Tenancy reviews

Our Tenancy Management Officers visit homes to:

• Make sure the properly is maintained
• Confirm everyone living in the property is entitled to be there
• Offer support if needed.

We aim to visit all general needs tenants at least once every five years. Most visits are arranged in advance, but some may be unannounced. Our staff always carry identification.

Supported housing tenants

If you're in supported housing, you'll get more frequent visits from your Supported Housing Officer. Learn more about Supported housing and independent living for the over 60s.

What happens during a tenancy review

A tenancy review involves a short home visit where we:

• Complete a short questionnaire
• Confirm details about you and your household
• Check the property to ensure it is being maintained according to your Tenancy Agreement.

The officer will check that:

• The property is not let or sublet
• Everyone living there has been declared (including any lodgers or pets)
• The home is in a suitable condition.

Purpose of a tenancy review

The main objectives of a tenancy review are to:

• Identify overcrowded properties
• Offer downsizing advice to tenants living in under-occupied homes
• Uncover possible tenancy fraud
• Signpost tenants to other relevant support services
• Identify any property maintenance issues
• Ensure compliance with tenancy conditions, including no unlawful subletting
• Assist with future service planning to meet tenants' needs and promote equality, diversity, and good relations.

Information we collect

We will record:

• Your ID (two forms, one with a photo) to safeguard against fraud
• Occupant details - including pets and lodgers
• Contact information
• Property condition - including any significant alterations you’ve made
• Any fire safety risks.

Accepted identification

• Utility bill (within the past three months)
• Bank statement
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate (for children)
• Official communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or another Government body (within the past year)

When and how we will visit

Advance notice and appointments

• We will usually give you notice and send a pre-visit form for you to complete and sign
• We'll compare your signature to the one on your Tenancy Agreement.

Unannounced visits

• Sometimes we may visit without notice
• If you are not available, we will try again - including evenings or early mornings.

Access rights

Your Tenancy Agreement grants us the right to enter your home to carry out inspections.
If we cannot gain access after multiple attempts, we may pursue legal action.

Frequency of visits

We're reviewing all existing tenancies.

• We will visit homes where there are safeguarding concerns first
• Once the initial reviews are complete, we’ll visit all tenants at least once every five years on a rolling basis.

Length of visit

• A typical tenancy review takes about one hour
• Less for single-occupant homes, longer for larger households.

Tip: Completing the pre-visit form helps save time during the visit. 

Why tenancy reviews matter

They help us:

• Prevent fraud: The Government estimates there are more than 50,000 illegally occupied social housing properties in the UK, costing up to £25 billion a year
• Reduce waiting times: Identifying and recovering unlawfully occupied homes helps shorten waiting times for those in need
• Ensure best use of housing stock: Tenancy reviews help match families with homes that fit their needs
• Avoid costly repairs: Identifying property issues early prevents expensive repairs at the end of a tenancy
• Improve our services: Your feedback helps us enhance future service delivery.
  

Report suspected tenancy fraud

If you suspect someone is illegally living in a council home, don’t wait for a tenancy review - report it now.

Changing or ending your tenancy

Changing your tenancy

If you wish to make any changes to your tenancy - such as updating your name, converting to a joint or sole tenancy, or assigning it to someone else - you must contact our Tenancy Management Team for guidance (see contact us, below).

Ending your tenancy

If you wish to end your tenancy, you must:

1. Give four weeks’ written notice: Submit a signed Termination Form giving notice, ending on a Monday.
   Joint tenants need only one signature. Flexible Tenancies require both signatures
2. Allow a property inspection: We will inspect the property during the notice period and advise if any work is required before leaving. Failure to carry out necessary work may result in recharges.
3. Clear the property: Remove all personal belongings. Charges from £210 may apply if the property is not cleared.
4. Return the keys: Place in the key safe provided and notify the Lettings Team by noon on the final day. Late  key returns may mean extra charges.
5. Leave the property clean and secure: Ensure meters are read, supplies are turned off, and the property is left clean and secure.

Contact us

For further information, please contact Tenancy Management Team:

• Email: tenancy@dacorum.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01442 228000
• Post: Dacorum Borough Council - Tenancy Management Team, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1DN