The tenancy agreement is a contract between the tenant and the council that states what the council's legal obligations are and what the tenant's are. The agreement means that you have a legal right to stay in your home as long as you keep to the conditions of your tenancy.
In short, your tenancy agreement means that you must:
- pay your rent promptly
- use your property as your main home
- follow the conditions set out in the tenancy agreement
- let us know of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your tenancy
- not cause nuisance or harassment (including racial harassment) to your neighbours
- not use your home for any illegal purposes
- let us know if you rent out any part of your home or take in lodgers
- not run a business from your home
- ask for permission to make improvements to your home
The council must:
- make sure that the structure and space outside of your home is kept in good repair
- make sure that you can receive power and water supplies
- make sure communal areas are kept in good repair and are decorated
- maintain communal gardens
- make sure that everyone has similar tenancy conditions to you
The tenancy agreement gives you certain rights. These are:
- to pass on your tenancy to someone that qualifies
- to buy your home
- to swap your home with another council or Housing Association tenant
- to have a lodger or sublet part of your home
- to have your home kept in good repair
- to enjoy living in your home without nuisance or interference from others
- to improve your home and get compensation for some improvements
- to be consulted on any changes affecting your home or your tenancy
- to see information we keep on you, for example, your housing file
For a copy of your tenancy agreement, please ask at your local reception office.
