Types of tenancy in Canterbury

Canterbury City Council offers four different types of tenancy:

1. Non secure tenancy

This tenancy is offered to those housed temporarily because they have become homeless and satisfy the criteria set out in the Housing Act 1996. They are slightly less secure than introductory or secure tenancies. Normally non secure tenants remain on the housing needs register until they are offered an introductory tenancy either of the property they are already living in or of another more suitable one.

2. Introductory tenancy

This tenancy is intended to be a one year probationary tenancy and is given to anyone who has not been a council tenant before. This type of tenancy:

  • will automatically become a secure tenancy after one year unless you have breached any of your tenancy conditions
  • may be extended by another six months if you breach any of the conditions - we will serve you with a notice if this is the case. Breaches of your introductory tenancy include anti-social behaviour
  • may result in eviction if the breach of tenancy is very severe
  • is much simpler and quicker to get a possession order than for a secure tenant. There are rights to appeal, but no opportunity to provide a defence at court.

3. Secure tenancy

All our tenants who have successfully completed the one year (longer if it has been extended) introductory tenancy will be given a secure tenancy. This gives you more rights. It is also different from the tenancies which housing associations give (they are called assured shorthold tenancies). You:

  • have exclusive right to live in your home
  • cannot be evicted unless we can prove there are grounds for possession, for example, continued anti-social behaviour
  • need to keep to all your tenancy conditions
  • have the right to buy your home

4. Demoted tenancy

Your tenancy will be demoted if you have seriously breached the conditions of your secure tenancy. You will have less rights - they are similar to those of an introductory tenant. It:

  • lasts for 12 months unless a notice seeking possession is served in that period
  • will result in eviction if the tenancy conditions are not kept to

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