Derby Homes

Review of Tenancy Conditions

 Your tenancy agreement is a contract between you, the tenant, and your landlord, Derby Homes, (on behalf of Derby City Council). Under the law, the agreement gives certain rights to both tenants and the landlord.

 For example, under certain conditions, as a tenant you have a right to exchange your home with another tenant. As your landlord, Derby Homes must carry out basic repairs and service your gas appliances every year. The law also confers responsibilities and you must pay your rent and keep your home and garden in good condition.

 Derby Homes periodically reviews the conditions within the tenancy agreement to reflect current issues. We are aware that Derby’s residents are very concerned about anti-social behaviour and as a result, recently held a workshop with tenants, leaseholders, staff and Derby Homes’ Board members to look at how  tenancy conditions could be strengthened to help us tackle anti-social behaviour. We also used the session to consider other topical issues.

 This is your opportunity to comment on the workshop’s recommendations.  You can refer to your own copy of the tenancy agreement for more information or find it on Derby Homes’ website.

 Section 6 of the tenancy agreement deals with anti-social behaviour and outlines tenant’s responsibilities

 Because of the proliferation of gang activity in Derby, we are proposing to take action against tenants who support gang membership or allow illegal activity within their homes. To help us do this, we have strengthened our section on harassment and added ‘Involvement in gang related activities’ to the definitions.

 Derby Homes sometimes has to take action against tenants who use their homes for illegal activities such as drug dealing, prostitution or possession of stolen goods. Although rare, weapons may be involved and as a result we are proposing to state clearly within the tenancy conditions that keeping ‘illegal weapons and firearms’ is not allowed.

 Finally, the workshop recommended two minor proposals. One to add the charge for communal cleaning to tenants’ financial obligations in section 2 of ‘Your duties to the Council’. The second is to propose that tenants ask for permission before keeping a ‘caravan, boat or trailer’ near the property. The proposal was raised a following serious damage to a house after a fire broke out in a caravan parked on a driveway.

 Your tenancy agreement is very important and breaking the conditions could mean being evicted from your home.

 Derby Homes’ City Board has approved the proposals subject to consultation with residents and approval of the Council.

 If you have any questions or would like to comment on the proposals you can write to us at Derby Homes Head Office  or email: enquirycentre@derbyhomes.org.