions is the keep to agreement permission If pet. a keeping before permission written get to you requires agreement tenancy Secure Scottish The pets Keeping any of home the repossess harassment. racial of guilty found to is who tenant action legal take to likely are We effectively. and quickly harassment racial with deal will Partnership Housing Lothian West and attacks physical includes insults. It and threats property,verbal to and damage appearance. culture, or origin, community, national group, race, ethnic their of because someone towards behaviour means harassment Racial WLHP.by immediately on acted be will property your to visitors or home, your in lives who someone yourself, by caused harassment racial of form Any harassment Racial Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

property, neighbour's your house, your to damage cause or foul to our property caused by your pet. your by caused property our to neighbours. your to danger or annoyance nuisance, causing This includes fouling or noise or smell from your pet, your from smell or noise or fouling includes This dryingareas, you are required to pay the costs of making good any damage any good making of costs the pay to required are you not do pets such that see to care reasonable take must you pets such prevent to steps reasonable all take must you you with living anyone or you by owned pets any of behaviour the for responsible are you you must make sure that your pet is exercised appropriately exercised is pet your that sure make must you faeces dog up cleaning for responsible are you communalareas, communal gardens, footpaths or any nisca, usne hrsmn o criminal or harassment nuisance, anti-social,

When can written permission be given? be permission written can When

The dog warden can be contacted on contacted be can warden dog The to: is warden dog the of role The WardenDog Council’s WestLothian views. tenants reflect to tenants, with partnership in up drawn were guidelines These

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

consideration. neighbours. to nuisance any causing avoid can you that The therapeutic benefits of pet ownership will be taken into taken be will ownership pet of benefits therapeutic The other about complaints are there if given be not will Permission show to able be must you but entrance, shared a with property a in live you if refused be automatically not will Permission pets at the property.the at pets Pick up stray dogs within 1 working day of notification of day working 1 within dogs stray up Pick hostel. Homeless a or accomodation sheltered in live you if given be not will Permission Control. Building by specified requirements the all meets which coup pigeon a in kept be will pigeons the if pigeons keep to given be only will Permission goats cows, pigs, sheep, as such animals farm or poultry for given be not will Permission law other any by or 1991, Act Dogs Dangerous the by prohibited pets or spiders, or snakes poisonous as such pets poisonous for given be never will Permission advice. that with accordance in pet the after look to able be and organisations breeder or groups welfare animal by provided advice practice good into looked have to Youexpected neighbours. be to would nuisance any causing avoid and environment, neighbourhood the neighbours, the pet, the protect to conditions appropriate in kept be would pet the that demonstrate can you if spiders) insects, reptiles, (e.g. pet exotic an for given be only will Permission house per pets two to limited be normally will Permission tanks in fish birds, caged rodents, caged small dogs, cats, as such pets, domestic for given be only normally will Permission dogs hearing and dogs guide working for permission written Youneed not do Provide and advisory service to dog owners and groups and owners dog to service advisory and Provide ownership dog responsible Promote 01506 775401 01506 Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities

6 43 Page 44 Page 6

oni wl nt pit tm fo isd yu hm o fo upr landings. upper from or 777800. (01506) call service this need home you If The your yourself. inside downstairs from items items uplift any not bring will to Council need will live you you flat, for if upper that charge an note Please in a collection. sometimes to prior is payable There is which fridges. service this and beds cookers, old as such items large for service collection uplift bulky a provides Council Lothian West qualify.you think Telephoneyou if 777800 [01506] family.large a have you if Council the from one bigger a get to able be family,may big your you for enough not is bin wheelie your If provided. bin the in placed be must rubbish All afterwards. in back it take to and emptying, for ready out bin the put to responsibility your is It emptied. be will bin your day which you inform will Officer YourHousing Rubbish Garden and Domestic parts shared and common of Use drying area allocated to your property.your to allocated area drying the use to permitted only are you area, drying communal a of use have you If condition. tidy and clean a in share you areas the keep and If your house has shared areas with other residents please respect their privacy Areas Common YearsNew and Day.Day Christmas on closed be will sites The call information more want you If supervised. are sites all lubricating reasons, safety For oils. and glass textiles, paper, recycling for facilities provide sites The your take - at located are can These yourself. items unwanted you where Sites Amenity Civic of number a runs Council The These are open: are These Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Livingston Linlithgow Whitburn Broxburn Blackburn Livingston 9.00am - 6.00pm Saturday and Sunday and Saturday 6.00pm - 9.00am Friday to Monday 8.00pm - 8.00am Deans Cleansing Depot, Nairn Road, Nairn Depot, Cleansing Deans Braehead Road Braehead Dixon Terrace,Dixon Estate Industrial Burnhouse Greendykes Industrial Estate Industrial Greendykes Street Main East Oakbank Roundabout, Mid Calder (A71) Calder Mid Roundabout, Oakbank Deans Industrial Estate Industrial Deans 01506 777800 01506 .

.

f o we cn e dniid te eal wl b fxd o h lcl oie to police local the to abandoned. been has faxed it whether check they that be request will details the identified, be can owner no If agreement. tenancy their with comply to failing of consequences possible the and situation, the resolve to take should they action the that agreement, tenancy explain their of will breach in Officer are they Housing the identified, is owner the If locality. the in doors knocking by caravan the of owner the identify to made be will Attempts Caravans the vehicle. remove days, 7 the of expiry on and, vehicle the on notice day 7 a serve will Services Operational abandoned, is vehicle the that confirm police the If not. or abandoned been has it whether check they the that ask to police local duties, the to request a their fax will office local of course the during staff of member a by spotted or office, council local the to reported been has vehicle abandoned potentially a When owner.traceable no with vehicle a is vehicle abandoned An eyesore. an are and problems, parking cause children, to danger a are vehicles scrap and Abandoned breakers. car Yellowthe in Pageslook for disposal, of need in is which vehicle a have you If vehicles Abandoned includes: This police. the by with dealt are vehicles parked Illegally pavement) the on parked (e.g. vehicles parked Illegally area. grassed communal a on or or area drying garden, boat, your in caravan vehicle, motor any parking before permission written our need You purpose. other any for used be not must only disabilities with people for marked are which Parkingspaces through. get to cars police and ambulances engines, fire for space enough is there that Yousure areas. make grassed to or need paths roads, block not do the space provided. If you do in not have a parking space please make or sure that you one, have you if driveway your in it park must you car a have you If parking Car ■ ■

Vehicles which have no road tax road no have Vehicleswhich pavement the on Vehiclesparked Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities 6 45 Page 46 Page 6

given: permission any to apply will conditions following The Conditions if: given be only will Permission given? be permission can When the from business to: of kind any intended are given, run permission any to apply to will that conditions property.The permission written get to need You home your from business a Running

Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

vehicles using the street. the using vehicles property.other any vehicles in the street or neighbouring street. neighbouring or street the in vehicles parked in increase significant a to lead not does business The in increase significant a to lead not does business The cause not way.must anti-social It an in run not is business The been or permissions, relevant the obtained either and 775222), 01506 (tel Control Building and Development Council's or property the to damage cause to likely not is business the The business does not lead to an increased health or safety or health increased an to lead not does business The alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to any person. any to annoyance or nuisance distress, alarm, required. is permission no that advised the with business proposed the discussed has tenant The risk). fire the increase may which materials of storage example, (for risk safety or health any cause to likely not is business the person. any to annoyance or nuisance distress, alarm, cause to likely not is business the hours. office normal from different significantly not are business the of operation of hours the streets. neighbouring in or street the in parked thebusiness would notlead significanttoa increase invehicles street. the using thebusiness would notlead significanttoa increase invehicles property the protect neighbours the of safety the promote neighbours the to disruption and nuisance minimise risk to the tenant's household or to anyone else. anyone to or household tenant's the to risk

for: reasonably,example, and for sensibly access of right this you must respect the privacy of all those who live in the terrace. You should use that remember please path, this door.use back you your If to get to block the If you live in a terrace block of houses, you can use the path around the end of home your to Access scheme. this for qualify you how on See section on Garden Maintenance Scheme (section 10) for further information the in interested are you If disabilities. : scheme with for people service for trimming and hedge people and elderly cutting grass a runs Council Lothian West tidy.it keeping for responsible are you then garden a have you If garden your after Looking

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excessively tall. excessively the growing season. growing the Access for tradesmen for Access get or footpaths overhang to allowed be not should Hedges in weeks 4 every once least at cut be must areas grassed Any - Ask at your local council office for an application form, application an for office council local your at Ask - Land Services on 01506 775000. 01506 on Services Land NETstelephone Teams) Environment - (Neighbourhood and Taking gardening tools to and from your front garden front your from Takingand to tools gardening in back it bringing and out bin your Putting weather,bad in Access garden. the in rubbish no be should There

Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities

6 47 Page 48 Page 6

heater: Gas Calor a use to given permission any to apply will conditions following The Conditions given? be permission can When property.the protect to and neighbours, your and household, your of safety the promote to are given permission any to apply that conditions The precautions. safety to relating conditions to subject be will given permission Any house. the in heater gas) paraffin (liquid LPG or paraffin gas, Calor use or material flammable any store to permission written get Youmust material flammable of Storage

Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

stored at the property, in communal areas or on garden land. garden on or areas property,communal the in at stored time. one considerations. safety to supply.of loss prolonged a was there or down broken has system heating the if period limited installed/restored at the property.the at installed/restored without a valid permit. valid a without Housing Office to be kept on the tenancy file. tenancy the on kept be to Office Housing engineer. Copies of the inspection report to be given to your to given be to report inspection engineer.the of Copies registered CORGI a by annually serviced be to heater the for is which anything store to given be not will Permission Heaters must in good working order. The tenant must arrange order.must working tenant good The in must Heaters not and appropriately of disposed be should cylinders Empty any at property the at kept be could cylinder spare one Only LPG or gas Calor any for given be not will Permission due appliances, paraffin of use for given be not will Permission a for or heating, central have not does house the if heaters LPG or Gas Calor of use for given be only will Permission Permission is only valid until central heating has been been has heating central until valid only is Permission heaters. than other appliances Permission will not be given to store firearms and ammunition and firearms store to given be not will Permission garden land. garden on or area communal any in stored be not should Cylinders ground. garden or area communal any excessivelydangerous, flammable or explosive in the house or in

f o cnat h plc, o sol ak hm o o te niet s this so incident, the log to them date. later a at easily askaccessed be can information should you police, the contact you If diary.a of form the in be could necessary.This is action court case in incidents, of times and dates as behaviour,such neighbours your of evidence collect to start also Youshould in assist to able be may that agencies problem. the solving other any with co-ordinate will We Housing Lothian West harassment. and nuisance towards Partnership’sattitude out sets clearly agreement anti-social tenancy or Your behaviour. nuisance tolerate not does Partnership Housing Lothian West seek and away walk then Officer.Housing your from advice unreasonable be to continues neighbour your If continues? problem the if What your contact own, your on situation complaints. investigate always will she or the He it. about Officer Housing with deal can’t you that feel you If you. upsetting are they that know not may row.They major a into turning thing small a stop might discuss problem the calmly to able Being problem. the out sort to enough be may them with word friendly A problem. a causing are they that realised have not may Your first. yourselves between problems any solve to try can, you If neighbour neighbour? my with problem a have I if do I can What behaviour anti-social and disputes Neighbour Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities 6 49 Page 50 Page 6 try to find common ground and a solution to the problem. the to solution a and ground common Or find to try problems. the and between discuss go a as to act neighbourhood will mediator both the where mediation trained you secondly,shuttle for a meeting where a arrange mediation of will types face mediator two to are There face parties. Firstly both benefits mediation. which solution a find to and Mediation is an attempt to get all parties to discuss the causes of the problems mediation? is What problems: neighbour with dealing of methods separate two have WLHP Partnershiptake? Housing WestLothian can action of form What take. can WLHP action the limit that may this remember should you although confidential, kept be will private remain to wish you anything and you by agreed be will plan the in included action All include: may It take. should Officer Housing This will include drawing up a plan outlining the action which both you and the will they House Lennox problem. the at discuss to you visit to time a Officerarrange Housing your contacted have you Once Partnership?Housing WestLothian contact you when happen will What

Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

By taking legal action action legal taking By mediation using By through: evidence further collecting Officer Housing the and you Both mediation or interview joint a arranging Officer Housing The neighbour your to writing or interviewing Officer Housing The neighbour your Approaching

- Professional witnesses Professional - equipment monitoring Noise - agencies Other - Police - neighbours Other - cameras CCTV and Photographs - - anti-social behaviour orders behaviour anti-social - eviction - Diaries - Your responsibilities as a tenant 6

What is an Anti-Social Behaviour Order? The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 created a new range of legal measures to tackle anti-social behaviour. Local authorities, Courts and the Police can apply to the courts for ‘Anti-Social Behaviour Orders’ which make it an offence for someone to act in a way which causes distress or alarm to others. Anyone who disobeys an anti-social behaviour order is committing an offence and faces a fine or could be sent to prison.

If the court grants an Anti Social Behaviour order against a West Lothian Housing Partnership tenant [or a member of their family] their tenancy will be down graded to a Short Scottish secure Tenancy. They would then have limited security of tenure and loose their succession rights. The tenant would be given support to enable them to convert back to a Scottish Secure Tenancy after 12 months.

If the tenant does not alter their behaviour West Lothian Housing Partnership will ask the court to end their tenancy.

See section 2 for more details.

Will West Lothian Housing Partnership evict the Anti-Social tenant? The Housing Officer will explore many possibilities in an attempt to resolve your concerns. If all these have failed or are impractical then legal action will be considered. Before West Lothian Housing Partnership can evict an anti-social tenant it will need your support as a witness in any court action. The Sheriff in court will make the final decision.

Why can it take so long to evict anti-social tenants? The process of removing a household from their home is a lengthy one which involves many agencies other than West Lothian Housing Partnership. To be fair to everyone concerned the Housing Officer must be objective and take time to make sure all parties have an opportunity to either be heard or change their behaviour. West Lothian Housing Partnership will ensure that you are kept informed of the process as it progresses. It is crucial that you continue to keep a record of incidents, even when it appears that a problem is taking a long time to resolve.

51 Page Page 52 Page 6 include: could This needs. their to appropriate is by affected been way whatever in has supported and to who listened are Victims Lothian. anyone West in crime to service confidential and free a offers which organisation voluntary independent an is Lothian West Support Victim WestLothian? Support Victim is What Support Victim West Lothian on 01506 635050 or ask your Housing Officer for details. for Officer Housing your ask or 635050 01506 on Lothian West Support Victim phone just service this from benefit would you that feel you If help? this get I can How Your responsibilities as a tenant a Youras responsibilities ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Help with compensation with Help court in Support talk to Time assistance and Information support Emotional 7. Getting involved

u Tenant participation u Your opinion counts u How can tenants get involved? u Tenants and residents groups u Monitoring the quality of the housing service 54 Page 7

ulc etns ad rsnain t rgsee tnns ad residents' and tenants' registered to groups. presentations and meetings, newsletters, tenants, public individual to letters and groups residents' and tenants' We will provide information on any such proposals through letters to registered affect includes: This to them. likely are which issues any on users service and tenants, individual We will consult with tenant members, registered tenants' and residents' groups, Yourcounts opinion as: tenantsdevelopofroletoplanfurther.the Youinvolved getissuessuchcanWe in service. housing your of running the in involved be to opportunities you with providing to commitment our out sets strategy Participation Tenant Our service housing Tenants’the in involvement WLHP. say, your have to by provided service housing the impact and influence to others, with work and chance the you giving about is It service. housing your of Tenant Participation is about you as a tenant becoming involved in the running Tenantparticipation

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management, management. tenancy and behaviour anti-social management, estate changes to service standards relating to housing to relating standards service to changes and management housing to relating procedures and policies related services, including rent setting, repairs, allocations, repairs, setting, rent including services, related capital works programme works capital services our of standard the on Commenting area your in services housing of standard the Improving behaviour. anti-social with deal we how and repairs prioritise we which in way the example, for policies, housing on say your Having

repairs and maintenance and repairs

How can I get involved? get I can How documents. final producing when account into taken and Board the to reported be will forward put Views : views Tenantstheir forward put can them. affect to likely is that issue any on proposals making considering is Partnership Housing Lothian West when tenants individual and groups residents' and tenants' of views the of account take and obtain will We starting up one. up starting consider to wish might you area your in exist already doesn’t group a If service. housing the of running the in involved become A Tenants’ and Residents’ Group is one of the most effective ways that you can Group Residents’ Tenants’a in involved Getting and ways: of number a in Youinvolved get can

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

meetings, or writing to your local office. local your to writing or meetings, As an individual - by giving your comments and ideas for ideas and comments your giving by - individual an As improvement, Through their registered tenants' and residents' group residents' and tenants' registered their Through visit home a During slip response a completing By writing In telephone By person In email by neighbours in a tenants’ association. tenants’ a in neighbours your with together working by - group a of member a As Board. the of member tenant a as standing or selecting by Partnership– Housing Lothian West of member a As

by filling in a comments leaflet, attending public attending leaflet, comments a in filling by Getting involved Getting

7 55 Page 56 Page 7 WLHP will inform tenants of its performance annually and on request. on and annually performance its of tenants inform will WLHP Board. WLHP the to this report we and time, the all service better getting is provide the sure make to monthly times response repair our monitor We our to important are which work of areas key include: These customers. of number a monitor We Quality Monitoring we time, the all better getting are ways: provide of number a in performance our measure we services the sure make To service housing the of quality the Monitoring Getting involved Getting ■ ■ ■

Working The length of time it takes to respond to letters to respond to takes it time of length The rent unpaid of levels The let is it before stands property vacant a time of amount The

for you for Working with you with 8. Being safe in your home

u Fire u Electricity u Gas u Water u Frozen and burst pipes u Home security u Condensation u Home insurance u Tenants' insurance scheme 58 Page 8

occurring. fire a of chances the home. your around hazards fire potential reduce of aware be Always you help will points following The fire a Preventing

Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

to break in). break to electrical repairs and rewiring. and repairs electrical undertaking when help expert get immediately.Always office reach. easy within matches are there bed, except your fridge. your except bed, fuse. correct you choose cannot be reached by someone from the outside the from someone by reached be cannot choose you When you are in your home, your in are you When Takecare bed. to going before home your inside doors all Close Never out. put are they sure make and pipes and cigarettes for ashtray an Use not Do purchase). after years five for last usually (warranties year each serviced blanket electric your Have possible. as little as adapters socket electrical Use Never to going before plugs all out pull and sockets all off Switch local your contact overheating, are or faulty are sockets your If them. using not are you when appliances electrical Unplug Never Never Always Never home. all family members know about (making sure that the place the that sure (making about know members family all that place same the for,in are always they and doors the near use a damaged flex. damaged a use unattended. left or full half than more pan chip a have smoke in bed as this is the major cause of fire in the in fire of cause major the is this as bed in smoke the use always and points power electrical overload when especially home, your in alone children leave use light fittings for anything other than lighting. than other anything for fittings light use place a suitable fireguard in front of a roaring fire. roaring a of front in fireguard suitable a place that nothing can fall into heaters or fires. or heaters into fall can nothing that always leave outside door keys door outside leave

lives. people’s other maybe and lose. to time Remember your escape routes can be cut off very quickly, so you have no starts fire a If home? your occupying everybody with routes these discussed you Have fire if home, your out? broke from routes escape alternative out worked you Have Fire

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Here are a few important measures which could save your own your save could which measures important few a are Here from the nearest phone box or neighbours. or box phone nearest the from will also help stop poisonous fumes from spreading. from fumes poisonous stop help also will This will help to keep the fire in the one part of the house. It house. the of part one the in fire the keep to help will This telephone, get everyone out and telephone the Fire Brigade Fire the telephone and out everyone get telephone, phone the Fire Brigade. Fire the phone immediately and home the of out door.else everyone Get safely. If not, close the door of the room where it has started. started. has it where room the of door the close not, safely.If spreading. from fire the prevent to them behind doors all close should 999 and leave the property quickly. If you don’t have a have don’t you quickly.If property the leave and 999 smoke getting in the room. Call for help from the window.the from help for Call room. the in getting smoke If a fire starts, assess whether you can control it quickly and quickly it control can you whether assess starts, fire a If the open not do room, a in fire a be may there think you If it say Brigade Fire the once home your to Youreturn only may building. the from distance safe a stand you ensure please Brigade Fire the calling After building. the re-enter not Do able. valu or precious how matter no possessions, gather to stop not Do building. the of out get to is priority your starts, fire a If stop to rug or blanket a with door the under gap the seal and you, behind door the close room, a in trapped are you If occupants the fire a of event the in Youthat ensure should routes. exit your through run” “trial a in participated all you Have Don’t stop for possessions, alert everyone in your home, dial home, your in everyone alert possessions, for stop Don’t so. do to safe is Being safe in your home your in safe Being

8 59 Page 60 Page 8 What does my smoke alarm do? alarm smoke my does What alarm Smoke shops. hardware most from available are These develops. fire pan chip a if use to cooker the beside kept be to blanket’ ‘fire a buying consider lot, a pan chip a use you If fire. pan chip a have you if remember to points few a are Here fire pan chip a have you If is no smoke, report it to the office. the to it report smoke, no is If your alarm does not seem to be working properly or goes off when there its improve and it off dust the keep efficiency. to regularly alarm smoke your Clean button. test the off light red should flash all the the time. The button, alarm should stop the soon after you take press your finger you When seconds. 10 to up take could This You can do this by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds. year.a once about battery properly.the working Replace still is it that sure make to month a once least few at alarm every your Check flash seconds. will light red a normally, working is alarm smoke your When as maintenance-free as be to designed been possible. has detector smoke Your properly? working it’s if know I do How alarm. your should you so family your of that and safety your to difference the all make could alarm smoke a Having is detector smoke The alarm. built-in its sounds flames. it smoke, senses it or When fires. developing heat of warning early gas, give to designed sense not does sensing its It into comes chamber. that smoke detect to designed is alarm smoke Your

Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■

cooled or it will re-ignite. will it or cooled has oil the until pan chip the over cloth Youthe leave must to you allow and flames the smother will cloth damp The cloth. the behind protected are hands your ensuring cloth, damp a with pan chip burning the Cover it. over water pour or pan the move not Do switch off the cooker.the off switch never try to disconnect, paint or move or paint disconnect, to try

Sockets and an average Cooker average an and Sockets Heater Immersion watts 720-3000 of Appliances dryer iron/hair as such and Lights lamp/radio/hi-fi) table a as (such watts 720 to up Appliances working not is that appliance one only is it If faults Electrical supply.electricity your to disruption prolonged a avoid you help will consider,which should you which points few a are Here Electricity thesocket by trying to run too many appliances at the same time. size. It is very important that you use the correctTake fuse out the andold fuse in thethat appliances’ you plug anddo insert notanew fuse of theoverload correct Cooker Large

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

cannotgetpower, phone Scottish Power. Housing Officer.Housing immediately,your ‘off’ contact switches it If below]. [see arough guide is- fuse for the first socket has tripped. has socket first the for fuse probably with the appliance or light bulb, check or change this change or check bulb, light or appliance the with probably is fault the on, stays it if - ‘on’ it switch ‘off’, marked in a tool box. tool a in containing a variety of plug fuses which you can keep handy keep can you which fuses plug of variety a containing card Youa buy problem. can the is plug the in fuse the the if see to above as box fuse the check does it If there. work likely that the fault lies with the appliance. Check first to see if see to first Check appliance. the with lies fault the that likely informed. be should lies. besidetheelectricity meter first toseeif that iswhere thefault in the wiring or the appliances using that circuit. If any are any If circuit. that using appliances the or wiring the in fault a is there if happens this - off switched been have these If the appliance will not work in the second socket either, is socket it second the in work not will appliance the If will it if see to socket another in it try and appliance the Unplug Ifyour home istheonly oneaffected, check your fuse box Power Scottish neighbours, your and you affects fault the If torch. a and fuses, spare have always you sure Make switch mains your where know you that sure made you Have is and how to turn it off. it turn to how and is

If you have switches, check whether any of any whether check switches, have you If Thecard will tell you which type of fuse to use but

Ifnone ofyour fuses appear blown, andyou

45 amp fuse amp 45 5 amp fuse amp 5 13 amp fuse amp 13 15-20 amp fuse fuse amp 15-20 30 amp fuse amp 30 3 amp fuse amp 3 Being safe in your home your in safe Being

8 61 Page 62 Page 8

includes fires and central heating systems. heating central and fires includes gas any year.This every property the service in provided have we that andsystems or appliances repair will Partnership Housing Lothian West yourself. cooker or heating central fire, gas your service or repair fit, to attempt Never servicing and repairs Gas gas. smell you if do to what is Here Gas Brown follows. as are connections plug, a rewiring When No.1363. (BS) Standard ‘British marked are that plugs buy Always plugs Wiring Green/Yellow Blue

Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

electric doorbells. electric gas. This includes plugs, lights, or even obscure things like things obscure even or lights, plugs, includes This gas. because even a spark from a socket could ignite escaping ignite could socket a from spark a even because pilot light has gone out. gone has light pilot illegal. be could and try to dangerous Call Transco’s emergency gas leak number - 0800 111999. 0800 - number leak Transco’sgas Call emergency a if or accidentally on left been has tap gas a if see to Check stopped. and checked, located, been has leak the till open wide them keep and windows and doors Open off or on switches electrical any put Don’t matches. use Don’t heating. or cookers from flames naked other any and cigarettes out put gas, smell you If Never attempt to find or repair a gas leak yourself. It is It yourself. leak gas a repair or find to attempt Neutral Earth Live

Being safe in your home 8

Water

The following points are intended to reduce the risk of water damage to your home and possessions.

Stop Taps

Stops taps control the flow of water in your house. It is important that you locate this value and make sure that it is easy to get to in an emergency; it may be inside (usually in a cupboard) or outside your home. The stop tap for the hot water supply will be somewhere on the pipe running from the cold water tank to the hot water tank.

Make a point of using these taps to occasionally turn your water supply off to test that they are in good working order.

Burst Pipes

In winter burst pipes cause a great inconvenience to thousands of people and much damage to buildings and possessions.

The danger is greatest where your home is unoccupied and has no back- ground heating, even during the day when you may be out at work. You need to take extra precautions if your bathroom or kitchen is on the colder north or east sides of your home. Cisterns and water pipes in the roof need good insulation.

To significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes:

■ In winter, try to keep your home warm, day and night. ■ You could leave your keys with a neighbour and inform both the local office and the Police that you will be staying away. ■ If you are only going to be absent for a short time, gas or electrical central heating can be left on their normal cycle. ■ Keep your loft hatch open, if you have one, the heat will rise and this will give added protection to the tank and pipes in your loft. If there is a prolonged period of very cold weather, leaving the hatch open (although it will increase your bills slightly) will again protect your tank.

63 Page Page 64 Page 8 out. washing. taps. bath and sink the at pipes the in water is damaged ensure to measures these follow limited. please freeze pipes your burst. the If of Pipes Frozen washing. and damage. the limit to help will points following the pipe, burst a have you If Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Phone the office. the Phone heater.immersion the off Switch gone has fire the unless boiler the drain to attempt not Do and toilets flushing for bath the in water collect possible, If the all off drain and tap stop the at Turnwater your off result a as damage suffer might who neighbours any Warn office. the Call toilet the flushing for bath the in water collect possible, If taps. bath and sink the through supply water the Drain heater.immersion the off Switch system. heating central the off Switch mains. the at electricity the off Switch tap. stop the at supply Turnwater the off

holiday on go you If suspicious. all at are you if Police the Phone identification have it! carry to they reminder a need they it, forgotten If have but this. to object should the identification with without out home them check to time extra the organisation they say they use represent. No-one who has genuinely and ask come to and your later identification, electricity back have call don’t from to callers them employees If and cards. identity WLHP have of companies gas behalf on working staff All few these taking by precautions: simple break-in a avoid often can You thieves. opportunist by Most home break-in’s are carried out during the day on the spur of the moment Security Home

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

as we may need to enter your home in an emergency.an in home your enter to need may we as pensioners scheme. pensioners home. your inside them keep or garage or shed window.a through door.the please overalls. works in dressed See Section 10 for information on home security for security home on information for 10 Section See garden a in away securely them Lock garden. the in lying in break someone help could that tools or ladders leave Never time. of period short just for it leave to have or home your in are you when door your lock Always dark. after out go you if curtains the draw and bedroom a or room living the in on light a Leave them. find could thief a that door,obvious the anywhere behind or string of piece a on or stone or mat a under keys leave Never seen be can they where around lying valuables leave Never to pinned note a leaving by out are you that advertise Never is person the if even Cards Identity their see to ask Always are. they say they who are they satisfied are you unless home your into stranger a let Never them. use and chain and peep-hole a Fit If you are going away for a longer period, over a month, a over period, longer a for away going are you If Turnutilities. all off neighbour.a with key spare and address holiday your Leave locked. securely are windows and doors all sure Make Stopthemilk andpapers sopeople will notsuspect you areaway.

tell us where we can get access to a key if necessary if key a to access get can we where us tell Being safe in your home your in safe Being

8 65 Page 66 Page 8

tto ad s t sek o h Cmuiy oie fie wo il be will who Officer Police you. Community help to delighted the to speak to ask and Station If you would like advice on protecting your home, contact your local Police property your of checklist a Keeping burglars against Security

Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

premium from your insurance company.insurance your from premium system correctly, you may get a reduction in your contents your in reduction a get correctly,may system you one. starting about neighbours your with discuss Officer about joining your local NWS or if one does not exist, not does one if or NWS local your joining about Officer and checked. If you and all your neighbours use the entry the use neighbours your all and you If checked. and maintained properly is system the that and times all at shut Housing or Station Police nearest your at Ask suspicious. anything see they if Police the tell and homes others each on could be just the amount of time thieves need to get in. get to need thieves time of amount the just be could makes it easier to have your property returned if found. if returned property your have to easier it makes and all your neighbours use it. Make sure that the door is kept is door the that sure Make it. use neighbours your all and eye an keep to agree neighbours NWS, an In support. your property that is stolen and later recovered by the Police. the by recovered later and stolen is that property door.the That locking bother to need don’t you minutes few a property, and shows up under ultra-violet light. Again, this Again, light. ultra-violet under up property,shows and your of any back getting and ownership proving identifying, to individually mark house numbers and postcodes on your on postcodes and numbers house mark individually to pen the use should Youneighbours your pen. and ultraviolet an to access have will group your NWS, a to belong you If number.serial a have will home your in have you items Many your into them let you before are callers who check Always for house the of out popping only are you if Youthat feel may you that sure make system, entry door controlled a have you If from benefit would (NWS) Scheme Watch Neighbourhood local your then time free your of some commit to prepared are and neighbourhood your of security the about care you If mark with pens such as three-piece suites or jewellery.or suites three-piece as such pens with mark cannot you belongings any photograph to idea good a is It your damage not does invisible, is writing property.The of chance greater a have you then these of list a Make home.

minimum. a to kept is home your in produce you moisture of amount Youthe ensure to need Project. Advice Energy the contact or insulation, as such measures efficiency energy on advice need you if Officer Housing your Ask way. economical most the in system heating central reducing your using are you that check and so costly, is warm home your moisture Keeping holding at better even is condensation. air warm Circulating more hold can air it. deposit to likely less warmer is and water because is This surfaces. cold on deposited be will moisture less that ensure will you warm constantly home your keeping By good for condensation of rid Getting food. prepare you where and children from away safely bleach keep to water.Remember cold parts 4 to bleach of part one solution a in soaked cloth damp a with wipe walls, on mould of rid Toget circulating. not is air the where cupboards of insides the and walls outside cold are areas Problem especially belongings, your damage can Mould furnishings. and clothes grow. to start will mould and home your around smell musty a have will you regularly happens this If water.as surface cold the on deposited is and moisture in the air meets a cold the surface, such When as a window home. or wall, your it condenses inside moisture much too by caused is Condensation growth mould and Condensation Condensation

■ ■ ■ ■

closed and the rooms well ventilated. well rooms the and closed When you are cooking, bathing, or showering, keep the doors the keep showering, or bathing, cooking, are you When burn releasepinta of water into theair for every pint offuel they outside. Ifyouhave tumble a dryer make sure ithasventa to the doors. of out clothes your dry possible, If Bottled gas and paraffin heaters are not recommended as they as recommended not are heaters paraffin and gas Bottled home. the in moisture trapped of source major a is Steam . Being safe in your home your in safe Being

8 67 Page 68 Page 8 low cost contents cover. Contact your Housing Office for further information. further for Office cover.Housing contents your cost Contact low WLHP can assist you in accessing its Tenants' Insurance Scheme which offers a TenantsScheme Insurance a contact always should price. competitive most the you for Companies Insurance of number on, decide you policy of type what matter No full the out pay which policies new-for-old or costs. repair or replacement worth, currently is what item pay which the policies indemnity are there that aware be also should You theft. or flood fire, by caused damaged cover only may Others negligence. or accidents all cover may Some offer. they what in widely vary can Policies belongings people’s other or my to damage Accidental them. repair or replace to money any having not and belongings your these all losing risk you then cover to policy insurance contents a things. If you don’t take out contents insurance, and something does happen, out take to tenants all advises strongly WLHP belongings. personal your cover not does insurance Building insurance Contents built-inwardrobes and cupboards, or floors of your home. ceilings, chimneys, roof, windows structures, bathroom kitchen fittings and and that remain in place no matter who the tenant is. This includes the home your of parts the covers This home. your of structure the insure we No, insurance? building need I Do Insurance Home economically.and comfortably more Officer or the Energy Advice Project who provide a free service to help you live Housing your contact home, your in condensation with problem a have you If warm. home your keeping and ventilation good between balance a the moist air to escape and prevent the cause of condensation. The trick is to find allows This ventilation. through achieved be can moisture of rid Getting

Being safe in your home your in safe Being ■ ■ ■ ■

cupboards. Leave spaces so that the air can circulate. can air the that so spaces Leave cupboards. and wardrobes into linen and clothes stuff Don’t vent. air an is there sure make always up, blocked chimney a have you If fitted. are they if fans extractor Use open. are vents window and wall sure Make

walls, doors,

9. Moving house

u Applying for another house u Mutual exchanges and Homeswapper 9 Moving house

Applying for another house

If you feel that your current home, for whatever reason, is no longer suitable for you, you may apply for a transfer to a more suitable house. Contact your Housing Officer to discuss on 01506 416438.

Mutual Exchanges and Homeswapper

What is a mutual exchange and who can I swap with? This is where a tenant of West Lothian Housing Partnership swaps houses with another tenant of West Lothian Housing Partnership, a tenant of a Housing Association or the tenant of West Lothian Council, or another Local Authority.

By swapping homes you may be able to get the kind of house you want with- out having to wait for an offer of a home you want.

How can I find someone to swap with?

■ There is a list of tenants on the internet who have said that they will consider a mutual exchange. Log on to www.homeswapper.co.uk for information about people who want to exchange within, or to, West Lothian. ■ Call in to Lennox House for advice and assistance about the exchange scheme and to view the website, if you don’t have internet access. ■ You can also advertise in the local paper or alternatively you can put an advert in the local shop or supermarket.

What should I do if I find someone to swap with?

■ Contact them and make arrangements to visit each others house. ■ Inspect their house carefully. Make sure you are happy with the condition of it as their landlord will not be responsible for any decoration needed or for carrying out the repairs which are the tenants responsibility. ■ If you decide after viewing that you wish to swap you must both complete a mutual exchange application form. Ask your Housing Officer for this form.

70 Page Page before you have done this. done have you before in Youmove not homes. must new your for agreements tenancy new sign to asked be will and writing in advised days. working 5 within initially you contact answer? an getting before wait to have I will long How their swap. do you if occur tenancy.will your overcrowding to write will we landlord another of about information landlord their give also Wewill information. this for landlord tenant a with swap to want you If condition. will: we form this received has WLHP Once next? happens What ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

fw ge otesa o n h te eatwl e be will tenant other the and you swap the to agree we If will We month. a within decision a you give must we law By account. rent clear a have you that Check no sure make to houses the of size the Check good in is it sure make to house your Inspect Moving house Moving 9 71 Page 72 Page 10. Council services

u Energy advice u Aids and adaptations u Community alarm scheme u Garden maintenance scheme u Benefit health checks u Homelessness u Home security u Pest control u Lock-ups and garage sites 74 Page 10 Street, Bathgate. Street, or by visiting the Advice Shop at Units 9-12 Waverley Industrial Estate, Waverley 0BR EH48 WestLothian, Bathgate, EH3217, FREEPOST Advice, Energy WestLothian letter by [email protected] email: by 672 834 0800 FREEPHONE on contacted be can They Fridays. 4.00pm - 9.00am Wednesdays 1.00pm - 9.00am TuesdaysMondays, Thursdays 5.00pm and - 9.00am open are they Bathgate in Shop Advice the at Based also can and community issues to visits. related home out carry training fuel domestic and all talks on organisations give and to groups available also are Advice Energy you. for cause the investigate and/or plans payment suitable if you have been caught by surprise with a large fuel bill, they can help arrange methods, payment use, efficiency grants. They can negotiate on your behalf with your fuel supplier heating and advice, energy and problems billing tenant measures, insulation bills, fuel your down cutting new including; issues variety a with of deal can They homeowners. or tenants private or council are impartial and they whether Lothian West of confidential residents all to issues, free, related fuel all on advice offers Advice Energy Council Lothian West Advice Energy

Council services Council Council services 10

Aids and adaptations

WLHP has a budget every year to install Aids and Adaptations to homes if the tenant or a member of the tenant’s family require help.

AIDS includes such things as:

■ Grab Rails ■ Bath Aids ■ Toilet Frames ■ Kitchen Aids Some aids can be ordered from the Council's equipment store’s catalogue which is available in the local Council office.

ADAPTATIONS are more extensive and often involve some form of alteration to your home. They include:

■ Installing a shower over a bath ■ Changing the height of worktops and kitchen units ■ Fitting a hoist to allow someone with a disability to be lifted from their bedroom to the bathroom ■ Providing grab rails ■ Fitting kickplates to the bottom of doors

Who to get in touch with Self-assessment forms for aids and adaptations are available from your local Social Work office. If you would like more advice about any aids and/or adaptations get in touch with your local Social Work Centre or your Occupational Therapist on 01506 775000.

The community alarm scheme

If you, or a member of your family are elderly or have a disability, you may be interested in the Council’s Community Alarm Scheme. If you need help, you can use the scheme to get in touch with either a friend or relative, or if necessary, the police, fire brigade or ambulance service.

There is a small weekly charge for using the community alarm scheme.

Ask at your local Council office for more information or phone 01506 775000.

75 Page Page 76 Page 10 your area, contact your local office. local your contact area, in your held being are Sessions Advice when out find or appointment Toan agencies. arrange different around chasing go to need no there’s - visit easy one in you to available benefit every about you tell will Healthcheck Benefits The minutes. any 15-20 about about than more you take shouldn’t tell It to. entitled to be may you able income extra be will questions that simple from few and circumstances, a your ask about will adviser Your Shop. Advice the benefits from a with expert appointment private a offered be will you interested you’re If involve? Healthcheck the does What and free Healthcheck. Benefits a confidential completely of form the in benefits, welfare need to you entitlement your everything about out know find to to chance the you offer can Shop Advice The hand! at is help - worry don’t so, If familiar? Sound you? Are checks health Benefit Scheme Maintenance Garden a for information. more for or form, application office Council local your Contact hedges. your a have not does trimming and or grass your cutting by you younger assist may Council disability,the then is who household your in no-one is there And you If scheme maintenance Garden Council services Council ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Unsure if you’re receiving benefits at the correct level correct the at benefits receiving you’re if Unsure process claims the by Daunted offer on benefits of range the by Confused disability a Have or over or age of years 70 Are Council services 10

Homelessness

If you think you are in any danger of becoming homeless you should contact your local council office as soon as possible. They will arrange to interview you in private and give you advice and assistance to try to help you keep your home, and prevent you from becoming homeless. The more warning they have that you might lose your home, the more likely it is that there will be something that can be done to prevent it.

If you do become homeless the council will, depending on your circumstances, be able to offer you temporary accommodation, and help you to find permanent accommodation.

Home security for pensioners

West Lothian Council has a Home Security project to offer free home security to pensioners living in West Lothian. The project will provide pensioners with an opportunity to select a package of home security measures that will be installed free of charge by West Lothian Council.

Who qualifies for this Project? The Home Security Project will apply to pensioners living in West Lothian. To be eligible for the Home Security Project all household members must be pensioners.

Confirmation of eligibility will be requested prior to the contractor installing the home security measures. Please contact your local office or Council Information Services for an application form and further information.

77 Page Page 78 Page 10 Section 4 for more details about former tenancy arrears. tenancy former about details more for 4 Section do you If office. Agency.Collection Debt a to passed be will debt the arrears, your pay not local See your at paid be can rent outstanding Any site. or lock-upgarage the re-possess will they letters warning two after but you, to write will Council the site, garage or lock-up the on rent your with behind get you If end. an to comes notice the day the on keys the return and office, Council local your at If you no longer want your lock-up or garage site you should give written notice office. Council local your to reported be should Council the from rent you lock-up a to needed are that repairs Any longest. waiting been has a When choice. your who person the for offered be of will it available, becomes site areas garage lock-upor the in lock-up or the site on garage name a your for put list to waiting office Council local your ask interested, are you If West across areas many in rent for lock-ups Lothian. and sites garage are There sites garage Lock-upsand service. this for tenants WLHP to charge no is There back. coming problem the prevent to information and advice you home for signs of infestation. They will treat the problem if necessary, and offer Council local office to make your arrangements for contact Pest home, Control or to come and your 775400, inspect your (01506) in on creatures direct Service these Control Pest of the any call with problem a have you think you If rats. and mice beetles, cockroaches, flees, bees, wasps, with deals which Service Control Pest a has Council The Pestcontrol Council services Council 11. Useful numbers 80 Page 11 Shop Advice PartnershipHousing WestLothian 9HX EH47 Fauldhouse Street Main 10 Office CIS Fauldhouse 5LH EH52 Broxburn Street WestMain 189a PartnershipCentre Strathbrock Office CIS Broxburn 7LG EH47 Blackburn Centre Mill The Office CIS Blackburn 1TS EH48 Bathgate House Lindsay Office CIS Bathgate 2QA EH48 Armadale Street Main East 1/3 Office CIS Armadale Offices Council WestLothian numbers Useful Useful numbers Useful

01506 776444 01506 460777 / 416438 01506 01506 775000 01506 0RA EH47 Whitburn Street Main East 5 Office CIS Whitburn 8DR EH55 WestCalder Street Main 24-26 Office CIS WestCalder 8PT EH54 Livingston Carmondean Centre Ability The Office CIS Livingston 7EZ EH49 Linlithgow Buildings County Office CIS Linlithgow Livingston EH54 6NB EH54 Livingston Centre Almondvale Office CIS Connected WestLothian Useful numbers 11

Schools

Bathgate

Nurseries and Playgroups

Bathgate Early Years Centre Address: Whitburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 2RD Telephone: 01506 776234 Head Teacher: Mvairi Lynch

Bathgate West Nursery School Address: 63 Millburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AF Telephone: 01506 652004 Head Teacher: Mvairi Lynch

Rainbow Nursery Address: 16 Gideon Street, Bathgate, EH48 4HD Telephone: 01506 633348 Head Teacher: Not applicable

St Columba's RC PS Nursery Class Address: Philip Avenue, Boghall, Bathgate, EH48 1NQ Telephone: 01506 650536 Head Teacher: Maureen Allan

Windyknowe Nursery Class Address: Windyknowe Crescent, Bathgate, EH48 2BT Telephone: 01506 652083 Head Teacher: Rae Malcolm

Primary Schools

Balbardie Primary School Address: Torphichen Street, Bathgate, EH48 4HL Telephone: 01506 652155 Head Teacher: Audrey Ford (Acting)

Boghall Primary School Address: Elizabeth Drive, Boghall, Bathgate, EH48 1JB Telephone: 01506 652609 Head Teacher: Ann Duncan

Simpson Primary School Address: Leyland Road, Bathgate, EH48 2SG Telephone: 01506 656371 Head Teacher: Lucy MacLean

81 Page Page 82 Page 11 Head Teacher:Head Brown Margaret Telephone:653400 01506 Terrace,Catherine 7DX Address: EH47 Blackburn, Class Nursery Murrayfield Teacher:Head McCrystal Irene Telephone:630944 01506 7LZ EH47 Blackburn, Road, Hopefield Address: School Nursery Hopefield Playgroups and Nurseries BLACKBURN Teacher:Head Boyd Joseph Telephone:653725 01506 1LF EH48 Bathgate, Road, Edinburgh Address: Academy Bathgate Schools Secondary Teacher:Head Malcolm Rae Telephone:652083 01506 2BT EH48 Bathgate, Crescent, Windyknowe Address: School Primary Windyknowe Teacher:Head Claase Moira Telephone:652511 01506 2RD EH48 Bathgate, Road, Whitburn Address: (Bathgate) School Primary RC Mary's St Teacher:Head Allan Maureen Telephone:653822 01506 1NQ EH48 Bathgate, Boghall, Avenue, Philip Address: School Primary RC Columba's St Schools Primary Bathgate Schools Useful numbers Useful Useful numbers 11

Schools

BLACKBURN

Primary Schools

Blackburn Primary School Address: Riddochhill Road, Blackburn, EH47 7HB Telephone: 01506 653481 Head Teacher: Fiona MacKenzie

Murrayfield Primary School Address: Catherine Terrace, Blackburn, EH47 7DX Telephone: 01506 653400 Head Teacher: Margaret Brown

Our Lady Of Lourdes RC Primary School Address: Hopefield Road, Blackburn, EH47 7HZ Telephone: 01506 653103 Head Teacher: Patricia Paterson (Acting)

Secondary Schools

Bathgate Academy Address: Edinburgh Road, Bathgate, EH48 1LF Telephone: 01506 653725 Head Teacher: Joseph Boyd

St Kentigern's RC Academy Address: West Main Street, Blackburn, EH47 7LX Telephone: 01506 656404 Head Teacher: Stephen Campbell

Other Schools

Pinewood School Address: Elm Grove, Blackburn, EH47 7QX Telephone: 01506 656374 Head Teacher: Adele Green

83 Page Page 84 Page 11 Head Teacher:Head Moir Anne Telephone:853821 01506 6AW EH52 Broxburn, Rashierigg, Address: School Primary Kirkhill Teacher:Head Grant Catriona Telephone:852018 01506 5RP EH52 Broxburn, Street, WestMain Off Lane, School Address: School Primary Broxburn Schools Primary Teacher:Head Cameron Lesley Telephone:852516 01506 6DS EH52 , Uphall Drive, Crossgreen Address: Class Nursery Uphall Teacher:Head Brown Karen Telephone:853509 01506 5RH EH52 Broxburn, Street, WestMain Address: Class Nursery Non-Denominational Nicholas St Teacher:Head applicable Not Telephone:858102 01506 5RP EH52 Broxburn, Lane, School School, Primary Broxburn Address: Playgroup ParkRoad Telephone:854066 01506 5LQ EH52 Broxburn, Street, WestMain 88 Address: Nursery Flyers Little Teacher:Head Moir Anne Telephone:853118 01506 6AW EH52 Broxburn, Rashierigg, Address: School Nursery Kirkhill Teacher:Head Grant Catriona Telephone:852018 01506 5RP EH52 Broxburn, Street, WestMain off Lane, School Address: Class Nursery Broxburn Playgroups and Nurseries UPHALL AND BROXBURN Schools Useful numbers Useful Useful numbers 11

Schools

BROXBURN AND UPHALL

St Nicholas RC Primary School Address: West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5RH Telephone: 01506 853509 Head Teacher: Karen Brown

Uphall Primary School Address: Crossgreen Drive, Uphall, EH52 6DS Telephone: 01506 852516 Head Teacher: Lesley Cameron

Secondary Schools

Broxburn Academy Address: Cardross Road, Broxburn, EH52 6AG Telephone: 01506 852521 Head Teacher: Peter Reid

WEST CALDER

Nurseries and Playgroups

Parkhead Nursery Class Address: Harburn Road, West Calder, EH55 8AH Telephone: 01506 871404 Head Teacher: Carol Gordon

Primary Schools

Parkhead Primary School Address: Harburn Road, West Calder, EH55 8AH Telephone: 01506 871404 Head Teacher: Carol Gordon

Secondary Schools

West Calder High School Address: Limefield, Polbeth, West Calder, EH55 8QN Telephone: 01506 871510 Head Teacher: Dorothy Fleming (Acting

85 Page Page 86 Page 11 Telephone:775428 07890 8DG. EH54 Livingston, TemplarCentre, Education Community FarmRise, Crofthead Address: Playgroup House Hickory Crofthead Teacher:Head Barber Fiona Telephone:412333 01506 6JQ EH54 Livingston, East, Dedridge Address: School Nursery Glenvue Teacher:Head German Aileen Telephone:419484 01506 6RH EH54 Eliburn, Place, Jackson 5 Centre, Family Eliburn Address: Class Nursery Eliburn Teacher:Head Collins Lorraine Telephone:411208 01506 8DB EH54 Livingston, Deans, South, Deans Address: Class Nursery Deans Teacher:Head Lumsden Jan Telephone:432492 01506 8PX EH54 West,Livingston, Road Knightsridge Address: Class Nursery Carmondean Telephone:460785 01506 6AYEH54 Livingston, Village, Livingston Court, Quarrywood 1 Address: Sunnyside at Careshare Telephone:462200 01506 9EY EH54 Livingston, Murieston, Square, Bankton 3 Address: School Nursery Group Horizons Bright Teacher:Head Robertson Charlette Telephone:410777 01506 9AD Bellsquarry,EH54 Road, Livingston, Calder 52 Address: Class Nursery Bellsquarry Teacher:Head TaylorMarlyn Telephone:413001 01506 6JL EH54 Livingston, Dedridge, Rise, Kenilworth Address: Class Nursery Bankton Playgroups and Nurseries LIVINGSTON Schools Useful numbers Useful Useful numbers 11

Schools

LIVINGSTON

Nurseries and Playgroups

Howden St Andrew's Non-Denominational Nursery Class Address: Kingsport Avenue, Howden East, Livingston, EH54 6BA Telephone: 01506 433114 Head Teacher: Matthew Devine

Inveralmond Early Years Centre Address: Willowbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6HN Telephone: 01506 441907 Head Teacher: Aileen German

Knightsridge Early Years Centre Address: Cameron Way, Knightsridge, Livingston, EH54 8HE Telephone: 01506 444970 Head Teacher: Morag Stewart

Ladywell Nursery School Address: Willowbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6HW Telephone: 01506 434542 Head Teacher: Marian Gibb

Letham Nursery Class Address: Forth Drive, Livingston, EH54 5LZ Telephone: 01506 432012 Head Teacher: Valerie Brodie

Livingston Station Playgroup Address: Youth Centre, 7 Main Street, Deans, Livingston, EH54 8BE Telephone: 01506 411295

Livingston Village Nursery Class Address: Kirkton North Road, Livingston Village, EH54 7EQ Telephone: 01506 429620 Head Teacher: Jill Cameron (Acting)

Newyearfield Farm Playgroup Address: Hawk Brae, Ladywell West, Livingston, EH54 6AB Telephone: 01506 463559 Head Teacher: Not applicable

Riverside Nursery Class Address: Maree Walk, Livingston, EH54 5BP Telephone: 01506 432248 Head Teacher: Margaret Leighton

87 Page Page 88 Page 11 Head Teacher:Head Lumsden Jan Telephone:432492 01506 8PX EH54 West,Livingston, Road Knightsridge Address: School Primary Carmondean Teacher:Head Robertson Charlette Telephone:410777 01506 9AD Bellsquarry,EH54 Road, Livingston, Calder 52 Address: School Primary Bellsquarry Teacher:Head TaylorMarlyn Telephone:413001 01506 6JL EH54 Livingston, Dedridge, Rise, Kenilworth Address: School Primary Bankton Schools Primary Teacher:Head McNamee Mary Telephone:412608 01506 8NQ EH54 Livingston, Deans, Street, Harburn Address: School WoodlandsNursery Teacher:Head Gibson Margaret Telephone:434274 01506 5LU EH54 Livingston, Craigshill, Willowgrove, 1/6 Address: House Willowgrove Teacher:Head Black Arlene Telephone:415311 01506 9DQ EH54 Livingston, Murieston, Lane, Bankton Address: Class Nursery Williamston Teacher:Head PamHamilton Telephone:432461 01506 6BN EH54 Livingston, East, Howden Address: TorontoClass Nursery Teacher:Head McKendrick Isobel Telephone:414612 01506 6JR EH54 Livingston, Dedridge, Rise, Douglas Address: Class Nursery Non-Denominational Ninian's St Playgroups and Nurseries LIVINGSTON Schools Useful numbers Useful Useful numbers 11

Schools

LIVINGSTON

Primary Schools

Deans Primary School Address: Deans South, Deans, Livingston, EH54 8DB Telephone: 01506 411208 Head Teacher: Lorraine Collins

Harrysmuir Primary School Address: Willowbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6HN Telephone: 01506 434501 Head Teacher: Susan MacKenzie

Howden St Andrews RC Primary School Address: Kingsport Ave, Howden East, Livingston, EH54 6BA Telephone: 01506 433114 Head Teacher: Matthew Devine

Knightsridge Primary School Address: Davidson Way, Knightsridge, Livingston, EH54 8HG Telephone: 01506 434012 Head Teacher: Joan Naysmith (Acting)

Letham Primary School Address: Forth Drive, Livingston, EH54 5LZ Telephone: 01506 432012 Head Teacher: Valerie Brodie

Livingston Village Primary School Address: Kirkton North Road, Livingston Village, EH54 7EQ Telephone: 01506 429620 Head Teacher: Jill Cameron (Acting)

Meldrum Primary School Address: Westwood Park, Deans, Livingston, EH554 8NW Telephone: 01506 410440 Head Teacher: Lilian Davidson

Peel Primary School Address: Garden Place, Eliburn East, Livingston, EH54 6RA Telephone: 01506 414892 Head Teacher: Graeme Logan

89 Page Page 90 Page 11 Head Teacher:Head Horne Christopher Telephone:414244 01506 6NE EH54 West,Livingston, Dedridge Rise, Quentin Address: YoungJames School High Teacher:Head Tevendale William Telephone:438093 01506 6HN EH54 Livingston, Ladywell, Willowbank, Address: School High Community Inveralmond Teacher:Head (Acting) Cook Elaine Telephone:497090 01506 8PS EH54 Livingston, Park, Eastwood Address: School High Community Deans Schools Secondary Teacher:Head Black Arlene Telephone:415311 01506 9DQ EH54 Livingston, Murieston, Lane, Bankton Address: School Primary Williamston Teacher:Head PamHamilton Telephone:431461 01506 6BN EH54 Livingston, East, Howden Address: TorontoSchool Primary Teacher:Head McKendrick Isobel Telephone:414612 01506 6JR EH54 Livingston, Dedridge, Rise, Douglas Address: School Primary RC Ninian's St Teacher:Head Marzella Michael Telephone:412560 01506 8NQ EH54 Livingston, Deans, Avenue, Harburn Address: School Primary RC Ogilvie John St Teacher:Head Leighton Margaret Telephone:432248 01506 5BP EH54 Walk,Livingston, Maree Address: School Primary Riverside Schools Primary LIVINGSTON Schools Useful numbers Useful Useful numbers 11

Schools

LIVINGSTON

Secondary Schools

St Margaret's RC Academy Address: Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6AT Telephone: 01506 497104 Head Teacher: James Cameron

Other Schools

Beatlie School Campus Address: The Mall, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5EJ Telephone: 01506 777598 Head Teacher: Mary Currie

Cedarbank School Address: Cedarbank, Ladywell East, Livingston, EH54 6DR Telephone: 01506 442172 Head Teacher: Denise McPhail

Ogilvie School Campus Address: Ogilvie Way, Knightsridge, Livingston, EH54 8HL Telephone: 01506 777489 Head Teacher: Joanne Matchett

Willowgrove House Address: 1/6 Willowgrove, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5LU Telephone: 01506 434274 Head Teacher: Margaret Gibson

91 Page Page 92 Page Tenant Handbook

INPRINT Re-order No.CMY188 (4/08)