Your Tenancy

Can I stay in my home as long as I want?

As the tenant you will have full security of tenure. This means you have the right to stay in your home for as long as you want provided you do not breach the terms of your Tenancy Agreement. See TENANCY AGREEMENT. If your family breaks up joint tenants and married partners have certain rights to stay. See FAMILY BREAK-UP. When you die, partners or relatives living with you may be eligible to take over the tenancy. See HOUSEHOLD CHANGES. If you do not live in your home or do not use it as your main home, you will lose your rights as a Secure Tenant.

Can my tenancy agreement be changed?

Apart from changes to the level of rent or service charges, the Council can only change the Tenancy Agreement if they have consulted with you. See RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT.

How is the amount of rent I pay decided?

Rents are fixed by the Council but in line with guidance from the Government. The Government will check that your rent is fair in relation to the rest of the country. See RENTS.

What are my rights?

You have both contractual and statutory rights. Your contractual rights are set out in your Tenancy Agreement. See TENANCY AGREEMENT. Your Statutory rights are laid down by Acts of Parliament. See TENANTS' RIGHTS. Councils are also governed by the Government's Tenants Charter which sets out standards of service which must be provided to you. See The Tenants' Charter below.

Secure Tenancies

Our tenants have a Secure Tenancy. With a Secure Tenancy:

you can stay in your home for as long as you want provided you do not break the Tenancy Agreement. See TENANCY AGREEMENT
you cannot be made to leave your home except by a court order
when you die, your tenancy can normally be taken over by a member of the family who has been living in the property with you before your death. See TENANTS' RIGHTS and HOUSEHOLD CHANGES
you can buy your home under the Right to Buy legislation (with certain exceptions for specialist housing). See BUYING YOUR HOME.

A few tenants do not have a Secure Tenancy. For example some tenants may have Service Tenancies because their homes are linked with their jobs.

The Tenants' Charter

This is a document produced by the Government. It sets out the rights of Secure Tenants and the regulations that Housing departments must follow when providing a service to you.

The Charter also sets out clear standards that every Council Housing Department should be meeting.

You can get a copy of The Tenants' Charter from your Area Housing Office.

Your Enquiry | Secure Tenancies | The Tenants' Charter

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