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Things to remember to do:

  1. Update your universal credit claim
  2. Change your address
  3. School transport and changing schools
  4. Furniture
  5. Utilities
  6. Council tax
  7. Waste collection
  8. Thinking about hosting?

1. Update your universal credit claim

When you move to your new rental property, you must notify Universal Credit immediately if you are applying for Housing Elements or your payment might be delayed. You must provide your rental contract as a proof of renting. You can do that via your Online Journal.

2. Change your address

You will need to change your address on this page: Change your address and personal details, also at your GP and the school your children are attending. Also – do not forget to change your address with your employer, on your driving licence if you drive the car and your car insurance.

3. School transport

School transport: If you have changed address, please advise us on 0345 155 1019 or email schooltransportservicequeries-mailbox@devon.gov.uk so that we can check your child is still entitled to free transport. We would expect your child to move to the nearest or designated school for your new address. You must allow at least two weeks' notice for transport to be changed. You are responsible for applying for a new school place for your child if the old school is too far from your new home. You can make an application on Citizens Portal.

4. Furniture

Most of properties in UK are being rented out without furniture, and, at the end of rentals – all the furniture should be moved out. You need to ask the landlord weather they are leaving any furniture in the property to be able to judge what you will need to buy. Please read further guidance on furniture and removals.

5. Utilities

You will need to set up utilities accounts to pay for your electricity, gas and water. In some properties there’s no gas and in some properties there’s no water meter. You would also need to sign a contract with an internet provider and also pay for a TV licence if you watch TV, even if it is on your computer. You can ask your landlord for guidance on the provider companies and which utilities you need to pay for. Watch our video guide on Utility bills.

It is a good idea to take photographs of electricity and water meters when you move in (some Letting agents include these in your rental contract).

6. Council tax

If you receive a letter asking you to pay Council Tax – do not worry about that – in East Devon Ukrainian nationals who have arrived on Homes for Ukraine scheme are relived from Council tax, and you simply need to email them and let them know who you are and ask for your “Discretionary Discount” Watch our video guide on Council Tax - you need to add in about the 50% reduction for non EDDC residence and how to apply and the email address for EDDC council tax department to get the deduction.

7. Waste collection

You might want to check when recycling and general waste collecting days are at the new home, so you don’t miss putting your bins out and check if you have all the necessary bins – if not – you need to request ones that are missing. When is my bin collected?

8. Thinking about hosting?

If you want to become a host yourself (or you would like another family member to live with you in your rental accommodation)– you can do it, but first – you need to check if you are not breaking “overcrowding legislation”  and if not – you will need to obtain an agreement from your landlord to do that and in most of the cases the additional person would need to be added to the rental contract.

You can also find a guide on how many rooms you are eligible for and how much you can get in Housing benefits.

If you are not being overcrowded and would like another person to come live with you – you can do this with prior agreement from your landlord. You can also become a sponsor for a person from Ukraine. Read this guide on registering on becoming a sponsor.