This section will explain more about your tenancy and provide helpful information on moving in and moving on.
The majority of our tenants have assured tenancies. However, we do have some different types of tenancies, which are explained below. Any difference in your rights and responsibilities as a tenant due to your type of tenancy agreement will be explained to you in more detail by your Housing Officer.
Your rights as a tenant
As a tenant you have a number of rights and responsibilities, depending on the type of tenancy agreement that you have. You are entitled to some of these rights by law, and others through your tenancy agreement with us. All our tenants, regardless of their type of tenancy agreement, have the right to be treated fairly and equally whatever your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or abilities. If you feel that we are infringing any of your rights then you can choose to enforce them through the court.
Assured tenancy
The majority of our tenants have an Assured Tenancy agreement. This type of tenancy agreement normally allows you to remain in the property for as long as you like providing that you continue to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Starter tenancy
A Starter Tenancy is a type of Assured Tenancy that lasts for one year. If you have kept to the terms of your tenancy agreement, your tenancy will normally be changed to an Assured Tenancy at the end of this period. The purpose of a Starter Tenancy is to give a new tenant a period of time to prove that they can conduct a tenancy satisfactorily before being given the full security of tenure of an Assured Tenancy. If the tenancy has not been conducted satisfactorily, we can apply to the courts for possession, which will be granted under mandatory grounds.
Other types of tenancy
A small number of tenants have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement or Ordinary Contractual Tenancy Agreement due to the type of property that they are renting. These tenancies offer less security of tenure than an ordinary Assured Tenancy. Any difference in your rights and responsibilities as a tenant due to your type of tenancy agreement will be explained to you by your Housing Officer.
Quiet enjoyment of your home
As long as you comply with your tenancy agreement and respect the rights of other tenants and neighbours, you have the right to occupy your home without interference from us. This is called “quiet enjoyment”. However, you must give reasonable access at 24 hours written notice to our authorised employees or contractors.
Repairs
We should keep your home in a proper state of repair and keep your heating and plumbing in working order. For more information, visit the Looking after your home section.
Consultation
Tenants will be consulted before we make any major changes to the way we manage your home or neighbourhood. We will give serious consideration to any objections or suggestions that you make. 