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The Hidden Challenge of Backyard Tenants

Backyard tenants live in council areas but are often absent from household registers, proof-of-address processes and planning data.

NovusServe Research 17 August 2026 6 min read

Backyard tenants live in council areas but are often absent from household registers, proof-of-address processes and planning data.

Why this matters

Recording tenancy as a first-class, time-bounded relationship gives councils a more truthful population view while preserving the difference between family and tenant.

Digital infrastructure should strengthen community institutions, not make them harder to recognise.

Turn this insight into an operational service.

We help councils move from disconnected records to accountable, culturally intelligent workflows.

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