In order to improve service to members of the public, and to assist South Ayrshire Council staff working within the housing section, a Tenancy Management Policy and Procedures manual has been created.

The manual, which contains information on a wide range of services relating to the management of tenancies, has been compiled to provide guidance and advice to Officers involved in the delivery of these services.

Vice Convener of the Council’s Social Justice Committee, Councillor John McDowall said: “The newly created manual will ensure a consistent approach is adopted across each of the local Area Housing Offices.

“The manual, which complies with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 as well as Human Rights and Data Protection legislation consolidates existing practices and will ensure compliance with recent legislative changes.

“Comments and suggestions made during consultation with the South Ayrshire Tenants Group and South Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Forum have been incorporated into the manual, along with information from a wide range of Officers within the Council.”

The comprehensive manual outlines the correct operational procedures for:

• Starting a tenancy
• Permission to carry out alterations
• Routine estate management visits
• Garden issues
• Permission to run a business from a home
• Drug offences
• Vandalism
• Caretakers
• Refuse disposal
• Abandoned vehicles
• Litter
• Security
• Animals
• Termination of tenancies
• Appeals procedures