What is Moat responsible for

We conduct regular checks and take the necessary steps to make sure you and your family are safe, both inside your home and communal spaces.

• We carry out regular essential checks in your home and communal areas to ensure we’re meeting building safety standards, particularly around fire safety and general health and safety risks.
• In our independent living schemes, we carry out additional health and safety checks, including weekly fire alarm testing to ensure everything is working as it should.
• If you’ve any safety concerns, especially in communal areas, we’ll work with our contractors to address them as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of all residents.
• If you live in a high-rise building, we provide you with clear safety information and carry out additional checks that may be needed for your peace of mind.
• When we don’t own the building, a managing agent is likely to be responsible for safety checks, we ask for this information every year to ensure compliance and performance.
• In some of our buildings where there is communal heating systems, we’ll let you know who is responsible for servicing and the most cost-efficient way to use it.

Communal maintenance

You’ve told us how important it is to feel comfortable and safe in the spaces you share, so we focus on keeping your communal areas clean, well-maintained and welcoming for everyone.

• We make sure that your communal spaces are clean and safe for everyone. This includes your outdoor shared spaces and communal gardens.
• If we don’t manage these areas, we’ll let you know who does and challenge poor performance. Where services haven’t been delivered, we’ll seek a refund on your behalf and keep you updated on what’s happening.
• We carry out regular estate inspections to identify any issues in your communal areas, and we’ll let you know when an inspection is coming up via myMoat or noticeboards in your building.
• We take care of trees in your shared spaces, carrying out regular surveys and pruning when needed to keep things safe.
• If there are any fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles or graffiti issues, we work with our partners to address them quickly and keep your outdoor spaces at their best.

Communal repairs

If something needs fixing in your communal areas, we’ll ensure its investigated and repaired quickly to a high standard.

• We aim to attend emergency repairs within four hours to make safe and to complete the repair within 24 hours.
• We partner with repairs specialists to manage our communal repairs service. If there are repairs needed in communal corridors, stairwells and external common areas we own and manage, our repairs contractors will manage these repairs on our behalf.
• When we don’t own the building, a managing agent is likely to be responsible for the communal repairs and maintenance. We keep in regular contact with the managing agents for these buildings, monitoring their performance and raising any concerns.
• If something needs fixing in your communal areas, we’ll ensure its investigated and repaired quickly to a high standard.

We believe paying for your home should be easy and straightforward. That’s why we provide you with clear, and transparent information on how your bills are calculated.

• myMoat, our online customer portal is the quickest and easiest way to pay your rent and service charges - you can do it all in just a couple of clicks, anytime, anywhere.
• We provide you with clear information and clear breakdowns of how we calculate your charges so there are no surprises. We’re committed to delivering value for money in everything we do.
• Our website includes clear information about the types of charges you might have as a Moat customer, shared in a way that works best for you, whether that’s via videos, detailed booklets or quick summaries.
• We’ll keep you informed and provide feedback before we start any major works or a long-term contract and what the impact will be on your service charge or any other additional charges.
• We believe paying for your home should be easy and straightforward. That’s why we provide you with clear, and transparent information on how your bills are calculated.

Financial support and advice

If you’re feeling the pressure of managing your money, you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with advice that’s tailored to your needs.

• We offer free, friendly and confidential advice to help you with budgeting, finding benefits and setting up payment plans that work for you.
• Our online Better Off Calculator helps you quickly check what benefits you might be entitled to, in just a few minutes.
• We can also connect you with trusted, independent organisations that can provide you with support.

Dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB) and nuisance

We understand that ASB can make you feel unsafe in your home and community. That’s why we’ll always address any issues quickly and thoroughly, to ensure you feel secure and supported.

• All hate crime reports are taken very seriously - we will contact you within one working day to ensure you’re safe.
• If you report anything to us, you’ll be kept updated on the progress of our investigations and supported throughout the process.
• We’ll direct those affected to support services and encourage reporting to the police.
• We work with those causing the issues and other agencies to prevent it happening again.

Support for domestic abuse and safeguarding

If you or someone in your household is experiencing domestic abuse, neglect or exploitation, we’ll provide support without judgement.

• If you tell us about domestic abuse, we’ll listen, believe, and offer you support and care.
• We respond swiftly and take necessary action to ensure you feel safe in your home and community. 
• We collaborate with trusted agencies to protect you and ensure your safety.
• All Moat staff, contractors, and volunteers are trained in safeguarding, ensuring the welfare of both children and adults.

Contact us your way

We know that life can get busy, so we’ve made it easy for you to contact us. Whether you prefer to call, email, use web chat or access your account online, we’re here to listen and help in a way that suits you best.

• You can reach us by phone 0300 323 0011, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.
• For urgent issues outside of these hours, please call our out-of-hours team on 0300 323 0011. Our primary aim will be to make the situation safe for you.
• Our web chat is available weekdays from 8am to 5pm for quick, real-time conversations.
• You can email us at [email protected].
• For anytime access, you can use our online myMoat customer portal where you can view your account and complete requests at your convenience.
• We’re here for you – whether you’d prefer a home visit from one of our colleagues or want to drop into a local office, we’ll make it easy for you to speak with us in person.
• If you’re a Stanhope PFI customer, you can use myMoat, but your contact details are different. You can call 01233 647 396, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm and 24/7 for emergencies. Or email [email protected]. For more info visit our Stanhope PFI web page.

Sharing your voice

You play a vital role in helping us improve our services. Whether it’s through direct feedback or participating in our resident panels, we make it easy for you to have your say and shape the services we provide.

• You can join one of several customer groups who help us challenge and improve our services based on your lived experience.
• Participate in regular estate inspections with our Neighbourhood teams to help identify repairs and community issues.
• We cover travel, childcare and carer expenses to make it easier for you to get involved.
• Digital options are available for those who prefer to engage remotely.
• We offer training and support for anyone who wants to join any of our panels or groups.
• Our Community Investment programme offers something for everyone - from community events and youth sessions to specialist support and volunteering.

If you’re unhappy with our service

We want you to feel happy and comfortable in your home. If something goes wrong or you’re not satisfied with our service, please let us know. We’re here to listen, make things right and learn from our mistakes.

• We follow the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code to ensure your concerns are taken seriously.
• We’ll work with you to find a solution as quickly as possible.
• We’ll take the time to understand how the issue is affecting you and what you’d like us to do to fix it. You can count on us to be honest, clear and committed to resolving the problem.
• We’ll provide information that explains what you can expect when you make a complaint and what our process is.

We’re here to support you – whether it’s something we can help with directly or not. If we’re not the right people to help, we won’t leave you on your own. With your consent, we’ll connect you with trusted organisations and services who can give you the support you need. That might mean help with finances, wellbeing, employment, or other areas of life where a little extra support can make a big difference. Whatever you’re facing, we’re on your side. We’ll connect you to national organisations or community providers near you.

If we believe that your safety or the safety of others is at immediate risk, we will contact the emergency services to ensure everyone’s protection and wellbeing.

Money, food and skill support

If you’re finding things tough at home, there’s support available for you and your family.

• Money advice: Our Benefits and Income Maximisation Team is here to guide you through your options, help you boost your income, and support you in managing any financial concerns.
• Food and essentials: We can connect you with local foodbanks, community pantries, and fridges that offer free or low-cost food and everyday essentials.
• Employment and skills support: Whether you’re looking for work, a change in career, or new skills, we can signpost you to support from Jobcentre Plus and local training providers.

Joining in

We love bringing people together through our community hubs in Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Stanhope, Maldon, and Pollards Hill. If you’re not nearby, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of support available to help you feel connected.

• NHS services: Your GP or local wellbeing hub can offer advice, talking therapies, and mental health support tailored to your needs.
• Befriending services: Friendly phone calls, home visits, or group meet-ups run by charities and volunteers can make a big difference if you’re feeling isolated.
• Community groups and clubs: From creative classes to social meet-ups, these groups are a great way to stay active, connected, and well.

Specialist support

Some experiences can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to face them alone. We can help connect you with trusted, specialist services that offer care, understanding, and the right kind of support when you need it most.

• Domestic abuse and trauma-informed services: Compassionate support from organisations like Refuge, Women’s Aid, and Victim Support for anyone affected by abuse or trauma.
• Survivors’ network and local trauma charities: Therapeutic support for people living with PTSD, historical abuse, or complex trauma.
• Specialist hoarding support: Sensitive and practical help to manage hoarding behaviours, with a focus on safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.
• Bereavement charities: Kind, confidential support from groups like Cruse Bereavement Support, offering counselling, helplines, and local peer groups.

Crisis support

In moments of crisis, it’s important to know that support is always available. We can help connect you to the right services that offer immediate, expert care:

• Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in distress. Call 116 123 – free and confidential.
• Shout: Text support for mental health crises. Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential help at any time.
• Local NHS Mental Health Crisis Teams: Access urgent support by calling NHS 111 and selecting option 2 to speak with a trained professional.
• Local Charities: We can put you in touch with trusted, community-based organisations offering emergency support, safe spaces, or crisis counselling tailored to your needs.

Family support

If you’re finding things tough at home, there’s support available for you and your family. You’re not alone. We’ll connect you to national organisations like those below or community providers near you.

• Home-Start UK offers friendly, practical help for all families dealing with everyday challenges and Gingerbread provides expert advice and support for single-parent families.
• If you’re looking for more targeted support or parenting programmes, we’ll find out what’s available in your local area, or put you in touch with you GP or School.

This isn’t a full list — we’ll help you find the right support for your individual situation.

We’re committed to providing you with services tailored to your specific needs, making sure you can access everything you need in a way that works for you.

• If you have any vulnerabilities, disabilities or specific communication preferences, we will make necessary adjustments to ensure you can easily access our services.
• We can offer interpreting and British Sign Language interpreting services to help ensure you’re always understood and able to communicate with us.
• We’re committed to providing accessible information to all our customers. If you require information in a different language or format, such as large print, audio, Braille or electronic text, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.
• We can communicate via third parties acting on your behalf, with your consent.
• We can signpost you to personalised support through our Neighbourhood Services team where reasonable – talk to us to find out how we can help.
• If you’re facing challenges that are hard to manage on your own, we’ll connect you with external agencies and work alongside them to make your situation better.
• We regularly check the information we hold about you and your household. We share relevant information with trusted third-party partners who may need to adjust or provide support in your home.
• Through Moat Foundation, we promise to support customers facing challenges such as financial hardship or ill-health, by investing in skills, confidence, and access to opportunities. We’re committed to delivering meaningful engagement and funding trusted partners to bring lasting, positive change to our communities.

Life changes can bring unexpected challenges but you don’t need to face them alone. Whether you’re dealing with a death in the family or 
need extra support due to injury or illness, we’ll be here to help you. We’re with you for as long as you need us, making sure you’ve the right support in place at all times.

• If you need to update personal details like your name, gender or household changes, we’ll explain what’s needed and help make the process as smooth as possible.
• If the shared owner of your home dies, we’ll be here to support you and explain what this means for anyone else living in the home, so you know what to expect.
• When you tell us someone in your home is disabled/has a disability or additional need, we’ll update our records and ensure that the services we provide are tailored to your requirements.
• If you have a spare room and want to take in a lodger, we’ll let you know if this is allowed.
• We’ll approve pet requests wherever we can. If we can’t for some reason, we’ll let you know why and work with you to find a solution.

If you want to buy more shares in your home or even sell it, we’re here to help you through the entire process, making sure everything is clear and easy for you.

• You can apply to buy more shares of your home through MyMoat, our online customer portal or by contacting us. We’ll guide you through each step, work out the cost and make sure everything is simple and transparent.
• If you’re considering selling, we’ll provide you with all the information you need about the process.
• We work with qualified surveyors through the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who can provide you with a preferred rate for their services.
• We’ll always let you know about what charges and fees are involved, whether it’s for purchasing more shares or extending your lease.

We get that moving home can feel overwhelming – so we’re here to make it easier. 

Whether you’re moving temporarily or for a fresh start, we’ll guide you through your options and support you every step of the way.

• When you need to move, we’ll help you understand all your options.
• If you need to move temporarily due to an emergency, we’ll be there to explain what will happen and support you throughout the process.
• When you move into one of our homes, we’ll explain what you can expect from us and how to contact us if you need anything.

Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and independent. Whether you need small adjustments or more extensive change, we’ll support you in making your home right for you.

• If you or someone living with you needs small adaptations to make your home more accessible, we’ll connect you with organisations that can help you, such as the Occupational Therapy team at your local authority.
• If your home needs more significant changes, we’ll let you know what’s possible. If certain adaptations aren’t practical or affordable, we’ll explore other ways to meet your needs, working with the Occupational Therapy team at your local authority.

We’re here to make sure you get the best possible service, even when it comes from other organisations.

• We will let you know who’s responsible for your repair and ensure you get the best service.
• We check charges and performance to ensure you’re receiving the best service.
• If there are any concerns about how another organisation is delivering services, we’ll always take it seriously.  We’ll raise the issue with them and if necessary, pursue a formal complaint or legal action. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and tell you what’s happening each step along the way

Your home is yours to make your own, and we want to support you in improving it. We provide clear guidance on what’s possible and fair so you can personalise your home.

• You can decorate your home to your style and taste – we want your home to be a place you can enjoy living in.
• Please secure permission from us if you want to make any structural changes that involve walls, windows or doors. Simply write to us with your plans and estimates, and we’ll always be fair when reviewing your request. We’ll register any improvements you make, which will be considered if you later decide to sell or purchase more shares.