Your council tenancy

When you move into a council-owned property, you sign a tenancy agreement.  

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and the council. It tells you:   

  • your rights and responsibilities as a tenant of the council
  • our duties as your landlord
  • the type of tenancy you have with us  

It’s important that you read the terms and conditions of the tenancy.   

You must make sure that you keep to the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement. Your visitors and any lodgers you may have must do this too.  

Tenancy conditions handbook 

 

What we’re responsible for 

As part of your tenancy agreement we’ll:  

  • carry out repairs to your home
  • look after your estate and communal areas
  • carry out gas and electricity safety checks  

 

Your rights as a tenant 

 Your tenancy agreement and conditions sets out your rights as a tenant. They include your rights to:  

  • improve the condition of your property
  • take in a lodger or sub-tenant
  • buy your home
  • swap your home
  • pass on your tenancy to someone that qualifies
  • enjoy living in your home without nuisance or interference from others
  • to be consulted on any changes affecting your home or your tenancy
  • get information we have about you or your tenancy 

 

If you break your tenancy agreement   

We can:  

  • extend your trial period by six months or end your tenancy, if you’re an introductory tenant
  • get a court order to take back your home, if you’re a secure tenant   

 

Ending your tenancy  

You must let us know when you want to move out of your home. You’ll need to do this in writing at least 28 days in advance.   

To end your tenancy, you’ll need to:  

  • complete the Tenant's Notice to Quit form (PDF 391 KB) 
  • if you’re on benefits, tell our Council Tax and Housing Benefit Teams that you’re moving
  • make sure you do not owe any rent
  • let your gas, electricity and water suppliers know that you are moving out
  • leave the property clean and tidy. Make sure you remove all your belongings including carpets, furniture and appliances
  • hand in a full set of keys to the Housing Office before midday on the Monday your tenancy ends  

If you don’t follow these steps, you’ll need to pay extra charges.