Where rent arrears rise to an unacceptable level or an account is in arrears for too long, the Council may decide to repossess the garage.

Unlike houses and flats, the Council does not have to apply to the courts for a Possession Order.

The Council operates a policy of automatic repossession should a third Notice to Quit be served on a garage regardless of whether the account is subsequently cleared.

Should a garage be repossessed and be found to contain goods, the tenant will be contacted and asked to remove them.  Should the council have to clear the garage, the cost of the clearance along with the cost of a lock change, should one have been necessary, will be charged to the former tenant.  This is in addition to any arrears outstanding.

Most arrears cases can be dealt with relatively simply provided tenants get in contact early enough.  Ignoring the situation can only make matters worse.

Due to a low level of rent compared to a house or flat, some may regard garage rent as low priority.  However, we have a duty to recover all rent owed to the Council to fund the services we provide.  We are also required to maintain overall levels of outstanding rent including garage rent, within limits set by Central Government.

There may also be a waiting list for garages in your area.  Please contact us for more details.

How to contact us

Contact Details for our Local Housing Offices are as follows:

West Office (Kinson area)                                                                                    

Kinson Neighbourhood Office                                               

1599/1601 Wimborne Road

Bournemouth  BH11 9AB

Tel: 01202 453907

East Office (Pokesdown, Southbourne, Boscombe, Strouden & Winton)

Housing East Office
Strouden Library
Castlepoint
Castle Lane West
Bournemouth BH8 9UP

Tel: 01202 451915

Our housing visitors can come and see you in your own home.  If you want to discuss anything confidentially we can provide an interview room at each of our offices above.