Tenancy FAQs

You may keep pets that are suitable for the type of property you live in but must get permission from us before you get a pet. You will need to keep them under control so they do not create a nuisance to other residents or pose a risk to anyone visiting your property.

You can find further information on our Pets page.

A home check is an opportunity for you to discuss any problems you may have and is not something you should be worried about. We will arrange the visit at a time which is convenient to you but it is important you allow us to carry out this visit.

We will need to ensure your tenancy details are up-to-date and our properties are being looked after. Home checks may be carried out for a number of different reasons, either at your request or because we have a need to see you, or your property. Your housing officer will always explain the purpose of their visit.

The condition and appearance of your garden has a direct impact upon your estate and the lives of your neighbours. You must keep all garden areas tidy, ensure they do not become overgrown and are free from rubbish, non-garden furniture and household appliances. If we have to carry out work to tidy up your garden, you may be charged for the cost.

If you live in a house or a bungalow, in most cases you will be able to have satellite television installed. However you will need to get written permission from your housing officer first as this is treated as a ‘tenant alteration’.

If you live in a flat you need to get consent as there is a limit on the size and number of satellite dishes which can be erected.

Yes, you can smoke in your own property. However we ask you kindly not to when an LHP employee is visiting or working.

It is against the law to smoke in any communal areas.

Your housing officer carries out regular inspections of your estate and will ensure any problems identified are resolved as quickly as possible. These include important jobs like removing litter, removing graffiti and undertaking fire safety inspections in the communal areas of flats.

You may be invited to join your housing officer on an estate walkabout. This is your opportunity to point out any problems on the estate affecting your enjoyment of where you live. Your housing officer will work with other LHP services and partner agencies to find solutions to these problems.

The business must be legal, and there should be no safety risk or chance of your neighbours being disturbed. Certain types of businesses are not allowed, such as vehicle maintenance, running a taxi service or using your home as a bed and breakfast establishment.

You will need our permission in writing to run a business from home. More information can be found here.

We cannot get involved in deciding who should become the sole tenant.

Only the courts can do this. If you cannot agree between yourselves, you should seek legal advice. We are often asked if we can provide another home for a partner who has to leave a shared tenancy.

If you want further information, please contact us for advice.

Your responsibilities are set out in detail in your tenancy agreement. They are there to protect our properties, but also for your benefit. This makes it easier for action to be taken against the small minority of tenants who cause a nuisance to others.

If you break any of the terms of your tenancy agreement we may take legal action. This could include eviction. It is our policy to evict only as a last resort.

Your main responsibilities are:


To pay your rent and other charges when due in advance
To use the property as your main home
To keep the property and garden areas up to the agreed standard
To ask for permission before carrying out any alterations or improvements to the property
To make sure that you, your family, or any friends or visitors to the property do not cause nuisance or harass your neighbours or anyone living or working in the area
To allow access for our officers, their representatives or contractors at reasonable times to carry out repairs or inspections after receiving at least 24 hours written notice

Tenants can only park cars and caravans etc. in suitable areas. They must not park such vehicles on garden ground, drying greens, service areas or any grassed areas next to their home unless they have specifically received written permission to do so from LHP.