Tenancy agreements for council housing

There are three types of tenancy agreements we offer, although most new tenancies granted since April 2013 are fixed flexible tenancies.

  • Secure – one-bedroom properties (apart from adapted properties) and designated housing for older people
  • Non-secure – temporary accommodation linked to homelessness
  • Flexible fixed term – all family housing and adapted properties

Flexible fixed tenancies provide a more flexible use of housing while prioritising housing need and responding to tenancy changes.

This type of tenancy will usually last for five years unless the property is due to be demolished, in which case it will be for two years. Most tenancies will be re-issued for a further five years if there has been no change in housing need.

If your circumstances have changed, you may be asked to move to a more suitable home or private rented housing. Reviews begin 12 months before the tenancy is due to end and are carried out by our tenancy sustainment team.

You can also apply to move to another council property within the five years if your current home no longer meets your needs. In this case you will be given a new tenancy term.

Joint tenancies

Under a joint tenancy, tenants (usually partners, spouses or co-habiting couples) share equal responsibility for the terms and conditions, and the rent. If one person puts in notice to quit, the tenancy ends for both people. If one of the tenants wants to stay, they may be able to apply for a sole tenancy at the property.

Appealing against a tenancy review decision

If a decision has been made not to re-issue a tenancy, we will confirm this in writing at least six months before the end of the term. This can be appealed in writing or in person within 21 days of receiving the notification. An independent panel of officers will review the decision and you will be notified of the outcome within five working days of their deliberations.

Useful documents