Your Tenancy Agreement is a legal contract between you and the Council and is designed to make sure you and other tenants are good neighbours and take proper care of the homes you rent.
It sets out some rules that you, and those who live in or visit your home, must keep to by law. The Tenancy Agreement gives you rights as well as responsibilities. It also lists the services you are entitled to in return for the rent you pay.
Your can read the Tenancy Agreement below.
- Your-Tenancy-Agreement (opens in new tab)pdf file[185KB]
Changes coming into effect on 24 August 2026
We have recently updated some of the terms and conditions of your Tenancy Agreement. This follows a consultation with tenants between March and May 2026. The Tenancy Agreement has been updated to ensure it reflects current legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice, while clearly setting out the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and the council.
You will receive a letter in the post called a Notice of Variation. This is a legal letter informing you that we have made changes to your Tenancy Agreement, and stating the date the changes come into effect. This notice does not mean you are being evicted or being asked to move from your home.
The updated Tenancy Agreement will replace the current agreement from 24 August 2026. From this date, all council tenancies will be governed by the updated version.
You can read the updated Tenancy Agreement below.
- Tenancy Agreement (2026) (opens in new tab)pdf file[280KB]
Your responsibilities as a tenant
- pay your rent on time
- not owe us any rent (called rent arrears)
- tell our benefits team if your entitlement to housing or council tax benefit has ended
- respect your neighbours and allow them to enjoy their homes in peace and quiet
- (including and not limited to) not take part in any anti-social behaviour such as playing loud music late at night, late night DIY, allowing your home to be used for selling/taking drugs, or letting your dogs bark for long periods of time
- let us know if your circumstances change, for example if your partner comes to live with you or your adult child leaves home
- allow our contractors access to service your gas appliances once a year (required by law)
- Obtain our permission before you do certain things, including:
- Wanting to mutually exchange your home with another social housing tenant
- Wanting to keep a pet or animal in your home
- Running a business or non-profit from your home
- Wanting to make alterations and improvements to your home
- Wanting to sublet part of your home or take in a lodger
- Wanting to use the loft or attic space in your home
- Wanting to store or charge any vehicle, including mobility scooters and e-bikes
Your rights as a tenant
Your rights as a tenant are determined by the type of Tenancy Agreement you have. We have summarised the main rights of residents based on an introductory or secure tenancy. However, you can see your full rights in the Tenancy Agreement above.
| Right (subject to any specific legal provision) | On an Introductory Tenancy | On a Secure Tenancy |
|---|---|---|
| Right to succession | Yes For independent living tenants, this can only be with a person eligible for the scheme | Yes For independent living tenants, this can only be with a person eligible for the scheme |
| Right to repair | Yes | Yes |
| Right to be consulted on housing management issues | Yes | Yes |
| Right to transfer (assign) your tenancy | Yes - only with a person who who would qualify to succeed the tenant in the event of death or as a result of a court order. For independent living tenants, the same conditions apply, but the person must also be eligible for the scheme. | Yes -only with a person who who would qualify to succeed the tenant in the event of death or as a result of a court order. For independent living tenants, the same conditions apply, but the person must also be eligible for the scheme. |
| Right to Buy your home | No | Yes For independent living tenants, the right to buy is prohibited. |
| Right to take in lodgers | No | Yes |
| Right to sublet part of your home | No | Yes - permission is required |
| Right to improve or male alterations to your home | No | Yes - permission is required |
| Right to exchange your home with another social housing tenant | No | Yes - permission is required. For independent living tenants, this can only be with a person eligible for the scheme |
| Right to vote prior to transfer to a new landlord | No | Yes |
| Right to be consulted on a decision to delegate housing management | Yes | Yes |
| Right to participate in housing service monitoring | Yes | Yes |
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