Definitions used in the tenancy agreement

Agent

Anyone acting for or on behalf of Plymouth City Council.

Animal

Includes bird, insect, reptile, spider, fish.

Anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is any act, or failure to do something, which causes or is likely to cause a nuisance or harassment or which interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of other people living in the local area. The behaviour can range from relatively minor acts, eg litter, to the very serious in nature, eg racial harassment. This behaviour can lead to legal action being taken by the Council.

Acceptable behaviour contract

An acceptable behaviour contract (ABC) is a voluntary written agreement between a person who may have been involved in anti-social behaviour and one or more local agencies whose role it is to prevent such behaviour (eg police and housing).

ABCs are most commonly used for young people but may also be used for adults.

Assignment

An assignment is to give up the rights of your tenancy in favour of a member of your family, or by way of mutual exchange.

Curtilage

The enclosed area of land adjacent to your home.

Demotion of tenancy

Demotion of a secure tenancy following a court order as a result of anti-social behaviour – similar to an introductory tenancy – with loss of rights including right to buy and right to exchange.

Exchange

Exchanging your property for another by mutual consent, subject to approval by the Council, by way of assignment.

Fixtures and fittings

Such items include kitchen units, bathrooms and sanitary ware, plumbing systems, electrical circuits, sockets, switches, lamp holders, doors and locks, glazing.

Flat

A self-contained unit of accommodation on one level – usually one of a number within a building.

Garden

Lawns, hedges, flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, outside walls and fences, and any identified piece of land belonging exclusively to the property.

Improvement

Any alteration or addition to the property.

Introductory tenancy

An introductory tenancy currently lasts for 12 months period (subject to statute). If you break the tenancy conditions we can end the tenancy in court before you become a secure tenant.

Joint tenants

Joint tenants are both responsible for all the rent and charges. That means if one joint tenant leaves we can collect all the rent, charges and any arrears from the remaining tenant. Either joint tenant can give notice to end the tenancy. The other joint tenant would then have to leave unless we decided they could stay. We will not end a joint tenancy without trying to contact both tenants.

Landlord

Us, Plymouth City Council

Local area

The whole of the estate where the property is located, including privately owned or housing association properties, and local business premises in the City of Plymouth.

Lodger

A person who pays you money to let them live in the property with you.

Maisonette

A flat with more than one floor.

Neighbours

Your neighbours include everyone living in the local area, including people who own their own homes, private landlord tenants, housing association tenants and local businesses.

Notices

For example, advising termination of tenancy or applying for right to buy.

Partners

Members of a couple in a relationship (including same sex relationships), who are cohabiting.

Property or your home

The property you live in, including any garden, but not including any shared areas.

Relative

Parents, children, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, step-relatives and adopted children.

Rent

Payment made by a tenant for occupation of and services to a property. The rent may also include or have additional charges that must be paid.

Secure tenant

By law secure tenants have the right to stay in a property. We cannot remove a secure tenant from a property unless a court grants an order for possession.

Severally

Any one or all of you are responsible for the rent and all the other charges.

Shared areas

The parts of the building, which all tenants can use, for example, halls, stairways, entrances, landings, shared gardens, lawns and landscaped areas.

Sublet

Giving another person the exclusive right to live in part of the property.

Tenant

You, the person who signs the tenancy agreement.

Us, we, our or the Council

Plymouth City Council. Officers, employees, or contractors means everyone working on behalf of the Council.

Vehicle

A car, bus, lorry, motorbike, bike, boat, caravan, trailer or similar.

Visitors

Means people not living with you but who come to see you at your home.

Written permission

A letter from us giving you permission to do certain things, which may also contain conditions.

You

Everyone who signs the tenancy agreement. Joint tenants are equally responsible, either individually or together, to carry out the tenancy obligations.

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