Your Responsibilities as a Tenant
As a member of our co‐operative community, it’s important to understand exactly what’s expected of you when it comes to looking after your home. From basic upkeep, like keeping your space clean and tidy, to promptly reporting any issues that arise, your role as a tenant helps ensure that everyone enjoys a safe, welcoming environment.
On this page, you’ll find guidance on essential tenant responsibilities—from paying rent on time and taking care of fixtures, to respecting communal areas and staying proactive about repairs. By knowing and fulfilling these responsibilities, you’re helping us build a stronger, more supportive co‐operative community where every household can thrive.
Responsibilities
Tenant’s responsibilities
Some things are your responsibility. These include:
Plumbing Responsibilities 🛠️
Repair or replacement of chains and plugs on basins, baths, and sinks
• Replacement of toilet seats, toilet roll holders, shower hoses, and heads
Electrical Responsibilities ⚡
• Renewal of light bulbs
Outdoor Maintenance 🌿
• Gardening maintenance (except in communal areas)
General Household Maintenance 🏠
• Internal redecoration
• Repair or replacement of internal doors
• Adapting doors for new carpets
• Draught excluders for doors and windows
• Minor plaster cracks and gaps between skirting boards and floors
• Anything else fitted by the tenant to the inside or outside of the property
• Domestic appliances
General Safety Responsibilities 🔧
• Ensuring doors and windows are secured (e.g., fitting new locks if keys are lost)
• Broken glass in doors and windows
• Minor pest control
• Any damage caused to your home by members of the household
Miscellaneous Responsibilities 🧰
• Getting back into your home if you are locked out
Tennant Handbook
This updated (30.04.2020) handbook is your go‐to guide as a CDS tenant. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know about living in a CDS property—from how to get in touch with our team, through to practical advice on paying your rent, understanding your tenancy agreement, and keeping your home safe. It also covers our responsibilities, your obligations, and the various services we offer, including repairs, customer care standards and ways to get involved in the co‐operative community. Keep it handy, and if you have any questions, just give us a call on 03333 21 30 30 or send an email to talktous@cds.coop. We’re here to help!
Tennant Handbook
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Reach out to us anytime.
Get in touch
At CDS, we’re committed to championing co-operative and community-led housing. Whether you need to report a repair, enquire about your housing, or learn more about how we can support your co-op, our friendly team is ready to assist.
24/7 Emergency Repairs – We’re on hand around the clock for urgent issues.
Co-operative & Housing Guidance – From governance to day-to-day queries, we offer specialist expertise.
Annual Home Inspections – We help keep homes safe, comfortable, and compliant.