Your rights

As a Council tenant you have a number of rights, which are listed below.

Repairs

You have the right to get repairs done on time. In some cases, you have a legal ‘right to repair’ – see our repairs and improvements pages for more information

If you are a Secure tenant you have the right to carry out your own improvements; however, you must get the Council’s agreement in writing before carrying out the work

Your home

Every council tenant has the right to live peacefully and without disturbance from their neighbours or visitors. 

Moving home

You have the right to apply to move to another council home.
Download the allocations policy (PDF 426kb) to see how council properties are offered.
If you are a Secure tenant you have the right to swap your home with another tenant of the Council, a housing association or another local council for further information see out Mutual Exchange page.

Succession

If a tenant dies and there has not already been a succession, the tenancy of their home will pass automatically to their spouse. Depending on the type of tenancy other relatives could also have the right to succeed providing they have been living in the property continuously for the previous twelve months. Contact your Neighbourhood Officer for more information.

Lodgers and sub-letting

You have the right to take in a lodger - providing it does not overcrowd the property. You do not have the right to sub-let any part of your home.

 Access to information

You have the right to see any information we hold about you, your partner or your family.
You have the right to look at all policy and practice guides produced and followed by the Council.
You have the right to be consulted on any major changes in the Council’s housing service, which may affect you.