Tenant Groups

What is a Tenant Group?

A tenant group, or tenants' association, is an organisation of local volunteers, which operates within a defined geographical area, such as a local council estate or a single tower block. Tenant groups that are formally recognised and funded by First Choice Homes Oldham are open to all residents who live on council estates, including people who have bought their own properties.

Tenant and resident groups set their own agendas. Some groups may want to focus on local housing concerns, such as repairs or empty properties, while others may wish to get involved in wider housing policy matters. Alternatively some groups may have an interest in local community issues, such as the environment or crime.

Good tenant and resident groups have a constitution and hold open elections every year for committee members. They also make special efforts to engage with their estate to make sure that they fully represent everyone’s views, particularly those residents who are under-represented at regular meetings. Tenant Participation Officers employed by First Choice Homes Oldham can help groups to develop a range of methods and skills to make sure that they meet their goals.

Quarterly Forums

However, some council estates do not want a committee to represent them, but still want regular contact with agencies that provide services on their estates. To help meet their needs, First Choice Homes Oldham can organise a Quarterly Forum. Quarterly Forums meet four times a year and are open to anyone who lives on an estate. Their purpose is to provide opportunities for tenants, residents and leaseholders to discuss issues that local people feel are important to them. The Tenant Participation Unit is responsible for organising and advertising the meetings, and making sure that any relevant officers or agencies are in attendance to answer questions. The TPU can also produce newsletters to let local residents know what action is being taken in response to the Quarterly Forum’s individual agenda.

We formally recognise over 30 Tenants’ & Residents’ Associations and 20 Quarterly Forums across the borough. This accounts for about 85% of all the stock that we manage.