Introductory Tenancies

The Council gives all new tenants a trial period to show that they can keep to a tenancy agreement, look after their home and not be a nuisance to neighbours. This period is called an Introductory Tenancy.

As a new tenant you have signed an Introductory Tenancy Agreements. If there have been no problems after 12 months you will be invited to become a Secure tenant.

For the time you are an Introductory Tenant, you don’t have all the rights of a Secure Tenant, and could be evicted more quickly and easily if you break your tenancy agreement.

How do your legal rights differ from a secure tenant?

All Council tenants have legal rights and responsibilities. However, as an Introductory Tenant, you don’t have the right to:

• Take in lodgers/sublet
• Make improvements
• Exchange with another tenant
• Buy the property

In addition to the above, the Council does not allow Introductory Tenants to transfer from one Council property to another.

You can apply to the Council to take in lodgers, improve the property or to transfer and the Council will then decide if you can go ahead on a discretionary basis.

As a new tenant of the Council you will not have the Right to Buy yet but your occupation will help establish a discount entitlement should you choose to buy the property in the future.

What if there are problems with rent payments or anti-social behaviour?

Most people will pass smoothly from their Introductory Tenant to a Secure Tenancy. We will undertake quarterly reviews of your tenancy, including home visits, to ensure you are abiding by the tenancy agreement. We will act quickly against anyone who breaks their tenancy agreement. We will always investigate to see if things can be sorted out, but if the problem is serious or if you don’t work with us to find a solution; we will take action to terminate your tenancy.

Rent Payments

Your tenancy agreement says you must pay your rent on time. If you fall behind we will contact you. We may refer you for money advice and let you make an agreement to pay off the arrears in regular amounts on top of your weekly rent. If you continue to fall behind or are persistently late paying your rent we will start legal action to terminate your tenancy.

Anti-Social Behaviour

If we receive complaints that you have been acting in an anti-social way, we will investigate thoroughly, collect evidence, interview witnesses, etc. If the complaint is justified, we will take action which may involve asking you to modify your behaviour, involving a mediator or if appropriate we will start legal action to terminate your tenancy.

It is important to remember that you are also responsible for the behaviour of anyone living with you or visiting your home, and that we will take action if the nuisance takes place in your home, outside your home or in the locality.

What action will be taken to terminate your tenancy?

We will serve a Notice of Termination if we want to go to court to evict you. When the Council applies to the Court for a Possession Order, it must demonstrate to the Judge that the correct papers have been served in the correct way. With an Introductory Tenancy, the Judge cannot refuse to grant the order if the Council has acted appropriately.

Your right to review

We will serve a Notice of Termination if we want to go to court to evict you. You can ask for a review of your case but must do this within 14 days of receiving the Notice. The review will be carried out by people who have not previously been involved in the case. They will check everything has been done correctly and inform you of the decision before the notice expires.

How will your tenancy be made secure?

The Council will review your tenancy throughout the Introductory Tenancy period and if you have maintained the tenancy in a satisfactory manner, you will be asked to attend an interview to become a secure tenant. A different Tenancy Agreement will then be signed.

Where can you get advice?

If you have any queries about your tenancy, please contact your Housing Officer. You can get independent advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, The Council for Voluntary Services at Marlene Reid Centre or a solicitor.

Introductory Tenancy Policy (Word Document, 0.1 Mb)