THIRTY five houses in Newcastle may be sold off under plans being considered by the city council.
The Labour-run city council said the move would help solve a backlog of repairs, totalling more than £300m.
It is examining options including transferring the homes to a housing company, or social landlord. Many do not have good quality window and doors, or central heating.
The Government is urging councils to look at ways of funding the upgrading of their homes.
Sunderland City Council's housing stock is being taken over by a private partnership, promising a big programme of improvements.
The move was agreed after a majority of tenants supported the move.
But the Newcastle Tenants' Federation is warning that a sell-off could mean tenants paying higher rents.
Council leader Kevin Flynn said: "It's too early to say what will happen but the primary concern is the best interests of our tenants. The tenants will make the decision.''
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