Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026

Purpose: A tenancy strategy to set out the kinds and circumstances for different types of tenancies that should be provided to social rented housing tenants, including arrangements for fixed term tenancies, for registered providers which hold stock in the Dorset local authority area, to pay attention to when formulating their tenancy policies.

Content: (a)           That the Dorset Council Tenancy Strategy 2026 – 2031 be approved.   (b)           That the relevant part of section 5.3 of the Tenancy Strategy be amended as follows:     “We welcome an approach where any breaches of tenancy (for example rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and damaging property) are dealt with under the normal possession process, allowing a court to consider the case. We expect registered providers to avoid including tenant rent arrears in decisions on tenancy renewals. We expect registered providers to prioritise other methods to resolve rent arrears.   We also expect registered providers to avoid including complaints due to antisocial behaviour in decisions on tenancy renewals. In exceptional circumstances, if registered providers do consider non-renewal of tenancy because of antisocial behaviour, we expect that community care needs (e.g. social care needs, domiciliary care needs, health care needs, etc.) are included in any assessment.”   Reason for the decision   This strategy fulfilled the council’s legal obligations under The Localism Act 2011 by explaining its expectations and outlining the approach the council would like Registered Providers to take when creating their own tenancy policies.