Updated agreement for Council tenants proposed

The current tenancy agreement has been in use since 2010 and required updating to reflect changes in the law, housing regulations and new District Council policies. The District Council wanted to ensure existing Council tenants shaped the new document to make sure it was clear, transparent and fit for the future.

Councillor Tim Wendels, Portfolio Holder for Homes and Health at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The new proposed agreement brings valuable feedback from our customers – our tenants – to make sure it gives full clarity on their tenancy rights and the services we provide. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on this new agreement.

“It has been shaped with our Council objectives in mind; to create vibrant local communities where residents look out for each other and actively contribute to their local areas, to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Newark and Sherwood and to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour so everyone feels safe in their homes and surrounding areas.”

Work on the new agreement included a review from a dedicated team of involved tenants, and engagement with tenants during a series of events throughout the district so they could have their say. This period of feedback took place between December 2022 and January 2023.

Tenant feedback that has now been included in the new agreement included better clarity on things such as permission required to install a pond, the use of CCTV and smart doorbells, what to do if damage is caused by the District Council or its contractors, the keeping of pets, the storage of fuel and flammable liquids and adding foxes to the list of animals tenants should not seek to attract to their home, garden or other Council land.

If approved by Councillors on 21 February, the new agreement will be sent to all Council tenants by 3 April and will be in action from 1 May.