ONE of Teesside's largest landlords is to reward tenants for good behaviour.

Erimus Housing, based in Middlesbrough, is piloting an awards scheme for 12 months.

There will be quarterly prize draws of £100 for people who do not fall into arrears, with an additional prize draw for a hamper at Christmas.

Councillor Bob Brady, Erimus Housing board chairman, said: "If the scheme proves to be successful we will look to increase the number and range of rewards and incentives available to Erimus Housing tenants in the future."

The initiative aims to increase the amount of rent collected, reduce tenant arrears, reduce re-let times and encourage people to stay with Erimus Housing.

Any customer whose rent account is only in arrears due to the four-weekly cycles of housing benefit will be included in the draw.

There will also be a golden goodbye for tenants who leave a property in a state of good cleanliness and repair.

There will be a reward of £25 for each of four criteria observed by a tenant, ranging from giving four weeks' notice and allowing accompanied viewings while they still live in the property, to leaving the house in excellent condition and allowing a pre-termination inspection and minor repairs to be carried out during the notice period.

Should they leave a property while owing Erimus money, the award will be paid direct to their account in order to clear or reduce any debt to the company.

Dennis Bramley, from Berwick Hills, was the first person to receive a golden goodbye award as he handed his house over to new tenant Wendy Gibbons.

He said: "I am over the moon with the reward. I know it is important to give four weeks' notice and leave the property in the condition you found it in.

"I am looking forward to moving, but I will miss my old house."

Coun Brady said: "We have listened to the views of our residents, who have been asking for a scheme to be introduced since stock transfer, and have consulted with them on the type and range of rewards and incentives we should introduce. The introduction of this reward scheme is a positive first step.'