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Your tenancy
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Contact Us
Your Tenancy Blackpool Coastal Housing 25-27 Laycock Gate Queens Park Blackpool FY3 8AT  (01253) 477971  yourtenancy@bch.co.uk |
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Your Home
Your home is owned by Blackpool Council. Your tenancy will be managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing, which is an Arms Length Management Organisation that was set up in 2006 to manage homes on behalf of the Council.
You must use the property as your only or principal (main) home and use it in a responsible way. If you will be away from your property for more than four weeks you must tell us about this - we will then know that you have not abandoned your tenancy and take any action accordingly.
You must keep your property clean and tidy and make sure the decoration inside your home is in good condition. You must not alter, move or otherwise interfere with any of the existing boundaries of the property or any land that is let with it unless you have written permission first from us and must not put any structure within the boundary of the property or on any land that that is let with the property unless you have written permission first from us.
Property Adaptations
An adaptation is an alteration designed to help you or a member of your family live independently if you have difficulty accessing or moving around in your home. The assistance available can range from minor pieces of equipment like a handrail to help you move around your home or get in and out of the bath to major works such as a stairlift or walk in shower.
If you are disabled and think you could benefit from the provision of equipment or an adaptation, please contact Blackpool Council Services Direct on 01253 477750 or social.servicesdirect@blackpool.gov.uk.
Click here to download the BCH Adaptations Booklet.
Fire Safety in the Home
We have set up a partnership with Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service. ‘Home Fire Safety Advice’ is provided free to all new tenants of Blackpool Council. The Lettings Officer will complete your details on the appropriate form. A Fire Safety Officer will then arrange to visit you in your new home. Free smoke alarms can be fitted if required. Please contact your local housing office for further details or apply direct by clicking on the link to the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Website.
Insuring your belongings
You are recommended to take out household contents insurance to insure your personal belongings, furniture and your own decorations against, theft, fire or flood.
Blackpool Coastal Housing has recognised the problems that tenants face in getting insurance, and has arranged a contents insurance scheme with Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc that is geared towards your needs.
You can insure your belongings and give yourself peace of mind for as little as £1.71 a week (£1.14 a week for senior citizens). An application form can be collected from any of the local housing offices, contact our Business Services section on telephone 01253 477900 or email your request to enquiries@bch.co.uk.
Help with Furnishing your Home
If you need help furnishing your new home and you are on welfare benefits or a low income, there are charities that can help. Contact your local housing office who will make a referral for you.
You may also be entitled to help via a grant or loan from the Department for Works & Pensions to furnish your home. You should contact them direct at your local Jobcentre Plus to find out more.
Your Garden
If your home has a garden you must keep it tidy and maintained. This includes any trees, shrubs, hedges and paved areas. You should not park a vehicle on your garden unless there is a dropped kerb.
If you are an older person or have a disability and do not have anyone who is able to help you then you may be eligible for the Garden Service (see details below).
If you live in a flat with a communal garden, we may be responsible for grass cutting and maintenance. If you are unsure please check with your local housing office.
You must not take out any trees or fences without our permission. Trees and hedges should not overhang a public footpath or road or interfere with a neighbour’s property.
Blackpool Coastal Housing will carry out regular inspections of the area or estate in which you live - including any communal or multi-storey blocks. Our aim is to recognise any potential problems and take the necessary action as a result. This includes recognising those gardens that may be untidy or overgrown - as we are aware that such gardens can have a detrimental effect to the surrounding area or community as a whole.
Gardening Service
If you are an older person or have a disability, and find it difficult to maintain your garden you may be eligible for help from the Gardening Service. This is available where there is no other person living in your home with you that is able to keep the garden tidy. The Garden Service is responsible for maintaining gardens, this includes trimming, weeding and mowing but not big jobs such as landscaping. There is a charge for the service, however if you receive benefits it may be paid with your housing benefit. Please complete the Gardening Service Application Form which can be found by going to Forms. You can then hand this in to your Local Housing Office or speak to your Housing Officer if you need more help and advice.
Fly-Tipping
Fly-tipping is 'the illegal deposit of any waste onto land’. Fly-tipped waste generally consists of large items of rubbish that are dumped illegally on land instead of being disposed of properly at a landfill site or tip.
If you identify any incidents of fly-tipping, please contact your local housing office. We are also interested in any of our properties where it is noted that large items of rubbish e.g. sofa’s, chairs etc. may have been left there for some time and not disposed of correctly.
A full list of Tenancy Clauses which highlight your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can be found in Blackpool Coastal Housing's Tenancy Agreement. A copy of this can be seen at any of our local housing office's or you can request a copy by email at yourtenancy@bch.co.uk. You should note that any breach of these clauses may result in action to take possession of your home.
How To Contact your Local Housing Office
Click on the link for Leaflets and go to 'Contact Details'
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Page last modified on 18 November 2008