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Tenancy AgreementTerms and Conditions
stoke.gov.uk
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Moving in ...Everyone knows that moving into a new
home can be hectic and stressful. We can
provide you with help and advice to settle in as smoothly as possible.
As the tenant, you are responsible for all utilities for the property, such as charges for
gas, electric, water and council tax. When you sign your tenancy agreement, we will tell
you about how to contact the gas, electricity and water companies for your new home,
and how to contact us to report a repair.
Gas supply
You will need to contact a gas company and give them at least 24 hours notice to
arrange the supply of gas to the property. You will be provided with contact phone
numbers when you sign for the tenancy. We may have 'locked' the gas supply to the
property for health and safety reasons, we will tell you about this during the sign-up for
the tenancy agreement.
If you ever suspect a gas leak, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on
0800 111 999.
Electricity supply
You will also need to contact an electricity company, this may or may not be the same
as the gas supplier. You will be provided with contact phone numbers when you sign
for the tenancy.
Water supply
You are responsible for all water charges to the property. You must contact Severn
Trent Water PLC when you move into your home.
Council Tax
You are also responsible for the Council Tax charges for the property. Your Local Centre
can provide you with information.
Contents Insurance
You are responsible for insuring the contents of your home. In the event of fire, flood,
theft, storm damage or natural disasters, we have no obligation to give you financial
assistance or compensation. You should also insure yourself for claims from a third
party, for example, if your washing machine leaks and floods into your home and/or
neighbouring properties. We are not liable for such events. We provide an insurance
scheme for your home contents through Aviva. Contact us for more information.
Note: Remember to read both your gas and electricity meters when you move into the
property and make a note of the readings.
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Contents1 Definitions 3
2 Your tenancy agreement 7
3 Our responsibilities 8
4 Your rights 10
5 Rent and other charges 13
6 Anti social behaviour 15
7 Repairs 18
8 Health and safety 20
9 Pets and other animals 21
10 Gardens 22
11 Vehicles 23
12 Using the property 24
13 Ending the tenancy 25
14 Matters that require written permission 26
15 Matters that require written notices 27
16 Customer feedback 28
17 Contacting us 29
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1. DefinitionsThis agreement contains words that have a distinct meaning when used in a particular
way. This section explains the meanings of some of these words which will make this
agreement clear and easier to understand.
• Anti social behaviour
Is any act, or failure to do something, which causes or is likely to cause, a nuisance,
annoyance, or harassment, alarm or distress to any person. It can also be any act
which interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of other people living in your
local area. This type of behaviour can range from minor incidents to very serious
incidents. This behaviour can lead to legal action being taken by us against you.
• Assignment
Is the legal process when somebody else takes over the tenancy. However, with our
types of tenancies, assignments can only occur by way of Mutual Exchange, a court
order or as set out in relevant legislation.
• Breach
If you break any of the terms or conditions of this tenancy agreement, you will be in
breach of the agreement. This may lead to us taking legal action against you to recover
possession of your home or obtaining an injunction to stop you from doing the act.
• Civil Partner
As defined in the Civil Partnership Act 2004 .
• Customer
By entering into this tenancy agreement with us, you will be our customer and have
access to the services we provide.
• Demoted Tenancy
This applies to secure tenants only. If you or those you are responsible for engage in
anti social behaviour, we may ask the court to make an order that removes some of
your rights as a tenant for a period of 12 months. In this 12 month period, we can ask
the court to end your tenancy if any term or condition of this agreement is breached.
• Eviction
If the court has made a possession order against you, you will be told the date when
you must leave the property. If you do not leave by that date, we will ask the court
bailiff to remove you and anyone else in the property.
• Exchange
The mutual swapping of tenancies. This can only be done within the approved way,
and the council must first agree to the exchange by giving you our written permission.
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• Fixtures and fittings
All our properties have equipment for supplying and / or using gas, electricity and
water, which are a permanent part of the property and cannot be removed. These are
some examples of fixtures and fittings (but not a complete list):
• Work units and cupboards in the kitchen
• Pipes
• Meters
• Toilets, baths and / or showers and sinks
• Taps and drainage fittings
• Electrical sockets and wiring
• All inside and outside windows and doors, including their furniture,
such as locks and handles
• Flat
A home which forms part of a building, or is entirely on one floor, but not a bungalow.
• Fly Tipping
The illegal dumping of unwanted items, such as rubbish or unwanted furniture. Fly
tipping is a very serious offence and we will not hesitate to take legal action where this
occurs.
• Garden
May consist of lawns, hedges, flowerbeds, trees, shrubs , outside walls and fences
and/or any piece of land that belongs only to the property subject to this agreement.
• Harassment
Is a series of related acts that a person finds offensive, intimidating or humiliating, all
of which may undermine a person's confidence or self esteem.
• Improvement
Any alteration or addition to the property to make it better, which is made by you or on
behalf of you, which was not at the property when you moved in, for example
additional building work inside or outside, or the erection of aerials or satellite dishes.
• Introductory Tenancy
All our new tenants are Introductory Tenants for a period of 12 months. After this
period, the tenancy will automatically become a secure tenancy, unless you or anyone
breaches the terms of this agreement. Also, if you engage in anti social behaviour we
may extend the introductory period by 6 months.
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• Lodger
A person who lives with you, but does not form part of your household. They will not
have exclusive right to any part of the property.
• Maisonette
A self contained home of more than one floor, the first floor of which is not at ground
level, with its own entrance.
• Neighbourhood
Is the local area where you live. The area will include property which is privately owned
or rented and property which is owned or managed by us or housing associations .This
area usually includes local shops and facilities, for example schools and leisure centres.
• Neighbours
These are people who live in your local area, who may be our tenants, own their own
home, rent from a private landlord or from a housing association.
• Partner
Any person who lives with you in an established relationship, other than a relative.
• Possession Order
Is an order from the court, which allows us to take back possession of the property.
Once we obtain the order, you and everyone who lives with you must leave the property
and take all their personal belongings.
• Property/Home
Means the dwelling, including fixtures and fittings and any garden, paths, hedges and/
or fences and any outbuildings and/or garages owned by us, which are the subject of
this tenancy agreement.
• Relative
Includes the following; parents, children, grandparents , brothers, sisters, uncles. aunts,
nephews, nieces, in-laws, step -relatives and adopted children.
• Rent
Is the payment of money for the use and occupation of the property subject to this
tenancy agreement.
• Secure Tenant
After the-period of the Introductory Tenancy, you will automatically become a secure
tenant. By law, secure tenants have the right to stay in the property subject to this
agreement. We cannot remove a secure tenant from a property unless a court grants
a possession order.
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• Service Charges
All charges other than rent and water-service charges, which is made by us and
payable by you under the terms of this tenancy agreement.
• Shared Areas
Are areas inside/outside buildings, including gardens, lawns, landscaped areas or
sheltered accommodation which you and your neighbours have equal access too,
examples of these areas include hallways, stairways, entrances, play areas and shared
gardens.
• Sheltered Housing
This is accommodation for older people living within a managed complex.
• Sub-letting
Is where part of the property is let to an individual in return for payment in money to
you. The individual will usually do their own cooking and cleaning. You cannot sub-let
the whole of the property.
• Succession
This is the legal process whereby your tenancy can be passed to a family member or
another person whom is entitled to have it by law should you die. A succession can
only occur once.
• Tolerated Trespasser
This means we do not recognise that you have any legal right to stay in the property,
and that we can start court proceedings to evict you without giving you notice.
• Vehicle
A car, bus, lorry, motorbike, bicycle, boat, caravan or similar motorised or non-motorised
devices.
• Visitors
Any person, including children, other than a member of the household who visits the
property, or who associates with you within the neighbourhood.
• We, us, our
Stoke-on-Trent City Council and our officers.
• Written Permission
A letter from us giving you the go ahead to do certain things that are contained within
this agreement.
• You, your
Is the tenant or in cases of joint tenants, both of them.
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2. Your tenancy agreementWhen you sign this tenancy agreement, you will become
our tenant and live in the property subject to this agreement.
It is important that you read and understand all of the tenancy
agreement in particular the terms and conditions. This
section sets out what the agreement is.
A legal contract
2.1 The tenancy agreement is a legal contract between
you and us and is enforceable through the courts.
You must keep to the terms and conditions that are
set out in this agreement, otherwise you could lose
your home. Please let us know if you are unsure of
anything contained within the agreement.
Types of tenancy
2.2 There are two types of tenancy:
• Introductory
• Secure
This agreement applies to both types of tenancies unless stated otherwise.
Who is responsible?
2.3 As your landlord, we have certain responsibilities which are set out in section 3
of this agreement.
As the tenant you have certain responsibilities which are set out in Sections 5 to 14.
You have certain rights which are set out in section 4 of this agreement. You are
also responsible for making sure members of your household, relatives, and
visitors (including children) keep to the terms and conditions.
Periods away from the property
2.4 We ask that you tell us when you plan to be away from the property for more
than four weeks at a time, to ensure that we know you have not abandoned the
property. If your job means that you are away from the property for long periods,
you may wish to discuss this with us.
Name and address of the landlord
Name of tenant (s)
The property rented in this agreement is situated at:
Description of property type:Start date of tenancy:
Tenancy type:
Introductory TenancySecure Tenancy
Rent and other charges for this property
This payment of Rent and Service Charge is due in advance on the Monday of each week.
Declaration:By signing this agreement you are agreeing to become a tenant of the council and to be bound
by the tenancy terms and conditions. You are entering into a legal contract. Please read the tenancy
agreement and conditions thoroughly, and keep this agreement in a safe place. If you do not
comply with them, you could lose your home.I confirm that the information I gave in the housing application was and is still true. I confirm that
this agreement has been fully explained to me and that I understand and agree to the terms and
conditions contained within this tenancy agreement.Tenant (s) signature1 ...................................................................................................... Date ..........................
2 ...................................................................................................... Date ..........................
City Council WitnessName .......................................... Signature ................................... Date ..........................
Office use only
The Council of the City of Stoke-on-Trent (‘the landlord’) of The Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HH and.................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST....................................................................................................................Monday .................................................. 20...............This tenancy is an Introductory Tenancy until .......................... 20............., when provided you (the
tenant) have not breached any terms of this agreement,it will automatically become a Secure Tenancy.The weekly rent (not including any Service Charges) for the property at the start of this agreement shall be:£.....................................
The weekly Service Charge at the start of this agreement shall be:£ .................. which is for ...........................................£ .................. which is for ...........................................£ .................. which is for ...........................................£ .................. which is for ...........................................
Total rent and other charges for this property£ .....................................
(‘the tenant’)
Tenancy AgreementThis tenancy agreement is made between:
Property ReferenceTenancy Number
Rent Account Number
*TACR*
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3. Our responsibilitiesThis section sets out what you can from expect us.
Providing you with possession of the property
3.1 We will give you exclusive possession of the property subject to this agreement,
from the start date of this tenancy. We will not interfere or interrupt with this right
unless any of the following apply:
(a) You breach any of the terms and conditions set out in this agreement. If you
do, we may take legal action against you to ensure that you keep to the terms
and conditions or we may seek a possession order from the court and
permission to evict you from the property.
(b) In circumstances where we have built or specifically adapted the property for
a physically disabled person so it is different from any non-adapted property,
and you no longer need that type of property and we need the property for
someone else with specific need.
(c) We need to carry out redevelopment, improvement or major repairs to the
property which we cannot do unless you move out.
(d) You, or someone acting on your behalf, obtained the tenancy by providing us
with false information.
(e) You find another home and / or stop using the property as your only or
principal (main) home.
(f) There is any other reason under the Housing Act 1985, Housing Act 1996,
Housing Act 2004 or any future law which requires and enables us to take
action against you.
Repairs
3.2 We will repair and keep in repair the property in accordance with our obligations
which are set out into this agreement by law. Examples of what we will repair are:
(a) Keep all fixtures and fittings for the supply of water, gas and electricity in
good repair and working order
(b) Decorate all existing external paintwork to your home and shared areas at
periodic intervals.
3.3 We will carry out safety checks on gas fires and gas boilers in the property once
a year. We will maintain and clean solid fuel installations twice a year. This type of
work will be carried out by one of our maintenance team or an approved service
contractor.
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Consulting with you
3.4 We will consult with you and all other tenants about the way we manage and
maintain our properties. This includes proposed changes in housing management
functions, our polices and procedures and variations to the terms and conditions of
the tenancy agreement. We will invite and consider your comments within a period
of consultation.
Not meeting our responsibilities
If you feel that we have not met our responsibilities as set out in this agreement, you can:
(a) Contact us. Section 17 tells you how to contact us
(b) Use our Compliments, Comments, and Complaints Procedure. Please
contact us to receive a copy (see section 16 of this agreement for information)
(c) Speak to your Local Councillor or Member of Parliament
(d) Get advice from an independent Housing Aid Centre, the Citizens Advice
Bureau or a Solicitor
(e) If you feel we have not handled your complaint effectively, write to the Local
Government Ombudsman at:
The Secretary
The Commission for Local Administration in England
21 Queens Ann Gate
London SW1H 9BU
Notes: We positively encourage our customers to comment on how we provide our
service and suggest ways in which we could improve. Section 16 of this agreement sets
out the procedure for you to provide us with your comments on our services.
We are also keen for our customers to get involved.
Please contact your Local Centre to find out how you
can get involved either on an individual basis or as
part of a resident group within your neighbourhood.
Section 17 tells you how to contact us.
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4. Your rightsThis section sets out what your rights are as one of our tenants.
Right to occupy
4.1 You have the right to occupy the property without interruption or interference from
us, so long as you occupy the property as your only or principal home and/or do
not breach any terms and conditions set out in this agreement or break any
relevant current or future law.
4.2 After the Introductory period, your tenancy will become a Secure Tenancy. It will
remain a Secure Tenancy so long as you occupy the property as your only or
principal home and do not breach any of the terms and conditions of this
agreement or grounds for possession under relevant law.
Right to repair
4.3 You must tell us of the repairs that need carrying out at the property and allow us
a reasonable period of time in which to carry out the repairs. If you have given us
notice of the repairs and we do not carry them out within a reasonable time, you
can ask another contractor to do the work. In certain circumstances if the repairs
are not carried out on time, you may be able to claim compensation.
Notes:
In relation to Right to Repair, the reported repair must be what is termed as a
'Qualifying Repair' The criteria for this are as follows:
(a) A repair has an estimated value of less than £250
(b) A repair is classed as an emergency or urgent by us.
Contact us for more information about Right to Repair.
Tenancy succession
4.4 When you die, your tenancy will automatically pass to your husband, wife or civil
partner, if he or she is not a joint tenant. If you were not married or had a civil
partner, then a relative who had lived with you immediately prior to your death for
a continuous period of 12 months may apply to succeed. This is known as
Succession and can only occur once.
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Secure tenants only
Improvements
4.5 You may make improvements, alterations or additions to the property,
including alterations to gas or electrical installations, or removing any fixtures,
fittings or equipment which have been provided by us. You must get our written
permission, and seek any other approval beforehand. We will not unreasonably
withhold consent without good reason, but may attach certain conditions about
the standard to which the work is carried out to and seek any other approval
before you start any work.
4.6 Any damage caused to the property as a result of the improvement, alteration
or addition to the property shall be made good at your own expense.
4.7 If you move and you have substantially improved your home, and have
obtained our written permission, you may be entitled to some compensation.
Claims are only available for improvements carried out on or after 01 April 1994,
or if you buy your home.
Right to Mutually Exchange
4.8 You have the right to exchange your home by way of assignment with either
another tenant of ours, a housing association assured periodic tenant or another
Local Authority secure tenant. You must get our written permission before you
exchange your home. Permission will only be withheld subject to current or future
amendments to the law.
Right to take in a lodger
4.9 You have the right to take in a lodger, but you must first get our written permission,
which will not be unreasonably withheld.
If you have a lodger in your home and are claiming any type of benefit, including
Housing and Council Tax Benefit, it may effect your entitlement.
Right to Sublet
4.10 You have the right to sublet part of your home, so long as you do not create any
form of sub-tenancy. You must first get our written permission, which will not be
unreasonably withheld.
Right to buy
4.11 You may exercise the right to buy your home provided you have been a secure
tenant for the qualifying period and meet provisions set out in current and future
law. The way you have conducted your tenancy may be considered in any
application you make to exercise the right to buy, for example, any rent arrears and
incidents of anti social behaviour. Contact us if you require any information about
buying your home through the Right to Buy Scheme.
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Policies and proposals
4.12 You have the right to be consulted about proposals for changes in the way we
manage, maintain, improve, demolish, sell or transfer council homes, or changes to
do with services or facilities for our tenants.
You have the right to see all our policies on housing, re-housing and exchanging
properties
Notes:
Improvements
All improvements involving the supply and use of gas and electricity must be carried out
by a suitably qualified person. We will require evidence of this before we give consent for
the improvement. For example. if the work involves a gas appliance, it must be carried out
by a Gas Safe registered engineer or for electrical work it must be carried out by a
NICEIC approved engineer.
You may also need to get planning permission and carry out work in accordance with any
building regulations.
Data Protection
The information you have given to us in your application for housing is important and helps
us to provide an efficient and more informed housing management service. We will keep
all your personal information on our computer system or in a paper record in accordance
with Data Protection law.
We work with the Police and other agencies and share information in order to tackle crime
and disorder issues in your neighbourhood. In these circumstances, we may have to give
your personal information to other organisations, for example under the Crime and
Disorder Act 1998. If an organisation asks for information about you that is not covered by
Data Protection law. we will always get your permission before we disclose any personal
information.
You have a right to see any personal information we have about you. In accordance with
Data Protection law there may be a charge payable for providing you with this information.
If you require any further information about how the Data Protection law affects your rights,
please contact us.
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5. Rent and other chargesThis section tells you of your responsibility and obligations to pay your rent and
other charges for your home. It also tells you what we will do if we fail to receive
your payments.
Paying the rent and other charges
5.1 You must pay your rent and any other service charges weekly in advance on or by
each Monday. Or at any other regular advance intervals by prior arrangement with
us.
5.2 When your tenancy ends, you must pay us any outstanding rent and other charges
or costs before leaving the property. If you owe us money for rent or other charges,
you must make arrangements with us to pay the debt. If you do not, the arrears
may affect you obtaining another City Council home until you do. Sometimes this
type of information is requested by other agencies, for example, another landlord
or a mortgage lender, where it may affect your ability to be housed.
5.3 If we owe you any money and you leave the property without paying the rent or rent
arrears, we will use this money towards rent debts and other charges due.
Changes to your rent and other charges
5.4 We will change the rent and/or other charges once a year. We will tell you about
any change at least 28 days before. If you do not want the change in rent and other
charges to take place, you must provide us with written notice that you wish to
terminate your tenancy. If you do this you may become intentionally homeless and
we may not have a duty to rehouse you.
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Notes: Your rent is due on a Monday and if you do not pay by 4pm on the Friday in the
same week, your account could show you to be in arrears.
If you are a joint tenant, you are jointly and individually responsible for the rent and other
charges when they are due. This means that if the other joint tenant does not pay their
share of the rent and other charges. you must pay all of the rent and other charges. even if
the other joint tenant has left the property.
If you receive,Housing Benefit, you must tell the Benefit Services Section about any
changes to your personal circumstances. as this may effect your entitlement to Housing
Benefit.
If you have rent arrears (failing to pay your rent and other charges), this may affect your
ability to seek a transfer to different accommodation or receive an offer of different
accommodation if you have already registered for a transfer.
If you do not pay your rent, we may go to court and ask for a possession order to evict
you from your home. We may also ask for a money order to recover any rent arrears owed
and any other money you owe us. You must pay this charge in line with the court order.
Any costs incurred in taking legal action will be charged to the tenant.
You may lose your home if you do not pay your rent and other charges for your home.
We understand that sometimes periods of illness and unemployment can make paying
the rent difficult.
If you have or think you may have difficulty in paying the rent and other charges, it is
important that you contact us. You may also want to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau,
or an independent Housing Aid Centre who may be able to provide you with independent
advice.
If you are on a low income or in receipt of benefits you may qualify for Housing Benefit. It
is important that you make a claim, contact us for more information.
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6. Anti-social behaviourAnti -social behaviour covers many types of behaviour that can either cause or is
capable of causing nuisance, annoyance or harassment alarm or distress. This
section sets out what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour and what we will
do if you do not behave appropriately.
You are responsible for your own behaviour, and the behaviour of anyone living in or
visiting the property including children.
You and/or anyone living in or visiting the property (including children):
Nuisance and annoyance
6.1 Must not do anything which causes or is likely to cause or allow to cause a
nuisance or annoyance to any person residing in or visiting the neighbourhood or
to any person otherwise engaged in a lawful activity within the neighbourhood
(this clause applies without limitation to any of our employees, agents or contractors).
Racial and other harassment
6.2 Must not do anything which causes or is likely to cause or encourages any member
of your household or visitors to commit any form of harassment or intimidation on
the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability which may
interfere with the peace and comfort of, or cause offence to any other person
residing in or visiting the neighbourhood or to any person otherwise engaged in a
lawful activity within the neighbourhood of the property (this clause applies without
limitation to any of our employees, agents or contractors).
Noise
6.3 Must not play, or allow to be played, any radio, musical instrument, television, or
any amplified music at a volume that causes a nuisance or annoyance to your
neighbours (this clause applies without limitation to any of our employees, agents
or contractors).
Violent behaviour and threats of violent behaviour
6.4 Must not threaten violence or act in a violent manner towards any member of your
household or towards any person residing in or visiting the neighbourhood or
towards any person otherwise engaged in a lawful activity within the surrounding
areas of the neighbourhood (this clause applies without limitation to any of our
employees, agents or contractors).
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The following are examples of anti social behaviour, and behaviour that may
cause a nuisance and/or annoyance (this list is not exhaustive):
• Using and threatening violence
• Domestic Violence
• Racism, including racist literature and letters, verbal and physical abuse
• Hate Crime
• Harassment of any type
• Prostitution
• Verbal abuse and offensive gestures
• Criminal activity in properties in the neighbourhood
• Possession and selling of controlled drugs
• Solvent and alcohol abuse, substance misuse
• Damaging property, including damage to vehicles
• Arson or attempted arson
• Putting offensive material through letter boxes
• Making malicious phone calls and text messages
• Writing and spraying graffiti
• Dealing in illegal pornography
• Storing or repairing any vehicle in the property or in shared areas
• Not exercising adequate parental control
• Playing loud music
• Banging and slamming of doors
• Playing ball games close to peoples homes or buildings
• Skateboarding, roller-skating and cycling on footpaths, balconies and shared areas
• Being drunk in public
• Excessive barking of dogs, or dogs fouling in shared or public areas
• Not keeping pets under control
• Causing a nuisance in shared areas, for example fouling or blocking refuse chutes
• Making unfounded complaints
• Driving or riding of vehicles off the road, for example on public areas and/or
facilities in the neighbourhood
• Breaking shared area security, for example, allowing people you do not know into
a building or jamming open shared entry doors
• Playing balls games, skateboarding or cycling in prohibited areas
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Notes:
What happens if you behave in an anti social manner?
(a) We aim to respond quickly and deal with all reported cases of anti social
behaviour.
(b) We will work with other agencies to tackle anti social behaviour caused by
anyone residing in, working or visiting any of our managed neighbourhoods.
(c) We may take legal action if you behave anti socially, this may include:
• Serving you with a Notice to Terminate or a Notice of Seeking
Possession and apply to court to end your tenancy
• Serving you with a Demotion Notice and apply to the court to replace
your secure tenancy with a Demoted Tenancy
• Making an application to the court to obtain an Injunction
• Inviting you and/or those you are responsible for to enter into an
acceptable Behaviour Contract or Parental Control Order
• Making an application to the court for an Anti Social Behaviour Order
• Using any other legal remedy to stop the behaviour
(d) We may be able to resolve some disputes or disagreements without legal
action:
• By referring the matter to a Mediation Service
• Seek to enter into an agreement with you, in the form of an Undertaking
• Inviting you and those you are responsible for to enter into an Acceptable
Behaviour Contract or Parental Control Order
Please contact us for more information.
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7. Repairs
You are responsible for certain repairs to the property. This section sets out what
your responsibilities are.
7.1 You must repair, renew or replace at your own expense any internal or external
parts of the structure including any fixtures or fittings or installations that are
damaged by you, or any member of your household or visitors (including children).
7.2 You must keep the inside of the property in a reasonable decorative order and
clean condition, and maintain it to a reasonable standard.
7.3 You are responsible for repairing, renewing or replacing the following items:
• Lock changes to door and windows (unless you supply us with a crimereference number from the police)
• Window and door glass breakages (unless you supply us with a crime reference
number from the police)
• Plugs and chains to sinks, wash basins and baths
• Toilet seats
• Door chains
• Curtain and picture rails
• Gate and shed locks, latches, bolts and catches
• Electrical trip switch
• Blockages to waste pipes, WC pans or drains (due to misuse)
• TV aerials (that are not shared)
7.4 When you end the tenancy you must hand over the property in a reasonable
condition, allowing for 'fair wear and tear '. Before you move out of the property, you
must remove any unauthorised alterations or improvements and make good at your
own expense any damaged caused by their removal.
Telling us about repairs
7.5 You must contact us and tell us when a repair needs carrying out in the property
which is our responsibility. It is important that you contact us as soon as you are
aware of the repair. Information about how to contact us to report a repair is listed
at the back of this agreement.
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Access to carry out inspections, services and repairs
7.6 You must allow us access into the property to carry out any necessary inspections,
services or repairs and maintenance work to the property or neighbouring
properties, after being given reasonable notice by us. In cases of emergency, for
example in the event of a flood, it may not be possible to provide you with
reasonable notice.
Improvements
7.7 You and / or any person living with you or visiting the property must not make any
improvements, alterations or additions to the property, including alterations to the
gas or electrical installations or remove from the property any fixtures, fittings or
equipment without getting our written permission first, or any other necessary
permission, for example planning permission. Any damage caused to the property
as a result of any alteration or improvement must be put right at your own expense.
Temporary accommodation during major work
7.8 Sometimes, the type of repair we need to carry out may result in you having to
leave your home while we do the work, this is called a temporary transfer. If your
repair requires a temporary transfer, you must leave the property for the period we
tell you.
Notes:
If we carry out the repairing or reinstatement of the items listed in 7.3 we may recharge
you for the cost. If you are elderly or registered disabled and experience problems in
completing any of these repairs, please contact us.
When you contact us about a repair, please describe the problem and where it is. Tell us
how long it has been there and how it has affected you.
We will carry out a service to gas appliances in your home every 12 months, this is
required by law. After receiving notice from us of when we will visit to carry out the service,
it is your responsibility to provide us with access .
If you fail to allow us or an approved contractor into your home to carry out the gas
service check and we have taken every step to agree with you a mutually convenient time
to carry out the service, we may take legal action against you to allow us access to your
home to complete the service.
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8. Health and SafetyThis section sets out what we expect from you and those you are responsible for to
ensure your safety and the safety of your neighbours.
You and/or anyone living in or visiting the property (including children):
8.1 Must not use and / or store portable oil, paraffin or gas cylinder heaters in the
property without our written permission. We will not unreasonably withhold our
permission.
8.2 Must not store inflammable materials (materials that may catch fire quickly) or gas
in the property, garden, garage, shed or any other outbuildings. This includes the
storing of large quantities of paper and cardboard boxes.
8.3 Must not store or repair any appliances which are powered by petrol, gas, diesel or
paraffin, as well as gas cylinders, in the property or shared areas. This does not
include lawnmowers or garden strimmers. If you have a powered mobility vehicle, for
example a wheelchair, contact us about where the best place would be for storing it.
8.4 Must not interfere with any health and safety equipment we have provided, for
example door-entry systems, closed circuit television, or equipment for detecting or
putting out fires.
8.5 Must not do anything in the property which could cause a danger to anyone in the
property or neighbourhood, for example, throw items out of windows, balconies or
landings.
8.6 Must dispose of syringes in a safe and appropriate manner. Contact us if you
require advice about disposing of syringes or similar items.
8.7 Must not let anyone into your home or shared areas, including sheltered
accommodation, who you do not know. You must always make sure you know who the
callers are before you let them into your home. Please ask to see their identification. All
council employees, agents and approved contractors carry clear identification.
8.8 Must not feed, wild pigeons, squirrels, foxes or any wild animal, so that it causes a
nuisance and / or annoyance.
8.9 Must not obstruct corridors, pathways, stairs or any shared area with rubbish,
materials or unwanted household items, for example old furniture or equipment.
8.10 Must dispose of all items of household rubbish and similar unwanted items in the
appropriate way. For example, household rubbish must be disposed of in provided
wheelie-bins or similar containers, which must not be stored inside the property or
any shared area.
8.11 Must not park vehicles in areas set aside or marked out for emergency vehicles, or
park in front of bin rooms, for example, at multi-storey blocks.
Note: You should install smoke detectors, where we have not already done so, and
additional detectors if you require them. But, you must check them regularly replacing
batteries when necessary. Contact us if you require advice about fire safety in your home.
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9. Pets and other animalsThis section sets out what you must do if you want
to keep any animals or pets in the property.
You and/or anyone living in or visiting the property (including children):
9.1 Must not keep or bring into the property or into a shared area any animal which
has been classed as dangerous under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (as
amended).
9.2 Must not keep a dog(s) in a flat, maisonette or sheltered accommodation or any
property without the exclusive use of a garden unless you have written permission
from us. We will not unreasonably withhold our permission.
9.3 Must keep control of and not allow your pet or any other animal to cause a
nuisance or annoyance to your neighbours or anyone engaged in lawful activity
within the locality of the property. For example, allowing it to foul shared areas or
public footpaths, causing a disturbance by barking or allowing a dog to roam the
neighbourhood or shared area unsupervised.
9.4 Must not keep any animal which we feel is unsuitable for the property. This may
include wild animals; poisonous snakes and insects; wild cats; large reptiles such
as lizards, crocodiles and alligators; monkeys; livestock, such as horses, donkeys,
goats, pigs, cattle, ducks, geese and chickens. Contact us if you require advice
about what we would consider as unsuitable.
9.5 Must not keep pigeons in the property, in the garden or shared areas of the
property without our written permission. We will not unreasonably withhold our
permission. Our permission may not be given or may be withdrawn at any stage if
the pigeons cause a nuisance and/or annoyance.
Note:
We will ask you to remove any animals you do not have permission to keep, or any
animals which are unsuitable or which cause a nuisance or annoyance. If you do not
adhere to this request, we may commence legal action against you to remove the animal
or to repossess your home.
If you keep a dog which is classed as dangerous by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, you
must follow the Act. By this law, all such dogs must be muzzled in public, micro chipped
registered and insured.
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10. GardensUntidy gardens are unsightly and can be a health hazard. If the property has a
garden, this section sets out how we expect you to maintain it.
You and/or anyone living in or visiting the property (including children):
10.1 Must maintain the garden and keep it tidy.
10.2 Must not build or erect any structure including a garage, greenhouse or shed, or
erect any structure in the garden or shared area without our written permission. We
will not unreasonably withhold our permission.
10.3 Must not remove, replace or plant any hedge, fence or tree at the property without
getting our written permission. We will not unreasonably withhold our permission.
10.4 Must not place rubbish, old furniture or domestic or commercial appliances within
the garden or surrounding area, unless the items are waiting collection for disposal.
Notes:
If you fail to keep your garden tidy, we may carry out the work and charge you a
reasonable fee.
We may remove any item from the garden or surrounding area placed as unwanted by
you and charge you a reasonable fee for doing the work. We will seek to provide you with
notice that we intend to remove such items.
We may ask you to remove any fence or boundary structure you have put up if, in our
opinion, it is dangerous or it causes a nuisance. If you fail to remove it, we may do so and
charge you a reasonable fee for doing the work.
Contact us if you are experiencing problems maintaining your garden.
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11. VehiclesThis section sets out what we expect from you
if you have a motor vehicle at the property.
You and/or anyone living in or visiting the property
(this includes children):
11.1 Must not park any vehicle anywhere on or in the property unless the property has a
garage, parking space or a drive with a dropped kerb and pavement crossover.
11.2 Must not build a garage, parking space, or drive or dropped kerb without our
written permission. We will not unreasonably withhold our permission. If you obtain
our permission to build a garage, parking space or drive it must be built to a
standard design and may be subject to planning permission.
11.3 Must not carry out repairs to vehicles at the property for which you are receiving
payment.
11.4 Must not allow any spillage of oil or hazardous fluids from vehicles parked on the
highway or on any land belonging to us.
11.5 Must not park or allow any vehicle to be parked if it is not insured, taxed, or does
not have a valid MOT or it is not roadworthy on any land that belongs to us unless
it has a SORN (DVLA off the Road Certificate), which you may be asked to provide.
If you do not, we may remove the vehicle. Where possible, we will provide you with
notice that we are removing the vehicle and we will charge you a reasonable fee for
removing it. We may also take legal action against you.
11.6 Must not park a vehicle in any way, which causes an obstruction to other road
users, for example, double parking or cause an obstruction for emergency vehicles
and refuse collection vehicles preventing access to neighbouring properties.
11.7 Must not park a vehicle on grassed areas in/or around properties managed by us.
Note:
If we suspect you are being paid to carry out repairs to vehicles at the property, we will
ask you to prove that you own the vehicle.
If available, you can rent a garage from us. Contact us for more information. Section 17
tells you how to contact us.
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12. Using the propertyThe property is your home from the start of the tenancy. This section sets out what
you can and cannot do with the property.
12.1 You must take possession of the whole of the property at the start of the tenancy
and must not part with possession or sub-let the whole of it.
12.2 You must use the property as your only or principal home.
12.3 You and / or anyone living or visiting the property must not run a business from the
property without our written permission. We will not unreasonably withhold our
permission, unless it will cause a nuisance or annoyance to other people, or
damage the property.
12.4 You and / or anyone living or visiting the property must not run an organisation,
action group or campaign from it or use the address for the purpose of such
activity, if it causes a nuisance or inconvenience to your neighbours or harms the
reputation of the neighbourhood. In some cases you may need our permission to
run such an activity, contact us for more information.
12.5 You and / or anyone living in or visiting the property (including children) must not
use the property for any criminal, immoral or illegal purposes. This includes (without
limitation) using the property for the supply, possession and/or use of illegal
substances and/or the handling of stolen goods.
12.6 You must not allow the property to become overcrowded.
12.7 You and / or anyone living or visiting the property must place all household rubbish
and similar waste items in council provided wheelie bins, dustbins, refuse chutes
and similar containers.
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13. Ending the tenancyThis section sets out what you must do if you want to end the tenancy with us, and
what we will do if we want to end the tenancy with you. If you wish to end the tenancy:
13.1 You must provide us with no less than 4 weeks written notice, ending on a Sunday.
You are responsible for the rent and other charges for the property during this notice
period. There is a Tenancy Termination form available for you to complete, contact us
for more information.
13.2 You must return to us all the keys to the property, on or before the date the tenancy
ends. If you do not give us the keys to the property we may charge you for any rent
lost and also the cost of replacement locks and keys for the property.
13.3 You must leave the property in a clean and tidy condition, removing any rubbish
and all of your personal belongings. If you leave any belongings in the property we
will not be held liable for them, and we will treat them as unwanted and abandoned
by you. We will dispose of the unwanted belongings and seek to reclaim from you
the costs of removal and disposal.
13.4 You must leave all fixtures and fittings in the same condition as they were in when
your tenancy started, allowing for 'wear and tear'. We will charge you for any
damage which we consider has been caused by wilful neglect or as a result of
improvements or alterations carried out by you or on your behalf without our
permission.
13.5 You must pay all rent and other charges up to the end of the tenancy. If you do not
pay rent or other charges that you owe us, we may start legal action against you to
recover the money as a debt. This may affect your ability to obtain credit in the
future and it may affect your ability to get a home from us and other social landlords
in the future.
13.6 You must allow us access to the property during the 4 weeks notice period, to
carry out inspections or show the property to prospective tenants.
Note: If you are a joint tenant, the whole of the tenancy will end if you or one of the joint
tenant ends the tenancy.
We can end the tenancy:
13.7 Ending an Introductory Tenancy and Secure Tenancy.
By obtaining an order from the County Court .
13.8 Demotion of Secure Tenancy and Ending of Demoted Tenancy.
By obtaining an order from the County Court.
13.9 Abandoned Property.
Where the tenant, or in the case of joint tenants no longer occupy the property as
his or her / their only or principal home the tenancy can be ended by the serving of
a Notice to Quit at the property addressed to the tenant, giving no less than 4
weeks notice ending on a Sunday.
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14. Matters that require written permissionYou must obtain our written permission to undertake certain actions whilst you are
subject to this agreement. This section sets out the circumstances when you will
need our permission and how you can obtain it.
You must get our written permission before you do any of the following:
14.1 Carry out any alteration or improvement to the property, or any other structure.
14.2 Put up a garage, greenhouse, pigeon loft, shed or any structure in the garden or
shared area of the property.
14.3 Install a CB aerial or satellite dish.
14.4 Put in a parking space, car port, drive or dropped kerb.
14.5 Remove, alter, replace or plant hedges or trees, and remove, build, alter or replace
a wall or fence.
14.6 Sublet any part of the property.
14.7 Exchange or transfer your home.
14.8 Run a business from the property.
Note: Contact us to apply for written permission. Section 17 tells you how to contact us.
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15. Matters that require written noticesIn certain circumstances we are required to serve you with notices and other
documentation (legal or otherwise) in connection with this tenancy. This section sets
out how we will do this and how you can serve notices on us.
15.1 Any letters, notices or documentation (legal or otherwise) which is served on you in
connection with this tenancy agreement, will be deemed validly served if addressed
to you at the property or posted to the property by 1st class post.
15.2 We will address all letters, notices or documentation (legal or otherwise) to you at
your last known address unless you provide us with an alternative address for
contacting you.
15.3 All letters, notices and documentation will be deemed to have been received by you
within 48 hours if posted by 1st class post or 24 hours if hand delivered to the
property. If personally handed to you, all letters, notices and documentation will be
deemed to have been immediately received by you on that day.
You can send any notices to us at this address:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Civic Centre
Glebe Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 1HH
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16. Customer feedbackWe aim to provide a high standard of service to you and your views about our performance
are very important to us. This section sets out how you can tell us how we perform.
• Compliment us when you are happy with a service
• Comment on how we can make our services better for you
• Complain when we don't get it right
We learn from your compliments, comments or complaints and take action, where
possible, to improve the quality of our services.
To tell us what you think .....
• Visit your Local Centre and complete a Compliments,
Comments or Complaints form.
• Telephone us on 01782 234234
• Email us at [email protected]
• Information is available on our website.
• Log on to stoke.gov.uk
• Write to : The Customer Feedback Team
Stoke-on -Trent City Council
Civic Centre
Glebe Street
Stoke-on -Trent
ST4 1HH
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17. Contacting usYou can get in touch with us in a number of ways. This section tells you how.
Stoke on Call 01782 234234
Out of hours and Emergency 01782 234234
Report a repair on our Repair Line 08448940145
Email [email protected]
Website stoke.gov.uk
Text us 07786 200 700
You can also visit your Local Centre between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday
(4.30pm on Fridays)
Abbey Hulton Local Centre 71 Abbots Road, Abbey Hulton ST2 8DU
Blurton Local Centre 111 Finstock Avenue, Blurton ST3 3JU
Chell Heath Local Centre Cornhill Road Chell Heath, ST6 6PN
Hanley Local Centre 32/34 Old Hall Street, Hanley ST1 3AN
Stoke Local Centre 61 Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1DQ
Longton Local Centre 1 Commerce Street, Longton ST3 1NW
Meir Local Centre 737-739 Uttoxeter Road, Meir ST3 5PD
Tunstall Local Centre 142 High Street, Tunstall ST6 5TP
Fenton Local Centre 5 Baker Street, Fenton ST4 3AF
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