Council chiefs say the sub-letting of council-owned homes is an increasing problem.

The possibility of taking photographs is among a number of proposed changes to the lettings policy which the council hopes will help it tackle sub-letting, rent arrears and antisocial behaviour.

Those with a history of unacceptable behaviour would have reduced preference when bidding for a tenancy as part of the council's choice based lettings (CBL) system.

In Leeds local authority housing is allocated using CBL. Tenants bid on an advertised property with the person in the highest need being offered the house.

The council says sub-letting can lead to antisocial behaviour which distresses neighbours and can result in court action for the official tenant.

Coun Les Carter, executive member for neighbourhoods and housing, said: "These proposals look to make it harder for those tenants who seek to break the rules.

"Antisocial behaviour caused by irresponsible sub-letting and tenants who move from property to property without facing the consequences of their behaviour are some of the issues we aim to clamp down on.

"I hope that the new proposals are seen by the majority of tenants as a balanced approach to reforming the lettings process. A clear message needs to be sent to tenants who persistently flout the rules – unacceptable behaviour and disregard for the council's lettings policy will not be tolerated."

Other proposals include efforts to improve opportunities for disabled tenants to rent suitable properties and making additional bedrooms available to families with more than one child, where one of the children is over 10 years old.

The current policy states that both children must be age 10 or over to warrant an additional bedroom, resulting in a 15-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, for example, being expected to share a bedroom. The council has been consulting on the proposed changes.

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