New tenancy information
So, you're moving into one of our homes for the first time. That's fantastic news! Now, what do you need to know about your new tenancy?
All new tenants will start on an unsecured tenancy for a one year.
This is like a probationary stage so we can make sure we can act if you cause any problems at your home, such as creating anti-social behaviour or breach your Tenancy Agreement in any way. It also allows you to have the flexibility to decide if renting a home with us is right for you.
After one year, new tenants automatically become secure tenants, which is the default for most tenancies.
For those who are in 4, 5 or 6 bedroom homes, or in a home with significant adaptation, they will automatically become fixed term tenants.
Both of these changes after one year happen automatically - unless you break the conditions of your introductory tenancy.
If this happens we may take legal action against you which could result in you losing your home.
We can also apply for a notice to extend the introductory tenancy for a further 6 months. This means the introductory tenancy can last for 18 months.
Introductory tenancies only relates to new tenants. If you are already a tenant with another council, St Leger Homes or housing association then you may automatically enter a secured tenancy. This could be through a mutual exchange.
If you are unsure what kind of tenancy you have, we can advise you of this.
We believe that it is important that tenants keep to their tenancy conditions.
Introductory tenancies will help us take swift action to end tenancies when tenancy conditions are broken.
By law, during your introductory tenancy there are some differences to what rights you will have compared to a secure tenancy.
Introductory tenants do not have the legal right to:
- Buy or acquire the property (but the period spent as an introductory tenant counts towards the discount)
- Improve the property
- Take in lodgers
- Exchange with another tenant
- Transfer to another property
- Claim compensation for improvements
- Assign (which means to transfer) the tenancy to another person
- Vote for the transfer of the housing stock to a new landlord
However, we will consider applications from introductory tenants to:
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Improve the property
-
Take in lodgers
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Assign (which means to transfer) the tenancy to another person
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Transfer to another property
-
Exchange your home
As part of the tenancy agreement we will make at least two visits within the introductory tenancy period.
The first visit will take place around four weeks after the start of the tenancy, the second visit will take place around six months into the tenancy and the third around nine months after the tenancy has started.
At the end of the twelve months, provided there have been no possession proceedings against you, the introductory tenancy will usually be converted to a secure tenancy.
However, we have the option to extend the introductory tenancy for a further six months. This will be done is cases where there has been ongoing antisocial behaviour issues.
If a breach of tenancy occurs within the introductory tenancy period, the complaint against the introductory tenant will be investigated in the same way as a complaint made about any other tenant.
If there is satisfactory evidence, a notice of possession proceedings (eviction) will be served. The court will always grant possession as long as the correct procedure has been followed.
If we serve a notice of possession proceedings or a notice of extension on an introductory tenant, you will the right to appeal against the notice. An appeal must be asked for within 14 days of the notice being served.
Once the appeal has been heard, if the board of appeal agree with it, the notice will be withdrawn and the introductory tenancy will continue. If the decision is that the board do not agree with the appeal, the tenancy will be extended or an application to court will be made to end it.
Housing Management Policy 2023
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