An Introductory Tenancy covers the first 12 months of a new tenancy in a Council house.
Contact Details | Online Services | |
Phone: | Nuneaton - 024 7637 6406 Bedworth - 024 7637 6701 | |
Fax: | 024 7637 6551 | |
Email: | ||
Service Unit: | Housing | |
What is an Introductory Tenancy?
Most council tenancies are secure tenancies which are provided with a range of legal rights relating to security of tenure throughout the whole of the tenancy. An introductory tenancy will last for the first 12 months (the trial period). If the tenant does not breach any of the conditions of tenancy, then the tenancy will automatically become secure on the anniversary of the date the tenancy started. The tenant will then have all the rights and responsibilities of a secure tenant. Introductory tenants have fewer rights than secure tenants and can be evicted more easily.
Why Have Introductory Tenancies In Nuneaton & Bedworth ?
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and breaches of tenancy conditions from Council tenants. An introductory tenancy scheme is one of a number of new measures being introduced by the Council to deal with anti-social behaviour. The Housing Act 1996 gives local authorities more powers to deal with tenants who disrupt the lives of abiding residents and new tenants who behave in such a way will be evicted.
Introductory tenants have very similar rights to those of secure tenants, including :-
- Right to Repair
- Right to Succeed
- Right to be Consulted
- Right to Assign
However, an introductory tenant does not have the following rights :-
- Right to take in lodgers
- Right to sublet part of your home
- Right to improve
- Right to exchange
- Right to Buy*
*Although there is no 'Right to Buy' for introductory tenants, the trial period will count towards the 'Right to Buy' discount once the introductory tenancy has become a secure tenancy.
What are the responsibilities of an introductory tenant ?
Responsibilities for introductory tenants are the same as the responsibilities for secure tenants (Please see your Tenancy Agreement). For example :-
- You have an obligation to pay your weekly rent and other charges when due
- You must give the Council 4 weeks notice in writing, if you wish to end your tenancy. Your home must be left in good condition and the keys returned to the office.
- You, or your visitors, must not behave in a way which causes nuisance or annoyance to anyone in the locality of your home or your estate. This includes harassment, racial or otherwise.
- You must not assign your tenancy without the written consent of the Council.
- You must take good care of your home, the fixtures and fittings, keep the garden tidy and the interior clean and in a good state of decoration.
- You must report repairs without delay if they are the responsibility of the Council and allow access to housing workers and contractors.
As a tenant of the Council you must adhere to all the conditions of your tenancy agreement.
What are my rights if I am served with a Notice of Possession Proceedings ?
Most tenants will automatically become secure tenants after 12 months. However, if you break any of your tenancy conditions.
If you receive a Notice of Possession Proceedings it means the Council intends to obtain an order for possession from the Court and you will be evicted.
As an introductory tenant you will have the right to request a review of the Council's decision to evict you. A form to request a review will be attached to the Notice of Possession Proceedings.
- The Council must receive your written request for an interview within 14 days from the date the Notice of Possession Proceedings was served on you.
- Once the review request has been received by the Council an acknowledgement will be sent to you within 3 working days.
- A review will be arranged at least 5 days after your request form has been received unless there are any special circumstances.
- You will be notified of the decision of the Review Panel before the date indicated on the Notice of Possession Proceedings, when the Council can apply to Court.
