Types of Tenancy

Introductory tenancies run for the first 12 months of occupation. They are effectively a trial period, before automatically becoming secure tenancies, unless:

• proceedings have commenced to end the tenancy
• we have extended the introductory tenancy by six months because terms and conditions of the tenancy have not been met.

Flexible tenancies are expected to last for five years but can be renewed for further five year periods if the tenant still needs social housing and their present home meets the requirements of their household. The expectation is that the majority of tenancies will be renewed, unless the tenants' circumstances have changed.

If circumstances have changed, tenants may be asked to move to another more suitable home, for example, if a single person is living in a family-sized home.

The reasons why a new tenancy may not be re-issued are explained in the Tenancy Policy.

Reviews will be carried out 6-9 months before a tenancy is due to end, so that tenants will have plenty of notice and time to get help and advice.

The introduction of introductory and flexible tenancies will not affect existing tenants who currently hold a secure (lifetime) tenancy.