A HOUSING association is planning to dish out rewards of up to £1,500 to tenants who stick to their rental agreements and who respect their neighbours. North Hertfordshire Homes intends to launch a reward scheme, called NHH Privilege, later this year. A l

A HOUSING association is planning to dish out rewards of up to £1,500 to tenants who stick to their rental agreements and who respect their neighbours.

North Hertfordshire Homes intends to launch a reward scheme, called NHH Privilege, later this year.

A letter and questionnaire has been sent out by NHH to its tenants asking for their help in deciding the rules for qualifying for the scheme and the type of benefits that should be offered.

The proposed membership criteria includes:

- To have been tenants or leaseholders for at least 12 weeks

- To have no outstanding complaints relating to tenancy issues

- To have had a clear rent account for two months or to have kept to an agreed arrangement to reduce arrears for the last three months

The proposed benefits for members of the scheme include:

- A quarterly competition prize draw for home or garden improvements to the value of £1,500

- Other prize competition draws (as yet unspecified) to a total value of £1,500

- Discounts of up to 50 per cent at 75,000 outlets

- A golden goodbye of £100 for leaving a property in good condition, with no arrears or outstanding tenancy issues

- Being given priority over non-members and owner-occupiers in applying for renting a garage

Other proposed benefits include awards for: good neighbour, best garden and best block.

A spokesman for NHH said: "We have been looking at the possibility of launching a reward scheme later in the autumn and see it as an opportunity to recognise good tenants, help build our partnership with them and help create a culture where there is actually an incentive to do the right thing rather than just penalties for not.

"We have written to all tenants and leaseholders asking for their views and have been overwhelmed by the response. Early indications are showing that over 90 per cent are in favour of our proposal".