Types of tenancy

Find out what kind of tenancy you have on your tenancy agreement.

All new tenants begin as introductory tenants.

An introductory tenancy is a trial period and usually lasts 12 months, after which the tenancy automatically becomes secure if no problems occur.

Few tenancies end in the first 12 months and most tenants complete their trial period successfully. If problems do occur, for example, unpaid rent or anti-social behaviour, we can extend the introductory tenancy or seek a possession order.

Sometimes, new tenants become secure tenants straight away, or in less than a year.

This may happen if you have been:

  • a secure tenant of a different property
  • an assured tenant of a registered social landlord
  • an introductory tenant of a different property.

Your rights and responsibilities are set out in your tenancy agreement. They're very similar to those of secure tenants, but you can’t:

  • take in lodgers
  • sublet part of your home
  • make major improvements to your property
  • exchange your property with another council tenant or housing association tenant
  • buy your property using the Right to Buy scheme.