Your Tenancy Agreement outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant of Blackpool Council. On signing the Agreement, you will become either an 'Introductory Tenant' or a 'Secure Tenant'.
If you are already a Secure Tenant and you then immediately move to another Council home, you will remain a Secure Tenant. As a Secure Tenant, you have the right to live in your home as long as you continue to comply with the terms and conditions of our Tenancy Agreement.
If you were not a Secure Tenant immediately before signing the Agreement, you will become an Introductory Tenant for the first twelve months of your tenancy. Introductory Tenants have fewer legal rights than Secure Tenants and are considered to be on a 'probationary period'. If you keep to the terms and conditions of the Tenancy Agreement, you will automatically become a Secure tenant on the date that is written on your Tenancy Agreement.
If you breach any of the conditions, we may look to extending your Introductory Tenancy or seek to evict you. As an Introductory Tenant, you can be evicted more easily than a Secure Tenant.
For more information on the terms and conditions, please request a copy of Blackpool Coastal Housing's Tenancy agreement - by email at enquiries@bch.co.uk or by telephone on 01253 477900.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will my son/daughter be able to take on my tenancy when I die?
They may be able to depending on where they live at the time of death and for what period of time. See the link to the section on Successions and Assignments for information. You can also contact your local Housing Office for further advice.
Am I allowed to carry out my own improvements to my home?
Yes, you are allowed to carry out certain improvements to your home. You must, however, ask our permission first in writing - to view contact details see our section relating to the Property Maintenance Team at Repairs. You may also need to get Planning or Building Regulations approval - for further details see link to Blackpool Borough Council 's Planning Dept. However, please note that only Secure Tenants have the right to improve whereas Introductory Tenants do not.
Can I have a pet?
If you live in a house or bungalow you must not keep in or at the property more than one dog or cat without getting our written permission first. In the case of those living in multi-storey blocks or flats, dogs or cats are not allowed. To confirm whether any other animal is suitable to be at your property, you must contact the local housing office for advice.
If I have a problem with fleas in my house, how can I get rid of them?
Blackpool Borough Council will visit and treat for a wide range of pests – including fleas. There can be a charge for some services. Please see the Link to Blackpool Borough Council's Environmental Services
There is an empty house on my estate, why hasn’t it been re-let?
We always endeavour to re-let our properties as quickly as possible. However, sometimes the tenant leaves without telling us. If you think we may not be aware of this empty property, please contact us at your local housing office.
Can I have a lodger to stay with me?
It depends on the tenancy that you have. Secure Tenants have the right to take in a lodger but Introductory Tenants do not. If you do take in a lodger and you are claiming Housing & Council Tax Benefit, you must contact them immediately to advise of this Change in your Circumstances. See Link to Housing Benefit for ways to contact them.
Can I run a business from home?
You must not run a business from your home without first obtaining our written permission. Please contact your local housing office for advice on this matter.
How do I find out more about tenancy matters and get involved?
There are several Tenants and Residents Associations affiliated to Blackpool Coastal Housing that we work closely with. They are an ideal way for tenants to make their views known and to really make a difference. We actively encourage our tenants to get involved in the housing service we provide and to enable you to do this we have a Customer Involvement Team who work regularly with residents from within every area.
How To Contact your Local Housing Office
Click on the link for Leaflets and go to 'Contact Details'