New measures to tackle social housing fraud, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and gang-related behaviour, and fire safety, have been added to the Council’s tenancy agreement, providing greater protections for tenants.
These are among a number of updates to the tenancy agreement, which sets out the terms and conditions of renting a council home. Other changes include allowing tenants to keep a pet and defining what type of business tenants are permitted to run from their home.
The updated tenancy agreement came into effect yesterday (Monday 5 June 2023). It brings the protections for both the Council and tenants up to date with current legislation. The last time it was updated was in 1999.
All council tenants were sent a formal letter informing them of the changes as well as information outlining all rules in their new agreement. Tenants do not need to do anything or sign a new agreement. Their tenancy will be automatically updated to the new agreement.
Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“This is an important step in better protecting and improving life on our estates and the rights of council tenants. The tenancy agreement is a key tool in helping to tackle serious issues on our estates like anti-social behaviour and fire safety that impact the lives of our residents.
“These changes will help the council to better manage its housing stock but more importantly give residents a safe home to live in. We want our estates to be welcoming, safe and inclusive places.”
The new tenancy agreement has been updated in several key areas:
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ASB/Gangs – several updates including, demoting a tenancy if any member of the household or visitor commits ASB; a new section on gang-related behaviour, including the rule that enforcement action can be brought against a tenant if they, or a member of their household or visitor is involved in a gang;
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Extending succession rights – we have extended the right for a tenancy to be passed on to a family member, as long as the tenant doesn’t have a spouse or partner living with them at the time of death, to all tenancies regardless of when they started.
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Parking – tenants must comply with the requirements of any controlled parking scheme on their estate. You can find out more information at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/parking
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Running a business from home – a new rule setting out what type of business can be run from a tenant’s home.
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Second homes – a new section has been added that clearly sets out that a council tenant is not permitted to own or rent another property and must inform the council immediately if they inherit.
The Council has added a new provision for tenants fleeing domestic abuse. They will now be granted a secure tenancy immediately without the need to complete a probationary tenancy.
There is also clear guidance on keeping pets as we recognise the importance of animals for health and wellbeing, but we will not allow dangerous dogs or tenants to keep an excessive number of pets. Owners are responsible for their animal at all times and must clear up after it and keep it under control.
The Council has removed its Second Succession Policy to bring it in-line with other local authorities and to ensure that council housing stock goes to residents with the greatest need. Applicants who qualify in accordance with the council’s Allocations Policy will be considered for a discretionary offer of rehousing.
There are also changes that limits the use of laminate and other hard flooring, and clarifies the clause on sub-letting, preventing tenants from renting their home on sites such as Airbnb.
The Council carried out a consultation in 2021 on the proposed changes to the tenancy agreement. The majority of respondents were in favour of the changes and the updated tenancy agreement was approved by Cabinet on 9 February 2022.
Posted on Tuesday 6th June 2023