In Unipol, we understand that gender expression, gender identity and biological sex are extremely complicated and we want to ensure that all of our tenants feel comfortable with being their true selves in their accommodation.

If you identify as transgender, there are lots of ways that we can help support you.

Questioning your gender identity can be a very confusing and isolating time. Unipol’s Tenancy Support team are here to support you in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner. We understand how difficult this time can be and we can look to connect you with local support groups, your University’s counselling service or just be an ear to listen.

Firstly, have we called you the correct name? Your Tenancy Agreement will need to have your legal name on it – this is because it is a legal document and is something Unipol has to follow. We know that being transgender means you might have chosen a different name than what is on your ID. Unipol don’t want to deadname you, but we do need your legal name to process your Tenancy Agreement.

If you have changed your name via Deed Poll but not yet updated your ID, please provide both and we can get it updated on the system and ensure that your Tenancy Agreement is accurate.

If you have not legally changed your name, but would prefer to me known as something different, please do let us know. We have an option for ‘Preferred name’ in our application and can change that at any time during your tenancy – as many times as you need. While your legal name is used for the Tenancy Agreement, we will use your preferred name for everything else! Just let us know how you would like to be addressed and we shall endeavour to get it right!

If we get it wrong, please let us know! Some of our systems are automated and mistakes can happen. We are always looking to improve, so letting us know our mistakes can help us avoid them in future. 

If you have not been able to legally change your name, you may find that some of your post will contain your deadname – letters from the bank or the doctors, for example. As you are living in shared accommodation, this might result in your flatmates seeing these letters as they are delivered through the shared mailbox. If you do not want your flatmates to know your deadname, you might want to consider using the Royal Mail’s Redirection Service to have your mail delivered elsewhere – just be sure that the alternative address is safe. If you need any help with this, please get in touch with your Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator.

Regardless of your gender expression or identity, you should feel comfortable in your accommodation. If one of your cotenants is making you feel uncomfortable, please do get in touch. Your Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator will be able to discuss with you the best course of action. It may be that we refer to Unipol’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Procedure.

 If you believe that you are being subjected to bullying or harassment by another tenant because you are transgender (or for any other reason), the following options are available for taking action. Please note, this is not an exclusive list further details of each point can be found in the full Procedure document

• Taking personal action – speaking calmly with your bully directly.
• Mediation through Unipol – direct or shuttle mediation through the help of Tenancy Support
• Reporting to the perpetrator’s university – each University has their own policy regarding Bullying and Harassment and they may be able to take much more direct action
• Finding alternative accommodation – there may be situations where you no longer feel comfortable or safe living with the perpetrator. In these circumstances, Unipol would look to find you alternative accommodation or help you leave your tenancy.

Dealing with Bullying and Harassment is never easy and being a private landlord, Unipol can be even more restricted in the actions we can take. We cannot punish or evict the bully, nor do we have the facilities to investigate accusations. However, we will always look to do what we can to support you as the victim and keep you safe.

For more details on our Anti-Bullying and Harassment Procedure, please see this link. If you have any questions about this or any other support that we can offer you, get in touch with Tenancy Support on tenancysupport@unipol.org.uk.