Introductory tenancy
We offer a 12-month introductory (or probationary) tenancy to new council housing tenants. If all goes well in the first few months, the tenancy automatically becomes a secure tenancy after 12 months.
If there are concerns about how an introductory tenant manages their tenancy, we can take legal action to end the tenancy or extend the introductory period for 6 months.
Introductory tenants have fewer rights than secure tenants. They do not have the right to:
- Buy the property
- Sub-let the property
- Make improvements to the property without permission
- Apply to exchange properties with another council tenant
However, in most ways the tenancy is like a secure tenancy. The rent charges are the same and we provide the same repairs service.
Introductory tenancies benefit all residents by allowing us to deal with anti-social behaviour from new tenants more quickly if we cannot resolve the issues.
Advice and support for new tenants
We visit new tenants to check how they are getting on in their new home. Our officers can give advice and support with settling in, applying for benefits, paying rent, and keeping to the tenancy agreement. Our own tenancy support team may also be able to provide support if people continue to have problems sustaining their tenancy.
Useful links
Other useful pages on our website:
- Report a repair
- Pay your rent online
- Find out about mutual exchange and rightsizing
- Rightsizing - have you got a spare bedroom and want to reduce bills? By moving to a smaller home, you could reduce bills and may even be eligible for our incentive. You can find out more on our rightsizing web pages or by emailing rightsizing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
- Report a death
- Report tenancy fraud/subletting
- Apply to rent a council garage
- Housing Matters - read news and information about your housing service