Social housing properties are now advertised as fixed term tenancies so, rather than offering a tenancy that can be in place for life these tenancies will have a fixed term, usually for 5, 6 or 10 years – this will be stated in the advert.
Fixed term tenancies will mainly apply to family homes & general needs flats including those with an age restriction. Sheltered or Independent Living flats & bungalows will normally continue to be offered as lifetime tenancies.
Current social housing tenants may be able to keep their existing tenancy. This will be discussed as part of the offer process.
Please read each advert carefully to ensure you understand what you are applying for as our different housing providers may be offering different terms and conditions with their fixed term tenancies.
When the fixed term comes to an end, you circumstances will be reviewed. In many cases, another fixed term tenancy will be issued. Only in exceptional cases would the landlord not renew it.
Exceptions could include:
- Persistent rent arrears
- Persistent delay in paying rent
- Anti-social behaviour
- Neglect of property
- Under-occupancy
- No longer meeting the qualifying criteria for social housing