Garages Allocations Policy

The council has approximately 1,500 garages to rent across that District situated on or near its housing estates.  The exact locations can be found listed on the Application Form.  A waiting list is kept of all persons over 18 years of age.

Can I use a garage for storage purposes?

Garages are generally unsuitable for storage of goods and belongings because they are susceptible to damage from condensation, water penetration and dampness.

While the Council would prefer that its garages are used for housing cars, it may be possible to use one for storage purposes, but prior permission must be obtained from the Housing Services Department, on the understanding that the tenant is responsible for any loss, deterioration or damage.

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

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

Any member of the public can be accepted to go on the garage waiting list providing they are 18 years or over.

How much is the rent?

Rents are approximately £8.00 per week, but are liable to increases in April, subject to one week's notice being given.  VAT is charged if the person renting the garage is not a Council tenant or a Council leaseholder.  Rent can be paid by Bankers order, Direct Debit or at the council's cash offices.  You can also pay over longer intervals by arrangement, providing your rent is paid in advance.

What happens if the rent is not paid?

If the tenant misses two rent payments a "reminder" letter will be sent by the Housing Services Department.  If there is no response to this or the tenant defaults for a second time within four weeks a Notice To Quit the garage will be served.  Failure to clear the account in full by the time the Notice To Quit has expired will result in the garage being repossessed and the locks changed.

What about insurance?

It is the tenants' responsibility to insure the contents of the garage.

Who is responsible for repairs to the garages?

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 repairing the exterior.  All enquiries concerning repairs should be made to the Customer Service Centre.

What happens if the garage is "unusable " during repair?

If a tenant is unable to use a garage whilst repairs are being carried out, rent will not be charged providing the keys are returned to the housing Services Department.  A receipt will be issued to the tenant for the keys and the rent charge will cease.  They will be returned to the tenant when the repairs to the garage have been completed.

What are the conditions of tenancy?

These are reproduced at the end of this leaflet for your information.

How do I apply to rent a garage?

Complete the attached application form and return it to the Council Offices.

How are garages allocated?

Garages are allocated in date order from the waiting list.  When an applicant reaches the top of the list they will be contacted as soon as a garage becomes available in the area(s) of their choice.  (Council tenants and Council leaseholders are given priority over private applicants).

Could I be refused a garage?

A garage will not be allocated to an applicant who has any former garage arrears or rent arrears on their current Council dwelling.  If an applicant reaches the top of the Garage 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.  In some areas garages may be available immediately whereas in others the wait may be several years.  A Housing officer may be able to give you some indication of the likely timescale at the time you apply.

Where can I obtain further information?

For all enquiries concerning garages, including applications; availability; rents; maintenance etc contact the Customer Services Centre on 01923 776611 or e-mail  enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk 

You can download an application form below.

Once completed, this form can be returned to Housing Lettings and Rents Team at Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1RL. Alternatively, you can email it to garage.lettings@threerivers.gov.uk