NIGHTMARE neighbours are being warned to behave or face the consequences after Bolton Council acted to increase its powers to evict unruly tenants.

Bolton At Home, the organisation which run the authority's 18,769 council houses, has written to every tenant outlining changes to their responsibilities and rights.

Bosses claim that the changes to tenancy agreements send out the strongest message yet that anti-social behaviour and disrespect for neighbours will not be tolerated.

One of the groundbreaking changes is that domestic violence can now be cited as a reason for the eviction of a tenant.

Other areas of the tenancy agreement - which must be signed by each tenant - include:

  • An undertaking by tenants not to get involved in any form of anti-social behaviour, harassment or racist behaviour.
  • Legal action against drug use, dealing and storage in council property.
  • A responsibility to keep gardens tidy.
  • Tighter controls on rent payments and a tougher approach to rent arrears.
  • A duty to allow access for repairs and annual gas appliance safety checks.

The agreement also strengthens tenant' rights to carry out certain repairs to their homes, make suggestions or complaints, and to be consulted on changes to the way their neighbourhoods are managed.

Cllr Noel Spencer, chairman of Bolton at Home, said: "Tenants can be reassured that these changes have been introduced to protect their rights from the irresponsible behaviour of a small minority.

"Tenants have been consulted over the changes and we have their overwhelming support to strengthen standards in housing management across the borough."

The new tenancy agreement is the latest in a series of measures introduced to encourage tenants to look after their homes and pay their rent on time.

Since May 2005, all new tenants have signed up to introductory tenancy agreements, a 12- month trial period which is only extended if the terms of the contract are adhered to.

Good tenants are also rewarded through Bolton at Home's "Plum" initiative, which offers discounts at hundreds of national and local retailers.

Bolton was chosen to launch the national Respect Standard for Housing Management last August.

It is part of the government's Respect agenda which encourages residents to work together to tackle the problems of anti-social and racist behaviour.