Jargon Buster

Acceptable Behaviour Agreements - a voluntary written agreement made by the young person (aged 10 to 16), with Lambeth London Living and sometimes the Police, not to continue acting in an anti-social way. The agreement sets out the behaviour which the person has been involved in and which they agree not to continue. It is signed by the young person and a parent or guardian.

ASB: Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour that could cause alarm, harassment or distress to another person.

Choice-based lettings – a register where tenants can bid for properties they would like to live in.

Fire risk assessment – a comprehensive report carried out by experts to help identify the fire hazards and risks of communal areas of buildings.

Introductory Tenancy - these tenancies last for 12 months, and during this ‘trial’ period the tenant does not have all the legal rights of a secure tenant. If an Introductory Tenant breaks their tenancy conditions for example by causing anti-social behaviour during this period, we can quickly regain possession of their property through the courts.

Leaseholders Council – a representative body for leaseholders made up of members from the six area leasehold forums.

Living Local - our quarterly newsletter that updates you on what's going on in your area.

Major works – significant work to improve council homes.

Micro-chipping – a small microchip placed under the skin of an animal containing information such as its owner’s name.

Mutual exchange – swapping your home with another council or housing association tenant, provided your landlord agrees.

Planned maintenance – maintenance work to communal areas as part of a planned programme of work, for example lifts, water systems, electrics.

Resident participation – where TMOs work with residents and partners to share ideas and improve services.

Responsive repairs – repairs done in response to a resident’s request.

Service charge – a charge leaseholders pay for maintenance and repairs.

Sheltered housing scheme – a group of properties specially designed for elderly or disabled residents who need extra help but still want to keep their independence.

Suspended Possession Order – a court order setting out certain conditions that must be met or a home will be repossessed.

Tenanted – a property lived in by a resident paying rent.

Tenancy agreement - is a legally binding contract between the council and its tenants. It states that as a tenant you have to ensure the good behaviour of you, your household members, visitors and pets.

TRA: Tenants’ and residents’ association are groups of tenants and leaseholders representing a local area they live in, usually an estate.

Tenants Council – a group of tenants representing all six housing areas and elected from their tenants and residents’ association.

TMOs: Tenant management organisations are organisations managed by the tenants and leaseholders. Resident members of the TMOs create an independent legal body and elect a management committee to manage the organisation. The TMO then manages the housing service under a management agreement with Lambeth Council.