For many people joining a tenants and residents group provides support and encourages them to have their say. As a member of a group you will work together with your neighbours to influence services in your community and, if you wish, become involved in wider policy reviews which affect all tenants in East Ayrshire. Many groups also organise community events and benefit from improved community spirit.
You will have the opportunity to attend your local Registered Tenant Organisation Forums and meet with Housing staff to discuss and resolve issues in your neighbourhood, and to conduct estate walkabouts with our employees to identify problems and agree solutions for your area.
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced registration of tenant organisations. If your group becomes a Registered Tenant Organisation you have a legal right to be consulted on housing issues. The aim is to give tenants and residents associations, that meet certain criteria, a recognised role in the tenant participation process.
Register of tenant organisations
We maintain a register of tenant organisations. The register is a public document and is available for inspection at all Housing Offices within East Ayrshire, online or can be sent to all Registered Tenant Organisations on request.
Tenants and Residents Groups need to apply to become registered and must meet certain criteria to qualify. The criteria for registration have been set out by the Scottish Government and cover a number of points.
Groups who do become RTOs are entitled to certain rights, and the landlord has a duty to inform and consult with them on housing matters.
What is a registered tenant organisation (RTO)?
An RTO is a group who has applied to become registered with a landlord and meets certain conditions which have been set down in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.
How do you form an RTO?
A group must apply in writing to become registered. To help with this, we have an application form which asks for all the necessary information. Part of this application includes the need to send us certain information.
What do we need to send?
All groups wanting to become registered must send:
- a copy of their constitution
- a list of office bearers and committee members
- a contact address for correspondence which can be made public
- a description of the area their group operates in
- details of other landlords they are registered with or applying to become registered with
What criteria do we have to meet?
Tenants and Residents Groups must meet the required criteria to achieve registration. In accordance with data protection sensitivities, the information made available consists of:
- name of the group
- area the group represents
- how to contact the group
- membership
- meeting information
- other information
- date of original registration
- details of current registration
What happens next?
If you meet the registration criteria, we will place you on the register and let you know in writing that you have qualified and from what date.
If you don't meet the registration criteria, we will tell you in writing of our decision not to place you on the register, the reasons why you don't meet the criteria and your right of appeal to Scottish Ministers.
What happens if we don't register?
If you don't register we will still keep your details on file and include you in any consultation that we do. However you will not be classed as an RTO and you will not have the statutory rights of an RTO.
What rights and benefits will we have as an RTO?
As an RTO, you will have a recognised role in the participation process. You will have the right to be consulted on issues affecting you. You will also have the right to have your opinions taken into account in any consultation.
What help is there to become registered?
We can provide a model constitution that helps meet the registration criteria. We can also offer advice and training on the registration process.
If you need help or advice on equal opportunities policies, we can supply this. We will also have support staff that can work with your group, and we can provide access to independent help and advice. We also have an information pack on tenant and residents groups in general.
Will the register be a public document?
We are required by law to make the register publicly available. The register must include contact details for groups, however if you prefer, you can use a post office box or 'care of' address. The register will be available at housing offices and on this site.
Can a group be removed from the register?
A group can be removed from the Register if it no longer meets the registration criteria. A group can also ask to be removed from the Register and it must apply in writing to do this. If a group ceases to exist it will also be removed.
Do you have the right of appeal if removed from the register?
You have the right to appeal if you are refused registration. You also have the right to appeal against any decision to remove you from the Register or if we refuse to remove you on your request.
Can your group register with more than one landlord?
You can register with any social landlord who has housing stock in the area you cover.
How long will registration last?
Registration will last for three years. After this period, groups will have to reapply.
Where can you find a copy of the current register of tenant organisations?
Download our Register of Tenant Organisations publication.
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