Council tenants - Your tenancy
Introductory tenancies
Most people will start their tenancy as an introductory tenant.*
As an introductory tenant you have fewer rights than a secure periodic or flexible fixed term 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 flexible fixed term or secure periodic tenant. The council will advise you what tenancy you will have after your introductory period finishes. In most circumstances you will become a flexible fixed term tenant.
By law, during your introductory tenancy, you do not have the same rights as a secure periodic or flexible fixed term 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 periodic tenancy, a flexible fixed term tenancy, an assured shorthold tenancy with a registered provider of social housing or an assured shorthold tenancy with a registered provider of social housing which has lasted over 12 months.
**Unless you were an assured shorthold tenant of a registered provider of social housing 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 housing office.
