All council tenants have rights and responsibilities.

However, as an introductory tenant you do not have the right to: 

• take in lodgers or sublet your home
• make improvements
• exchange with another tenant
• buy your council home 

Why have an introductory tenancy scheme?   

This scheme is part of our approach which will enable officers in the council to tackle issues such as neighbour problems, rent arrears, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in general.

If our new tenants are causing a nuisance or allow members of their family or visitors to their home to cause a nuisance to neighbours or others on the estate, the introductory tenancy scheme will enable us to act more quickly to solve problems. 

What happens if I am in breach of my introductory tenancy?  

We may either extend your introductory tenancy or commence proceedings to evict you.  

What happens if you decide to extend my introductory tenancy?  

We can extend your trial period by 6 months, making the total period for your introductory tenancy 18 months. If we decide to do this, we will notify you in writing and explain why we think this is necessary. We must do this no later than 8 weeks before your 12 month introductory period would have expired.  

Can I appeal against the decision to extend my introductory tenancy?  

You have the right to appeal against our decision to extend your tenancy, but you must do this within 14 days of receiving the written notice. Your appeal will be carried out by an independent panel of senior officers not previously connected with your case.

The panel may carry out the appeal by looking at the written evidence, (including the reasons set out in your letter and letters from other people who support your case) or you can attend the appeals meeting in person to give your side of the story. Once the panel has reached their decision you will be notified in writing.  

What happens if you decide to evict me?  

If this happens you will be served with a Notice of Proceeding for Possession (NOPP). This notice gives the tenant a minimum of 28 days warning of the council’s intention to seek eviction.  

Can I appeal against the serving of a notice?  

You have the right to an appeal which must be requested within 14 days of the notice being served. The notice will give you details about ‘Right to an Appeal’. The council will accept a request from someone acting on your behalf if you are unable to do this yourself. 

The appeals process has to be completed before the expiry of the notice.  

You have the right to:  

• be heard  
• be accompanied  
• be represented  
• call on or present evidence to support your case  

Your appeal will be heard by an independent appeals panel who were not involved originally in the decision to serve the notice.  

What happens if my appeal is unsuccessful?  

If the appeals panel upholds the notice, the council will apply to the court for an eviction hearing. If the court decides that the notice is valid, an eviction order will be granted and your introductory tenancy will be ended. If you re-apply to the council for another property, you should be aware that we may take into account the reason why you lost your tenancy. This could prevent you and your family from getting another council home.  

Please remember if you follow the rules in your tenancy agreement you will have nothing to worry about. It is only if you break these rules that action against you will happen. This could lead to you losing your home.