Garage void and letting standards
Our Garage Voids and Lettings Service aims to:
- maximise income from council garage rentals
- reduce the number of empty garages across the city
- ensure garages are safe and suitable before they are re-let
Void standard
When a garage becomes void (vacant), we will:
- close the previous licence account
- inspect the garage before offering it to a new tenant
During the inspection we will check that:
- the previous licence holder has removed all belongings
- the garage is empty and suitable to be re-let
- there are no obvious repairs needed that would prevent immediate use
Where possible, we will carry out minor repairs identified during the inspection so the garage can be re-allocated quickly.
Due to the number of garages we manage across the city, we cannot carry out routine inspections of all empty garages. Inspections are usually completed when a garage is due to be re-let.
Accepting an offer
If you are offered a garage, you must accept the offer within 48 hours.
If we do not receive confirmation within this time, we may withdraw the offer and offer the garage to someone else.
Garage keys
We hold one set of keys for each garage.
At the start of the licence agreement we will provide all keys available for that garage.
We do not keep master keys or spare keys for garages.
If you lose your keys, or if you need additional keys, it is your responsibility, as licence holder, to arrange replacement keys or locks.
Letting standard
Our letting standard explains:
- what you can expect from the Garage Service
- what we expect from garage licence holders
What you can expect from us
Before your licence agreement begins we will make sure that:
- you receive at least 2 keys, where available
- the garage door is working and can be locked securely
- the garage is empty and ready for occupation
- the garage is dry at the time of inspection
- the roof has no obvious defects
- the brickwork is structurally sound
- the hardstanding area outside the garage is safe and free from obvious trip hazards
Repairs
During your licence agreement, we are responsible for structural repairs to the garage, including repairs to:
- garage doors
- roofs
- brickwork
- guttering
- fascia boards
Utilities
Council garages do not have water, electricity, or any other utility services supplied.
Garages are designed for vehicle parking and basic storage only and are not suitable for activities that require power, lighting, heating, or running water.
For safety and legal reasons, you must not:
- connect electricity or water from neighbouring properties or nearby buildings
- install electrical wiring, lighting, sockets, or other electrical equipment
- run generators, batteries, or fuel-powered equipment to provide power to the garage
- install solar panels or other alternative energy systems
- connect hoses, pipes, or other water supplies to the garage
These restrictions help reduce:
- fire risks
- carbon monoxide hazards
- unauthorised alterations to council property
If we discover unauthorised utilities or equipment installed in a garage, we may:
- require the immediate removal of the installation
- recharge the cost of making the garage safe
- take enforcement action in line with the garage licence agreement and terms and conditions
More information
For full details about renting a council garage, including responsibilities and permitted use, download our:
Garage Allocation and Shortlisting Policy
Garage voids and letting standards
Page last updated: 1 April 2026
