Information for tenants
This section includes extra useful information if you rent a home from Sovereign through an assured, secure or fixed term tenancy. From more about the differences between these types of tenancy to keeping a pet, arranging aids and adaptations or what you need to do to end a tenancy when someone dies.
There are also articles about grounds maintenance and communal areas (how we look after the land we own and clean the shared parts of blocks of flats) and tips on looking after your home if it’s newly built, as well as more information on whether you may have the right to buy your home.
New to Sovereign?
Whether it’s your first day, first week or first year in your rented Sovereign home, it can take a little time to realise that we offer much more than just a great place to live.
Repairs for tenants
Find out more about your repair responsibilities; kitchen and bathroom upgrades; what you need to know before making your own improvements; and advice on settling in to a new-build home.
Rent and service charges
Find out about ways to pay your rent, the differences between variable and fixed service charges, and how we calculate estimates and actual costs.
Tenancy types
Find out the difference between assured, assured short hold, fixed term and secure tenancies - and license agreements.
Safety in your home for tenants
Fire safety information and #GetFireSmart tips and videos for tenants - plus more about the importance of your annual gas safety check.
Aids and adaptations
Find out how we can help you make everyday life easier by adapting your home or installing simple aids such as handrails. There are different processes for minor and major adaptations.
Keeping a pet
Depending on the type of home you live in, and the type of pet you’d like to keep, you may need our permission. From cats and dogs to caged birds, hamsters, fish and poultry - find out more.
Living in a new development
From moving in, looking after your new home and reporting emergencies, to learning about defects and lawn care, you'll find lots of useful information to help you settle in quickly and easily.
Ending a tenancy when someone's died
If you’re in this difficult position, we hope this useful information will tell you all you need to know about what to do, who to tell and what will happen.
Looking after our grounds and communal areas
A quick round up of what Sovereign’s responsible for and the responsibilities of residents – including keeping any communal areas clear of things like bikes, buggies and scooters.
Using your air source heat pump
If you want to know how to get the most from your air source heat pump system, we've put together some useful information to help you personalise your system to suit you and your home.
Upgrading to an air source heat pump
If you've been contacted by us about replacing your heating system, we hope that the information on this page will help you understand more about this.