06-Jun-05
Changes are now in place to Council Tenancy Agreements. From the beginning of May, most new tenants start as Introductory Tenants to help ensure secure tenancies will only be given to responsible tenants who:
All new tenants will be signed up on an Introductory Tenancy, unless they already qualify for a secure tenancy. The Introductory Tenancy will automatically become secure after 12 months, unless the Tenancy Agreement is breached during this time. If there is a breach in the Tenancy Agreement, the Introductory Tenancy can be extended for a further 6 months or court proceedings can be taken to seek possession of the property.
Demoted Tenancies have also been introduced, as part of the Government’s Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003. This means that if an existing tenant is proved to have been causing Anti Social Behaviour, the Council can request the Court to make an order to demote the tenancy. If the Court grants a Demoted Tenancy, this gives the tenant a last chance to improve their behaviour.
If Anti Social Behaviour continues, and is in breach of a Demoted Tenancy, court proceedings can be taken to seek possession of the property.
During the period of the Demoted Tenancy, the tenant will also lose a number of other rights, including the right to buy and the right to exchange.
There is an appeal process in place for notices issued on Introductory and Demoted Tenancies. This allows tenants a review of their case within 14 days of ‘service of notice’.
Bolton at Home has consulted tenants, Residents Associations and Elected Members, who support both Introductory and Demoted tenancies. These changes will help to ensure the vast majority of tenants, who behave responsibly and abide by the terms of their Tenancy Agreements, are protected from the irresponsible behaviour of a small minority of tenants.
Cllr Noel Spencer, Chair of Bolton at Home, said: “Tenants can be reassured that these changes have been introduced to protect the rights of the majority, encouraging responsible behaviour across communities.”
Richard Smallman, Vice Chair of Bolton at Home, added: “A secure tenancy should be earned and anyone who behaves unlawfully or anti socially will risk losing their home.”
