Lock up Policy
Purpose
This policy outlines the terms and conditions for the rental and use of Lock Ups (storage garages) provided by West Dunbartonshire Council. It ensures fair access, safe usage, and proper management of these facilities. There are currently 45 sites throughout the local area, including 23 in Alexandria, 5 in Dumbarton, 2 in Old Kilpatrick and 15 in Clydebank.
Eligibility
Lock Ups are available to residents living within approximately one mile of a Lock Up site. Priority will be given to residents who have a Blue Badge.
Tenants of WDC may have an application refused on the following grounds:
- Rent arrears amounting to more than 4 weeks rent and no agreement in place to repay the debt;
- Not keeping to the arrangement to repay the outstanding housing related debt; or
- Had previously been a tenant of a WDC lock-up or garage site and the tenancy had to be terminated for any reason.
Only one tenancy for a WDC lock up can be held at any time.
Permitted Use
Lock Ups are mainly for vehicle storage only. The dimensions are 2.23m breadth, 5.1m length and 2.23m high maximum, so may not however be suitable for larger vehicles.
Storage of household items will be at your own risk, business use or the storage of hazardous materials is prohibited. Any misuse may result in termination of the rental agreement and potential recharges for clearance.
Rental Charges
- Council Tenants: £7.28 per week.
- *Non-Council Tenants: £8.74 per week.
You can make this payment several different ways as set out below:
By Direct Debit or Standing Order
You can arrange to pay by direct debit or standing order. This means that your rent is paid automatically from your bank account. You can arrange a form by calling contact centre on 01389 738282. These forms are also available on the make a rent payment page.
By Telephone
Call our contact centre on 01389 738 282 or call our automatic telephone service 0161 6226948. Please have your reference number to hand.
Online
You can make a payment via the Pay It page which details a number of options.
Current charges are subject to a ongoing review and charges will be reviewed annually.
Allocation Process
Applications are submitted online via the Council’s website where an Officer will allocate based on availability and your proximity to lock-ups. A waiting list may apply in high-demand areas. Applications can be made on the Lock up/Garage Sites page.
If you are being offered a lock up, an officer will contact you and arrange for missives to be signed, and keys passed over. You have 3 working days to accept an offer, or the void will be offered to the next applicant on the list.
Termination of Tenancy
The Council, or the Tenants, must provide 7 days’ notice to terminate the Lock Up rental. All outstanding payments must be cleared by the termination date. The lock ups must also be emptied and any remaining items left that the Council must remove will result in you being recharged.
Maintenance and Security
Tenants are responsible for reporting any damage or security concerns. You can report a repair on the maintenance and repairs page or you can use your My West Dunbartonshire Account if you have created one.
You can also call 0800 073 8708 during office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Friday.
If access is required to carry out a repair, it is the tenants responsibility to ensure access can be provided to allow work to be completed. This includes moving any stored items out of the way temporarily if needed.
Breaches of Policy
Breaches (e.g., misuse, non-payment, subletting) may result in:
- Immediate termination of the agreement.
- Recharges for repairs or clearance.
- Ineligibility for future lock-up rentals.
Lock-ups cannot be assigned, exchanged sublet or succeeded to.
Complaints
Breaches (e.g., misuse, non-payment, subletting) may result in:
- Immediate termination of the agreement.
- Recharges for repairs or clearance.
- Ineligibility for future lock-up rentals.