South Derbyshire District Council - Your council tenancy agreement

All tenants sign an agreement. This means that you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in that agreement.

If you are unsure of the content of these or no longer have your copy you can download an up to date copy in the related documents section.

It is important that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. They help you understand what you can and cannot do in and around your home.

Any queries about your tenancy agreement will be dealt with by your Housing Officer.

Your Housing Officer

Your Housing Officer is responsible for dealing with all enquiries relating to your tenancy.

These include:

Your payments for rent
Arrears queries and agreements
Anti-social behaviour or nuisance problems
Requests for improvements to your home
Requests to take in lodgers and additional pets
Requests to carry out a business
All other Tenancy Queries

There are five Housing Officers covering the whole district; each covering a particular area. If you are unsure who the officer for your area is or would like their contact details, they are listed here in Housing Officer Areas.

Gardens

You are responsible for maintaining both your front and rear gardens unless you have been advised otherwise. This may happen if you are in sheltered accommodation or have open plan grassed areas.

You gardens should be regularly maintained and kept tidy at all times. They must be free from litter and rubbish. You are also responsible for keeping trees and hedges, within your garden, trimmed back and you should not remove them without first seeking our permission.

Many trees are protected via Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) so it is important to check first. If you feel that a tree is in a dangerous condition please contact the Maintenance Department on 01283 595809/08 or by email repairs@south-derbys.gov.uk.

If there is a specific reason for you not being able to maintain your garden then contact your Housing Officer, as you may be able to receive help.

If you want to erect a shed, greenhouse or any other type of outbuilding in your garden you should obtain our written permission first. The building must be made of suitable materials, professionally constructed with a proper base, and of an appropriate size.

Pets

Your Tenancy Agreement allows you to keep up to one dog and one cat. You must apply to us in writing should you wish to keep any more than this.

You have a responsibility for making sure that your pets are properly controlled and do not cause a nuisance to neighbours or damage to the property.

If loud and excessive barking by a dog causes nuisance to your neighbours we will contact you to discuss the problem.

If you live in a block of flats with a shared entrance unfortunately you are not allowed to keep any pets or birds.

Ending your tenancy

If you want to bring your tenancy to an end, you must:

Give us four weeks notice in writing with the last day being a Monday
Return all keys by 12 noon on the tenancy expiry date
Remove all your furniture and belongings and make sure that the property is left in a good condition. If we have to carry out any works to the property (other than for wear and tear), or dispose of belongings and rubbish, we will recharge you for the cost of this work.

Please send your termination notice to us at the address below or 01283 595953