Your rights
Right to repair
As a tenant you have the right to have ‘qualifying repairs’ carried out, free of charge. We are responsible for carrying out these repairs. More information on what is classed as a ‘qualifying repair’ on Citizens Advice’s website.
Right to improve
As a tenant, you have the right to make some improvements and alterations to your home. You must get our permission before you start any work.
Right to a home fit for human habitation
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 states that all housing providers must provide homes that are ‘fit for human habitation’, which means that they are safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm.
Right to receive notice of a proposed visit
As a tenant, you have the right to receive at least 24 hours written notice* if we need to access your home to carry out repairs, maintenance or to inspect your property. This does not apply in an emergency.
*Written notice can be by email, SMS, or letter.
The Right to Buy
Right to Buy allows most council tenants to buy their council home at a discount. Use the eligibility checker on the Right to Buy website to find out if you can apply.
Read more about the Right to Buy on the GOV.UK website and Derby City Council's website, or contact us.
Right to manage
As a council tenant, you have a Right to Manage. This means you have the option to take over responsibility for managing housing services from Derby Homes by creating a Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) with other tenants and following the established Right to Manage procedures - Right to Manage guidance - GOV.UK
Right to exchange
As a council tenant you have the right to exchange your tenancy with another council tenant anywhere in the country through a Mutual Exchange.
Right to take in lodgers
If you are a secure tenant, you have the right to take in lodgers. You don't need our permission, but you should still let us know if you have additional people living in your home. If you are on an introductory tenancy, you cannot take in a lodger.
Right to transfer
As a council tenant, you have the right to transfer ownership of your home to a private registered provider of social housing.
To request a transfer, you must form a tenant group and serve notice to Derby City Council. The Housing (Right to Transfer from a Local Authority Landlord) (England) Regulations 2013Opens in new tab states we must co-operate with any requests.