Waverley Borough Council has begun the process of consulting with its tenants on a proposal to give them greater security by changing flexible tenancies to secure tenancies and to update the conditions of tenancy to reflect changing business and community needs.
The council is proposing to phase out the use of flexible tenancies as they can result in tenants feeling less invested and secure in their homes and instead revert to awarding lifetime tenancies. A flexible tenancy is a fixed term and is reviewed every five years. Existing introductory tenants would convert to a secure tenancy providing the introductory period had been successfully completed whilst existing flexible tenants could convert to a secure tenancy, providing there is no breach of tenancy.
The eight-week consultation will run from noon Monday 4 April to midnight Sunday 29 May. All tenants will receive a preliminary notice detailing the proposed measures in the week commencing 4 April explaining why the council believes this change would be in the best interests of tenants.
Feedback can be given online at www.waverley.gov.uk/tenancyreview, over the phone on 01483 523196 or in person. Five drop-in events for tenants have also been arranged:
- Wednesday 13 April 6.00 - 7.30pm via Zoom. (Please email service.improvement@waverley.gov.uk to let us know if you want to join and receive joining instructions).
- Wednesday 27 April 10.00 – 12.00am Dower House, Milford Lodge, Milford, GU8 5JE
- Wednesday 27 April 2.00 – 4.00pm Rolston House, Vicarage Lane, Haslemere, GU27 1NE
- Wednesday 4 May 10.00 – 12.00am Moat Lodge, Parsonage Road, Cranleigh, GU6 7UB
- Thursday 5 May 1.00 – 3.00pm Riverside Court, Mike Hawthorn Drive, Farnham, GU9 7UE
Councillor Paul Rivers, Waverley Borough Council’s Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Operations), said: “We have found that flexible tenancies can prevent tenants feeling secure and invested in their home and community and are intensive and complex to manage. However, before we proceed with any changes to our tenancy policy or strategy, it is essential that we get the views of our tenants.”
Councillor Nick Palmer, Waverley Borough Council’s Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery), added: “Over the next few months, we will be working closely with tenants to ensure they have all the information they need to help them make an informed opinion. I would urge all our tenants to get involved and give us your views. The proposed changes should provide greater security to all tenants and improve the tenancy agreement.”
Following the eight-week consultation period, feedback that has been received will be taken into consideration. In August, current tenants will be sent a notice of variation, outlining actual changes to the conditions of tenancy and the date the changes will come into effect.
All information on the consultation and details on tenancies can be viewed at www.waverley.gov.uk/tenancyreview from noon on Monday 4 April.