Date: 2 December 2025
Dear resident
We are writing to let you know that Gateshead Council is proposing changes to your tenancy agreement. This agreement is your legal contract with us, setting out your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and our responsibilities to you as your landlord.
Legally, this letter should be considered a preliminary notice of variation according to Section 103 of the Housing Act 1985, which allows us to make changes to our existing Tenancy Agreement. These changes will apply to all Gateshead Council tenants.
The reasons for making the proposed changes are:
- the current terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement have remained unchanged for a number of years, and we need to update them
- the way that the council manages tenancies needs updating, so we can offer an effective and efficient service to tenants
- there have also been changes in the law which we need to include
- to include a new section on dealing with tenancy fraud
The main changes
We want you to understand exactly what's changing and what it means for you. A full list of all the changes to your tenancy agreement can be found at www.gateshead.gov.uk/tenancy-consultation. Below is a summary of the main changes, explained in plain English:
1. Data protection and privacy
We've added new sections about how we use and protect your personal information, in line with the law (GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018).
What this means:
We keep your information safe and only use it for things like managing your tenancy, arranging repairs, or checking for fraud. Sometimes, we may need to share your information with other organisations (like the police or contractors), but only when necessary and always securely.
2. Proof of right to rent
Before you sign a tenancy, you must show us proof that you have the legal right to rent a home in the UK.
What this means:
You'll need to provide documents, such as a passport or visa, before moving in. This is a legal requirement for all landlords.
3. Repairs, access, and missed appointments
We've made it clearer who is responsible for different types of repairs, and what happens if you miss an appointment.
What this means:
a. You must let us into your home for essential repairs, safety checks (like gas or electrical), or inspections.
b. If you miss a pre-arranged appointment without telling us, you may be charged for the missed visit.
c. You are responsible for some minor repairs (like changing light bulbs or unblocking sinks, and the maintenance and repair of fencing on the boundary between two council homes).
4. Tenant responsibilities
We've explained more clearly what you are responsible for as a tenant.
What this means:
a. You must look after your home, keep it clean and tidy, and report any damage or repairs needed.
b. If you, your family, or visitors cause damage or neglect the property, you may have to pay for repairs.
c. You must not run a business from your home without our written permission.
5. Rent and service charges
We've updated the agreement to explain how rent and service charges work, and what happens if you fall behind with your payments.
What this means:
a. Rent is due every week (or in advance if you pay monthly).
b. If you claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you must tell us about any changes in your circumstances.
c. If you don't pay your rent, you could lose your home.
6. Domestic abuse
We've expanded the section on domestic abuse to make it clear that we take this very seriously.
What this means:
a. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we will support you and act against the perpetrator.
b. Domestic abuse includes controlling, threatening, or violent behaviour between family members or partners.
7. Tenancy fraud
There's a new section explaining what tenancy fraud is and what happens if it occurs.
What this means:
a. You must not give false information to get a tenancy, sub-let your home without permission, or let someone else live there instead of you.
b. If you commit tenancy fraud, you could lose your home and face legal action.
8. Animals and pets
We've added more detail about what animals you can keep, and which are not allowed.
What this means:
a. You must get our permission to keep pets (except for one dog, one cat, or small caged animals in some homes).
b. Some animals are not allowed, including any breed of dog banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (such as XL Bully breeds), wild animals, or poisonous creatures.
c. Your pets must not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
9. Ending your tenancy
We've made the rules about ending your tenancy clearer.
What this means:
a. You must give us at least four weeks' written notice if you want to leave.
b. You must return all keys, leave your home clean and empty, and pay any outstanding rent or charges.
c. If you abandon your home without telling us, you may not be offered another council property in the future.
10. Antisocial behaviour
We've expanded the list of behaviours that are not acceptable and explained the consequences.
What this means:
a. You, your family, and visitors must not cause nuisance, annoyance, or harassment to neighbours or council staff (including online).
b. This includes things like loud noise, drug use, violence, or discrimination.
c. If you break these rules, we may take legal action, which could include eviction.
11. Succession (passing on your tenancy)
We've clarified who can take over your tenancy if you die.
What this means:
a. In most cases, your spouse, partner, or close family member who lives with you may be able to take over the tenancy, but only once.
b. There are rules about who qualifies and when.
What will these changes mean for you?
Generally, the areas of the tenancy agreement that are changing will not impact those tenants who abide by their tenancies now, and take good care of their home and community. The changes introduce some new clauses, and clarify areas of the current tenancy agreement that are overly complicated or act as a barrier for us to take enforcement action. With these changes, we believe we can more ably manage tenancy breaches.
How can you have your say?
We are legally required to consult you before making these changes. The consultation will run for 28 days from the date of this letter, and will close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Read a detailed list of the proposed changes and additions to the new tenancy agreement.
You can respond in any of the following ways:
- complete the online form
- email us at: [email protected]
- write to us at: Housing Services, Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Regent Street, NE8 1HH
- speak to a council officer at our tenancy agreement consultation customer drop-in session, 15 December 2025, 1pm to 4.30pm, Lamesley Room, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH
What happens next?
After the consultation closes, we will consider all of the feedback received. We may make further changes before finalising the new agreement. You will receive a further letter with the final agreement with at least 28 days' notice before any changes take effect.
Need help?
If you need help understanding these changes or responding to the consultation, please contact us on 0191 433 5353 or email [email protected]. We can provide information in other formats or languages if needed.
You can view this letter and use our 'listen and translate' function at www.gateshead.gov.uk/tenancy-letter.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your feedback.
Yours sincerely
Kevin Scarlett
Strategic Director
Gateshead Council
Summary of key changes to your tenancy agreement
Gateshead Council - resident consultation
This page summarises the key proposed changes to Gateshead Council's tenancy agreement. These updates aim to make the agreement clearer, reflect current laws and policies, and help us manage tenancies more effectively.
Your tenancy agreement
- new clauses added about data protection (GDPR)
- you must show you have a legal right to rent in the UK before signing
Secure tenants
- demotion orders explained more clearly - these reduce your rights if you breach your tenancy
- Right to Buy rules updated - can be suspended for antisocial behaviour or regeneration
- subletting the whole property is not allowed. Part of the home may be sublet with permission
Introductory tenants
- clearer rules on what introductory tenants can't do (for example sublet, exchange, take in lodgers)
- succession rules clarified - successors inherit the remaining trial period
Succession rights
- more detail on who can take over a tenancy when a tenant dies
- if the home is too big for the successor, they may be asked to move
Repairs and maintenance
- expanded list of tenant responsibilities (for example minor repairs, keeping home safe)
- missed appointments may now result in charges
- annual gas and electrical safety checks are mandatory - refusal may lead to legal action or costs
Living in your home
- new rules on pets: XL Bully dogs and other banned breeds are not allowed
- clearer guidance on gardens, decorating, and running a business from home
- CCTV and video doorbells now require permission
Living in your community
- expanded list of antisocial behaviour examples
- stronger stance on domestic abuse - action will be taken against perpetrators
- zero tolerance for abuse towards council staff (including online)
Rent and payments
- clarifies how rent is calculated and when it's due
- explains responsibilities for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit claimants
- if you fall behind on rent, you may not be offered another council home
Ending your tenancy
- clearer rules on giving notice and leaving the property in good condition
- you must return keys and remove all belongings - charges may apply if not
Tenancy fraud
- new section defines types of fraud (for example illegal subletting, false applications)
- council will take legal action and may involve the police
Notices and permissions
- updated contact details for sending notices or requesting permission
- you may still need planning permission even if the council gives approval
