Housing tenancy changes consultation

Consultation closes: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Consultation opened: Tuesday 7 April 2026

Read our tenancy agreement (PDF).

A summary of the proposed changes is listed below:

1. Type of tenancy (new clause – page 2)

This change introduces one agreement instead of two.

Why:

• Simpler to have one agreement instead of two, so tenants do not need to sign a new agreement after the first year (18 months in the case of extension)
• Improves tenant experience
• Reduces staff intervention

2. Type and size of property (new clause – page 2) 

Outlines information on the type and size of a property, whether it contains a garden you’re responsible for, and the maximum number of people who can live there. 

Why: 

• Provides clarity of tenant responsibilities
• Provides clarity of landlord responsibilities
• Helps ensure homes are not overcrowded

3. Council Tax and utilities — Clause A(5)

The clause has been rewritten for clarity. 

Why: 

• Makes sure tenants understand the costs of living in the property
• Makes it clear what they are responsible for paying (tenants are responsible for Council Tax and utilities)

4. Repairing and maintaining the structure of your home — Clause B(2)

Added references to damp and mould. 

Why: 

• Reflects Awaab’s Law

Makes sure tenants understand our responsibility to keep homes safe, well maintained, and to deal with damp and mould.

5. Start of your tenancy — Clause B(5)

Adds details about gas and electric safety certificates.

Why:

• Making sure tenants receive all the important legal information when they move in

6. Disruption of heating and water supply (communal systems only) — Clause B(6) 

Updated wording.

Why:

• Clarifies that we are responsible for communal heating and hot water systems and to make clear when this will apply

7. Cleaning and maintenance of communal areas — Clause B(7)

Expanded information.

Why:

• To make sure tenants understand our responsibilities for communal areas, cleaning, and service charges, and when these apply

8. Insurance of the building — Clause B(8)

Expanded information.

Why:

• Explains the recommendation that all tenants take out contents insurance
• We're not responsible for personal items in homes

9. Paying the rent — Clause C(1)

Added clarity on tenant responsibilities for outgoings.

Why:

• Provides clarity that tenants are responsible for utility bills and Council Tax

10. Possession and subletting — Clause C(3)

Amended name of the clause and added new responsibilities about unauthorised:

• short-term letting (e.g. Airbnb)
• subletting
• holiday lets
• renting out parking spaces

Why:

• Protects tenancy compliance
• Protects property security and neighbourhood stability

11. Firearms — Clause C(4) (new)

New clause about firearms and ammunition.

Why:

• Clarifies that tenants or anyone living with them, or any visitor to their home may not keep at the property any firearm or ammunition for a firearm, unless they are in possession of a firearms licence
• Any firearm must be stored safely and in a lockable safe ammunition kept separately also stored safely in a lockable safe
• Firearms or ammunition is not allowed at any independent living scheme or scheme for people over 55 years old

12. Domestic abuse — Clause C(5)

Updated name of clause.

Why:

• Replaces “domestic violence” with “domestic abuse,” reflecting a broader legal definition, recognising a wider range of abusive behaviours beyond physical violence

13. Use of your home — Clause C(6)

Updated wording to align with the Housing Act 1985.

Why:

• Improves legal clarity by using the term “home”

14. Damage to your home — Clause C(7)

Updated wording to align with the Housing Act 1985 and expanded content.

Why:

• Improves legal clarity and consistency by using the term “home”
• Clarifies tenant responsibility for reporting issues with gas, electric or water systems to prevent leaks and damage

15. Repairs that are your responsibility — Clause C(8)

Added detail about permitted decorating and a sub-clause addition referencing hoarding.

Why:

• Improves legal clarity with clear legal definitions of permitted decorating and hording
• Helps tenants understand their responsibilities and reduces the risk of confusion or disputes

16. Reporting repairs — Clause C(9)

Added sub-clause about damp/mould.

Why:

• Makes clear the importance of reporting repairs promptly
• Defines the landlord’s right of access to properties to carry out repairs, facilitating timely and efficient maintenance

17. Altering, improving or making additions to your home — Clause C(10)

Updated wording to align with the Housing Act 1985 and provided more information about rights and responsibilities regarding alterations and major works.

Why: 

• Ensures compliance with safety requirements and provides clearer guidance to help prevent misunderstandings and protect the condition of the property
• Combines previous clauses into one, clauses 19 and 20 from the previous agreement (headings: Inadequate Flooring and Aerials and Satellite dishes)

18. Pets — Clause C(11)

New requirements for pets in council homes.

Why:

• We have made an addition outlining that tenants must sign our Pet Policy before permission to keep a pet will be granted
• Removes clause which previously stated that pets are not allowed in sheltered accommodation
• Adds reference to XL Bully exemption certificates
• Minor wording amends about support and assistance dogs

19. Gardens — Clause C(12)

Updated wording.

Why:

• Clarifies tenant responsibilities for garden maintenance and waste removal, helping to maintain a well-kept and safe living environment

20. Balconies — Clause C(13) (New)

New clause on fire safety requirements.

Why:

• Covers fire safety requirements including balconies, fire doors and flammable materials
• Helps reduce fire risk
• Enables us (as the landlord) to act where necessary to protect residents and the building

21. Parking — Clause C(14)

Added subclauses on: 

• Parking in communal areas
• Blue badge spaces
• EV charging

Why: 

• Provides additional clarity for tenants in accordance with applicable legislation

22. Properties with shared areas — Clause C(15), previously Clause C(14)

Expanded information.

Why:

• Made an addition to the agreement about smoking of e-cigarettes
• Added information about storage of vehicles, including escooters 
• Added a sub-clause about pots, ornaments, and structures in communal gardens
• Clarifies tenant responsibilities to ensure compliance with current safety regulations

23. Dangerous Materials — Clause C(16), previously Clause C(15)

Added sub-clause on storing oxygen.

Why:

• Clarifies tenant responsibilities for the safe storage of oxygen
• Ensures compliance with safety requirements and reduces fire risk

24. Our access rights to your home — Clause C(18), previously clause C(17)

Updated clause to include electrical safety checks.

Why:

• Clarifies our access rights to carry out electrical safety checks
• Ensures compliance with current safety regulations

25. Ending the Tenancy — Clause C(20), previously C(21)

Added sub-clause to reflect differences between secure and introductory tenants.

Key changes:

• Key return time changed from 10am to 11am
• New sub-clause on injunctions

Why: 

• These amends are designed to clarify the termination process for introductory and secure tenancies, including how succession rights apply
• Introduces provisions relating to injunctions and anti-social behaviour to support effective tenancy management and compliance with legal requirements

26. Your right to live in your home — Clause D(1)

New sub-clause regarding Right to Light or Air.

Why:

• Explains that tenants cannot object if there is development proposed close to your property, even if it blocks your light, your view, or makes your space feel more enclosed

27. Ending your tenancy through the court — Not applicable, previously clause D(3)

Inserted into Clause C(20).

Why:

• Helps simplify and for clarity to tenants

28. The right to succession — Clause D(4), previously clause D(5)

Expanded detail.

Why:

• Clarifies responsibilities of the landlord and tenant in line with legislation

29. Right to Buy (qualifying secure tenants only) — Clause D(10)

Updated wording.

Why:

• Clarifies exemptions for certain accommodation types

30. Your Right to Information and Data Protection — Clause D(13), previously clause D(14)

Updated content.

Why:

• Changes to legislation and a link to our privacy notice

31. Services schedule — new addition, page 21

Added a space for service charge details (if relevant).