SEMILONG.info

Council tenants in Northampton are being invited to a drop in session this month about proposed changes to their housing tenancy agreement that will update and spell out more clearly their rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
The revised agreement introduces some new clauses that tenants need to be aware of and proposes changes that update and clarify existing clauses.

New clauses being introduced include recognition for civil partnerships; guidelines on smoking following the recent ban on smoking in public spaces; what to do if a tenant is a victim of domestic violence; and who can take over a tenancy if the tenant dies.

Existing clauses being updated include what to do if tenants are having a problem with anti-social behaviour and harassment as well as rules on parking and car repairs.

Details on all of the proposed changes will be available for tenants to view and comment on at the drop in session.

Lesley Wearing, director of housing, said: “It has been several years since the agreement was last updated. Since then there have been
significant changes in the law that need to be reflected in our tenancy agreement.
“We have also taken this as an opportunity to review other clauses and make sure that they are clearly written.”

The council is keen to hear what tenants think about the changes and whether they are written clearly enough.

The drop in session is at the Guildhall on Wednesday 9 December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Alternatively copies of the revised agreement are available to view at www.northampton.gov.uk/tenancyagreement or at the One Stop Shop.
Feedback should be sent by 31 December 2009 to
Darren Berwick,
Housing Directorate,
the Guildhall,
St Giles Square,
Northampton,
NN1 1DE

or email tenancyagreement@northampton.gov.uk