Bringing Joy This Christmas: A Heartwarming Initiative

by | Jan 15, 2025

This holiday season, our team went the extra mile to spread cheer by delivering surprise hampers to all our permanent and temporary tenants just before Christmas. Each gift was hand-delivered, and the enthusiastic and heartfelt responses we received reminded us of the important work we do, and that even a small gesture, or a little hope, can go a long way.

This year has been incredible for us—we’ve helped more people than ever before, providing over 100 tenancies to individuals and families often overlooked by the Private Rented Sector. As we look back on our achievements, we’re reminded of the importance of not just offering shelter but also lifting the spirits of those facing challenging circumstances.  

Why Morale Matters 

Facing homelessness is a reality that everyone is faced with, it can take one natural disaster, or circumstantial change – and we can find ourselves in the shoes of someone in a vulnerable situation. Homelessness affects every aspect of a person’s well-being—physical, mental, and emotional. While providing basic necessities like food, hygiene facilities, and shelter is essential, we believe that encouragement, support, and kindness can be equally transformative. 

Encouragement: Restoring Hope 

A word of advice or a listening ear can restore dignity and remind someone of their resilience. Taking a moment to acknowledge their strength and potential helps them feel seen and valued, reinforcing that they are more than their current circumstances. 

Practical Support: Empowering Change 

Support goes beyond words. Offering career guidance, access to resources, or assistance with job applications can give someone the tools they need to take the next step. This practical help often serves as a powerful reminder that someone believes in their ability to overcome life’s challenges. 

Acts of Kindness: Spreading Joy 

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact. An unexpected care package, a heartfelt note, or a friendly smile can brighten someone’s day and show them they are not forgotten. These acts of kindness can significantly boost morale and foster a sense of belonging. 

Our industry is faced with a contrast of the most challenging and most inspiring stories. Our team know the importance of all of the above keys to building morale, and while what we do requires more strict measures at times, our team always lead with kindness and fairness, before cracking the whip. 

 

The Power of Togetherness 

This Christmas, as we reflect on the past year, we’re reminded of the profound difference that compassion and support can make. Whether through large initiatives like providing housing or smaller gestures like delivering hampers, every action counts. Together, we can continue to create positive change, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. 

Here’s to another year of making a difference—one kind act at a time. 

At Living Concepts, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to tenants moving out of a property.

From curtains being packed up with the last box to carpets mysteriously disappearing, it’s safe to say nothing surprises us anymore. But while it may feel harmless to take an item you’ve grown fond of, the consequences can be far greater than most tenants realise.

 

What Belongs to the Property, Stays with the Property

When you move into a rental home, many fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains, blinds, appliances, or even garden features – are part of the property. Unless you personally installed them (with the landlord’s written consent) and have a prior agreement to remove them, these items must remain when you move out.

Think of it this way: if you didn’t bring it with you on day one, you probably shouldn’t take it on the last.

 

Why Tenants Sometimes Do It

We understand the reasoning – sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, sometimes it’s sentimental, and occasionally it’s frustration with the landlord.

But whether it’s intentional or accidental, removing items that belong to the property is legally considered theft and can have long-term consequences.

 

The Consequences of Taking What’s Not Yours

    • Deposit Deductions: The cost of replacing missing items is usually taken straight from your deposit – often at a higher cost than what you’d expect.
    • Additional Charges: If the replacement exceeds your deposit, landlords can pursue further payment, even through legal channels.
    • Loss of References: A poor reference from a landlord can make securing your next rental significantly harder.
    • Legal Action: In extreme cases, removing items from a property can be treated as theft – a risk no tenant should be willing to take.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve grown attached to the curtains or furniture, or perhaps invested in your own upgrades during your tenancy, speak to your landlord before moving out. In many cases, they may be open to negotiation: you could replace the item with your own, buy the existing one at a fair price, or agree to leave improvements in place.

 

Our Advice to Tenants

    • Do a walkthrough: Before moving, walk through the property with your inventory report in hand. Double-check what needs to stay.
    • Ask questions: If in doubt, ask your landlord or agent – it’s always better to clarify than assume.
    • Leave the property as you found it: Think back to move-in day. That’s your benchmark for move-out day.

At Living Concepts, we encourage respectful landlord–tenant relationships.

Leaving a property in good condition and with all its fixtures intact not only protects your deposit, but also your reputation as a tenant.

After all, moving out is a fresh start – why risk carrying unnecessary baggage with you?