Council owned garages
Frequently Asked Questions about renting garages from the council(including information about arrears).
How many lock up garages does the council have to rent?
There are around 1,800 lock up garages owned by the Council and available for rent.
Where are the garages?
They are located throughout the borough although the majority are found in Borehamwood and Bushey.
Are they popular?
Yes. Around 80% are let at any one time and the majority of tenants keep their garages for many years.
How can I rent a garage?
Please contact Asset Management on 020 8207 7463 or estate.maintenance@hertsmere.gov.uk or call into any of the Council’s offices and we will send you an application form. Alternatively download a copy or fill out our online version.
How long will it take before my tenancy can start?
In some areas garages are very popular in which case your details will be added to the waiting list. However if you require a garage in an area where there is already a vacancy or location is less important to you we can usually offer you a garage within a few days of receiving your request.
What will I need to produce at the start of the tenancy?
You will need to come to one of the Council’s offices (by appointment) and complete the tenancy agreement. You will also need to produce two forms of identification showing your name and address (driving licence, utility bill etc). You will also need to pay the first months rent in advance.
How much is the rent?
The rent is currently £32.08 per month including VAT (for the year 2008/09).
How will I have to pay?
You will have to pay the rent monthly in advance by direct debit or we can give you a payment book to take to your bank or the post office if you prefer to pay in cash.
Can I have more than one garage?
Yes if available.
What can I use the garage for?
The garage is for the parking of a motor vehicle. Storage or commercial uses are not allowed.
There are garages near my house but they do not belong to the Council?
Garages are also available to rent from housing associations and private landlords and you should approach them directly if you are interested.
How can I terminate my tenancy?
You will need to give us one months notice in writing.
What do I do if I have a problem with my garage or I need it repaired?
You will need to let us know by contacting us on 020 8207 7463 or estate.maintenance@hertsmere.gov.uk so we can make the necessary arrangements for the work.
Will I be responsible for any repairs?
No we will arrange all the repairs but if you fit additional locks or other security you will be responsible for this. We will also charge you for a new lock if you lose or do not return the keys at the end of the tenancy. We will also charge you for any damage caused by your own negligence or for clearing any rubbish you leave in the garage or on site.
What happens if I do not pay the rent?
If you do not pay the rent we will write to you advising that we will terminate your tenancy if you do not pay the rent arrears.
What will happen if I ignore this?
We will repossess the garage and charge you for the costs of changing the lock, storage or disposal of your belongings and any other costs we incur. If you do not pay these monies and the rent owing we will recover the debt through the Court process. This may result in you having to pay additional costs and interest on the amounts owing. You will not be eligible to rent another garage and any Court judgement may make it difficult for you to obtain other goods and services on credit.