Tenancy Strategy Consultation - What you told us
Overview
Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council recently asked for your views to help shape the review of our Tenancy Strategy.
The consultation ran from 29 September to 26 October 2025 via an online survey on Waverley Borough Council's Commonplace platform. We also spoke to tenant panels at both councils for more detailed feedback.
Thank you to everyone who took part - your input is helping us make sure the strategy reflects local priorities.
What we asked
We invited feedback on four key questions:
- which local housing challenges are most important?
- how should we tackle these challenges?
- what support do tenants need to stay in their homes?
- are there any other housing issues we should address?
What you told us
Top housing challenges
- making homes affordable for people on low incomes was the number one priority
- shortage of social housing came a close second
- high rents and house prices were also a concern but ranked below affordability and supply
- supporting mixed and balanced communities was seen as less urgent
Other issues raised
You told us about other challenges, including:
- better support for disabled tenants and carers
- improvements in repairs and communication
- infrastructure and parking alongside new developments
- fair rent levels, youth provision, and timely completion of new builds
How should we respond?
Your suggestions included:
- build more homes and maintain existing stock
- improve property management and accountability
- make housing more affordable and fairer
- engage communities and support responsible tenants
Support tenants need
You highlighted the importance of:
- clear communication and accurate assessment of needs
- help with downsizing, finding jobs, and managing rent
- financial advice and lower rents
- extra support for people with disabilities
- better public transport links
Ideas to improve tenancies
Recurring themes included:
- downsizing support and home swaps
- tackling anti-social behaviour and sub-letting
- clearer priority rules between councils
- addressing rent levels and related issues
What happens next?
Your feedback will help shape the final Tenancy Strategy, particularly around affordability and security of tenure.
We'll publish the updated strategy in early 2026 and continue working with tenants and partners to make housing fairer and more sustainable.