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Tenancy Strategy

Changes to new council tenancies from April 2013

The government has introduced a number of reforms to how social housing is allocated and managed to create what it believes will be a fairer and more flexible system. One of these reforms is giving councils and housing associations the option of offering new tenants a flexible fixed term tenancy.

This will not affect existing tenants that have held a tenancy from before 1 April 2013.

The Council will issue all new general needs tenancies from 1 April 2013 as flexible tenancies on five year terms. All new tenants will also still have to first complete a 12 month Introductory Tenancy. The Council has decided to make an exception for sheltered housing properties. These properties will continue to be let on lifetime tenancies.

Tenants with a flexible tenancy will have most of the same rights as current secure 'lifetime' tenants, with the main exception being the fixed term.

All flexible tenancies will be reviewed towards the end of the tenancy period. In the majority of cases we expect there will be no changes and the tenancy will be renewed for another five years. If the tenant’s circumstances have changed, or there are concerns around behaviour, the tenancy may be ended or renewed for a shorter term. In some circumstances a different property may be offered. 

To make these changes, the Council has to publish the full details in a Tenancy Strategy. This document also provides guidance to housing associations about how they operate their tenancies within the district.We have also produced a quick guide.

The Tenancy Policy describes in more detail how the Council will operate and manage the new flexible tenancies including the review process. A copy of the Tenancy Policy is to be issued to all new tenants from 1 April 2013. 

For further information please contact Customer Services on 01883 722000 or e-mail customerservices@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

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