Q: How do I apply for a garage?

You must complete the Garage Licence Agreement application and agree to the terms of the garage licence, providing:

• Full name, address and contact details
• Date of birth
• National Insurance Number
• Proof of ID and proof of address (passport/driving licence + utility bill)
• Confirmation of your tenancy status (MKCC council tenant or private tenant)

Q: How much does it cost to rent a garage?

Weekly Rent

• Council tenants: £13.67 per week.
• Private residents: £16.40 per week

Q: Is VAT charged on garage rent?

• Council tenants (resident): No VAT on the first garage licence.
• VAT is charged on any additional garage licences.
• Private tenants: VAT is added to all garage licences.

Q: How long does a garage licence last?

Garage licences run weekly, renewed automatically unless terminated.

Q: How much notice is required to end a licence?

• Licensee: 7 days’ written notice.
• Council: 7 days’ written notice.
  Notice must always end on a Sunday.

Q: How is rent paid?

• Rent is paid weekly in advance, due every Monday.
• Arrears are not permitted.

Q: Can I have a joint licence?

No. Joint licences are strictly prohibited.

Q: Can I transfer or sublet my garage licence?

No. licenses are non-transferable. Assigning, transferring or subletting is prohibited and will lead to repossession.

Q: What can I store in the garage?

Permitted:

• A vehicle
• Household items

Not permitted:

• Any living creatures
• Perishable and non-perishable food items either residential and/or commercial
• Commercial/business use
• Changing appearance, signage, workshops, trading
• The storing and use of hazardous or flammable items other than fuel inside a vehicle e.g. welding, spray painting activities etc.
• Gas cylinders, corrosive materials, loose fuel, volatile substances

Q. Can I make alterations to the garage?

No, we ask that you make no alterations to the garage. A list of what you are NOT allowed to do is shown below, this list is not exhaustive so please contact us if you are unsure about anything.

• Structural alterations including.
  • the installation of any fixture/fitting to internal or external walls, roof trusses or roof tiles, regardless of weight as this might affect or overload the structure.
  • creation of new opening in the brickwork into adjacent land or property
  • removal or replacement of roof trusses or roof tiles
  • modification of the foundation slab (raising/lowering)
• Electrical modifications including.
  • Addition of new sockets/lighting (even if done by a professional)
  • Running extension cables through and/or over the walls/roof from an external source
  • Addition of EV charging points, heaters of any type, or any heavy electrical equipment.
• Plumbing or drainage works
• Addition of supply for gas appliances including access through and/or over the walls/roof
• Replacement of garage door, or addition of new locks, bolts or padlocks to garage doors (if you have security, concerns please contact the team)
• Conversion of the space into a liveable space or anything that would require Building Control approval.

Q: Is the garage insured?

No. All items are stored entirely at your own risk.
You must arrange your own contents insurance.

Q: What if I lose my garage keys?

You must:

• Notify MKCC, police and your insurer
• Pay for full lock replacement, including administration fees
  (MKCC may arrange the work or approve you to do it.)

Q: What happens at the end of the licence?

You must:

• Return all keys in person to the Council at Civic Offices.
• Remove all items and rubbish
• Return the garage in clean and good condition
  You will be charged the full cost for clearances or repairs.

Q: What repairs is MKCC responsible for?

• Structural repairs
• Exterior maintenance
• Determining if repairs are uneconomical (may result in repossession)

Q: Are garages affected by damp or mould?

Yes. Due to age and lack of insulation, damp is common.
MKCC is not liable for damage caused by damp or condensation.

Q: What if asbestos is found?

• Stop using the garage
• Notify MKCC immediately
• MKCC may take possession, secure the site, and dispose of all items (as contaminated)
• No compensation is offered for destroyed items

Q: When is an NTQ issued?

NTQs are issued for:

• Non-payment of rent
• Non-response from tenant
• Safeguarding and demolition blocks
• Illegal occupancy or unauthorised transfer
• Health and safety risks (asbestos, structural failure)

Q: Who puts NTQs on site?

Operational staff place NTQs on garages and record:

• Date served
• End date
• Lock change/keys collected

Q: When can MKCC repossess a garage?

• After 7 days’ written notice
• When repairs are uneconomical
• Asbestos contamination
• Damp issues that cannot be resolved
• Illegal assignment or subletting
• Safety concerns or structural instability