Garages

The council has 548 garages for rent across the Borough and all of them can be found close to the Council’s housing estates. A waiting list is kept of all persons over 18 years of age who have applied to rent a garage and allocations are made in accordance with the Council policy, see below.

Use of garage

The sole purpose for garages is to store a car, however the Council does allocate to applicants who wish to use it for storage, if there is no waiting list for that particular area. Please note that it is the tenants’ responsibility to insure the contents of the garage and that the Council will not be held liable for any damage to stored property.

 Who is eligible to go on the waiting list for a garage?

 TheCouncil policy for allocating garages is by the following order:

• To individuals whose vehicle is provided via Mobility Scheme or an individual supported by mobility,
• to tenants of the Council at the time of allocation; then,
• to all interested individuals; then
• to all individuals who have applied for a garage for use other than the storage of a private motor vehicle; where that use is not envisaged to cause damage to the garage or a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours.

NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST GARAGES BE USED TO STORE ANY COMBUSTIBLE OR OTHER DANGEROUS MATERIALS. STORAGE OF GOODS AND BELONGINGS ARE AT THE TENANTS’ RISK

How much is the rent?

Rents are £ 4.50 (plus 79p if paying VAT) per week. If the rent is increased you will be given four weeks notice. VAT is charged if the person renting the garage is not a council tenant. Rent can be paid by standing order by cheque or at the council’s cash office.

What happens if your rent is not paid?

If the tenant misses rent payments a letter will be sentfrom the Housing Unit. If there is no response to this a Notice to Quit warning letter will be sent. If there is still no contact a Notice to Quit will served. Failure to clear the account by the time the Notice to Quit has expired will result in the garage being repossessed and the locks changed. The cost of this work will be recharged to the former tenant.

Who is responsible for repairs to the garage?

 Tenants are responsible for keeping garages in a clean and tidy condition and to make good any damage caused by the tenant. The council is responsible for any other repairs. All enquires concerning repairs should be made to Caroline Dryden in the Repairs and Lettings office.

What happens if the garage is unusable during repairs?

 If a tenant is unable to use a garage whilst repairs are being carried out, rent will be waived.

 How do I apply to rent a garage?

Complete the attached application form on this page return it to the council offices. Or you can request a garage application form to be sent to you by:

• Email at kaw@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
• By telephone to Kerry Williams on 01289 301748
• By visiting our housing office at the end of Wallace Green near the ramparts. The full address is:

Housing Unit

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council

Council Offices

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED

Could I be refused a garage?

 A garage will not be allocated to an applicant who has any former garage or rent arrears with the council. If an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list and it is found that they have outstanding arrears, they will be contacted in connection with the outstanding payment and their application deferred until the debt has been cleared.

 How long will I have to wait before being allocated a garage?

 It varies according to the area(s) that you have chosen. There is usually a long waiting list for garages in the Berwick town itself so it may take several years.

Where can I obtain further information?

 For all enquiries concerning garages, including applications; availability; rents etc please contact Kerry Nicoll (details above). For repairs please contact the repairs section.