CIH partners with National Open College Network to train residents to be good tenants

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has partnered with one of the largest awarding organisations in the UK, the National Open College Network (NOCN), to develop a new course designed to support people renting for the fist time.

The course will help new housing association, council or private landlord tenants and give vital support to people joining or leaving the armed forces. It will also be crucial guidance to people moving into a new home after being released from long-term hospital care or prison.

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

The level one pre-tenancy course will help to give people the confidence and practical skills to tackle the challenges involved in taking on a new tenancy. It will help them to understand more about their rights and responsibilities as a tenant and let them know what they can expect from their landlord too.

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

It is hoped the course will give tenants the chance to avoid problems, like falling into debt or causing anti-social behaviour by giving them the skills to avoid tricky situations.