Starter and Assured Tenancies
The first year of your new tenancy will be classed as a 'starter' tenancy. This is a trial period of one year before you become an ‘assured' (non shorthold) tenant. During this starter period you have fewer rights and your tenancy can be ended more easily if you break your tenancy conditions.
Our tenancy conditions say that tenants must:
- Have consideration for those living around them
- Pay their rent on time
- Look after their home
- Keep to their other tenancy conditions
How does a tenancy become an assured (non shorthold) tenancy?
Your tenancy will automatically become an assured (non shorthold) tenancy on the anniversary of the date it began unless we have already started legal action to end your tenancy.
What is the difference in the rights of assured tenants and starter tenants?
Assured tenants also have to keep to their tenancy conditions but they have more security and more rights. If we want to repossess an assured tenancy we must prove a legal ground for possession and in most cases show that it is reasonable to repossess the property. To repossess a starter tenancy we only need to show that we have followed the correct procedure.
With written permission Bolton at Home assured tenants have the right to sub let part of their home, to improve their home and to take in lodgers. Assured tenants also have preserved rights to buy or acquire their home. Starter tenants do not have these statutory rights, but in our tenancy conditions we have said that we will consider requests from disabled starter tenants for a carer to live with them.
For both secure and introductory tenancies, we will keep in repair and maintain the structure and exterior of the premises, the services supplying water, gas, electricity, sanitation and space and water heating and the appliances for delivering these services.
Your Tenancy Agreement sets out the tenancy conditions for starter and assured tenants. It is important that you read this document or ask someone to explain it to you. Our team members at your local neighbourhood office will be happy to do this.