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Tenants' and residents' groups

Guidance on how to become registered and how to apply for a grant

Starting up or getting involved in a tenants' and residents' group is one of the most effective ways to get involved in the housing service. Associations are made up of people who come together to try to improve their local community. They represent the views of the community and work with us and other organisations on a variety of issues.

We are keen to offer groups as much support and encouragement as possible. Our tenant participation team can provide a range of support to groups. This includes help to start a new group, advice and training on effectively running a tenants group and assistance in acquiring any available funding. Please contact the team for any further information relating to this.   

In addition, all tenants' and residents' groups are entitled to apply for an annual administration grant of £400 to assist with running costs. The grant must be spent on legitimate expenses such as stationary, postage, printing/photocopying and hall lets.

Groups must meet the following criteria:

  • there must be a written statement defining the area represented and the rules of the group
  • they must have regular open meetings which are properly minuted
  • there must be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect office bearers which must be minuted also
  • a separate bank account must be kept and all relevant receipts retained
  • all tenants represented by the group must be well informed of their activities

Registered Tenant Organisations

Becoming a Registered Tenant Organisation (RTO) gives groups a recognised role in the decision making process of housing services. Non-registered tenants' and residents' groups need to apply to become registered and must meet certain criteria to qualify.

We would encourage groups to apply, however non-registered groups can still promote the interests of their neighbourhood. They are also eligible to apply for an annual administration grant.

Page last updated:
14 Dec 2020

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