When you were granted your tenancy, you agreed to enter into a legal contract with us. By accepting the tenancy conditions, you were given the right to stay in the property provided you do not break any of them.
As a tenant you are responsible for the behaviour of friends and relatives and others living in or visiting your home.

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant will change depending on the type of tenancy you have. It is important that you know whether you have an introductory tenancy or a secure tenancy.

 Introductory Tenancies

Most people will start their tenancy as an introductory tenant.* As an introductory tenant you have fewer rights than a secure tenant.
Your introductory tenancy is probationary and will usually last 12 months.**
During this time you must:

• not behave anti-socially, cause a nuisance or harass other people
• pay your rent on time
• look after your home.

If, during your introductory tenancy, you break any of your tenancy conditions, we will take legal action to end your tenancy.
If you do not break any of the tenancy conditions during this time, you will automatically become a secure tenant.
By law, during your introductory tenancy, you do not have the same rights as a secure tenant. You cannot:

• apply for the right to buy your property
• vote for a change of landlord
• sub-let part of the property or take in a lodger
• apply to exchange your tenancy

*Unless you are transferring from a secure tenancy, or an assured shorthold tenancy with a registered social landlord which has lasted over 12 months.
** Unless you were an assured shorthold tenant of a registered social landlord immediately before being offered the tenancy. If this is the case, your time in this tenancy will count towards your introductory tenancy period and you will be advised of the length of your introductory tenancy by your managing agent.

 Secure tenancies

When you become a secure tenant you will benefit from the full legal rights of a council tenant. This means you keep your home as long as you want it unless there is a legal reason why the council wants to take it back (called a 'ground for possession' in the Housing Act). A court has to agree with the council's request to evict you or to move you to another home. This could be for one of two reasons:

• a condition of your tenancy has been broken or you have given false information on your housing application. In these cases we will not offer you another home.
• because special circumstances mean the council must move you out temporarily or permanently. You will be offered a suitable alternative home, and you will normally receive compensation or help with moving costs (or both) depending on your circumstances.