Hometruths House
Find out how we can help you enter your first tenancy. By attending the full programme, you'll also receive a £70 supermarket voucher.
Hometruths House is a programme created to help those taking on their first tenancy. It was created to support new Clarion residents who are 18-30 years old. It was first created in 2015 in development with Clarion Futures National Ambassadors and the Mix. The programme is designed by young people, for young people.
The programme consists of two online workshops. In the workshops, you'll explore you rights and responsibilities as a Clarion resident. We'll also tell you more about the support we offer through Clarion Futures charitable foundation.
Some of the other topics we cover in the workshops include:
- managing your tenancy
- setting up key bills
- Universal Credit and Housing Benefit support
- white goods (kitchen items such as fridges) and furniture guidance
- how to handle repairs within your home
- how to get involved in your community
- how to cook on a budget
How to sign up
All tenants who attend the full programme will receive a £70 supermarket voucher. Other benefits of attending the online sessions also include:
- receiving direct support from the Hometruths House team and Money Guidance team
- booking 1-1 sessions with a Money Guidance Officer to support you to manage your finances
- sharing learning, tips and tricks with others
- asking questions in a non-judgmental space
- meeting other residents who are also experiencing their first tenancy
If you would like to sign up to our online workshops, please click the link to fill out the Guideline referral form.
Preparing for Sign Up
The first section of our online course covers how to prepare for signing up for your first tenancy. In this session, we’ll look at:
- signing your tenancy agreement
- fixed term tenancies
- useful documents
Arranging your Payments
As part of the Payments section of our workshop, we’ll cover:
- rent and service charge payments
- understanding your service charges
- housing benefit and universal credit
- setting up important household bills
Getting your Home Ready
You’re responsible for decorating the inside of your home. When you move in we may be able to give you a decorating pack. The pack includes paint and paintbrushes. You should discuss this with us when you sign your tenancy agreement.
Your new home does not come with furniture. You’ll need to provide your own furniture and appliances, including a fridge and cooker. If you receive benefits, you may be able to get an interest-free loan from your Job Centre Plus office to cover essential furniture.
Some great ways to furnish your new home include:
- asking around - it can be surprisingly easy to get furniture for free. People often end up giving away their furniture and household items when they’re having a clear-out. Ask family and friends if they have any items they are no longer using.
- checking online - Websites like Freecycle, Freegle, Gumtree can have all kinds of free furniture, from small items like toasters and kettles to tables and even sofas.
- buying second-hand - Check local charity shops and car boot sales. You could also visit eBay and Facebook marketplace to see if you could bag a bargain. The Reuse Network is another place you can find high-quality, affordable household items. They offer furniture, electrical appliances, IT equipment and more.
- shopping around - If you buy furniture new, remember to shop around for the best deals. Keep your eyes out for sales and reductions. If you’re shopping online, compare prices between websites. You could also consider using a cashback website.
Staying Safe in your New Home
In the Staying Safe section of the workshop, we’ll cover:
- fire safety advice
- gas safety and free annual gas checks
- condensation, damp and mould prevention
- requesting a repair
Clarion Futures support
Clarion Futures is here to support you throughout your time as a Clarion tenant. We can offer help in many areas. Whether you need help managing your budget, or you want to improve your career skills, we’re here to help. Visit out Help and Guidance page to find out about all the services we offer.