.jpg)
Rykneld Homes recognises that moving home can be a stressful time and we will try to make it as easy as possible for you.
Tenants of North East Derbyshire District Council have their housing service provided by Rykneld Homes, but remain council tenants. Most tenants have ‘secure’ tenancies, which means they have a number of rights by law.
Before moving home, you will need to sign a Tenancy Agreement which is a very important document. It describes what you can expect from us at Rykneld Homes. It also sets out your rights and responsibilities and what we expect from you as a tenant. It is important that you read this document so that you are aware of what you need to do to keep your tenancy.
You can move into your home as soon as you have the keys and signed the Tenancy Agreement. We do not have a spare supply of keys and you will be responsible for replacing lost keys. It could be worth leaving a spare set with a relative or trusted neighbour.
New tenants are likely to be ‘Introductory Tenants’ if they are new to Council housing. Introductory tenants have fewer rights than secure tenants and could be evicted more easily if there are problems with their tenancy. Introductory tenancies generally last for a year as a ‘trial’ period, although this period can be extended if conditions of tenancy are not being kept to.
Being a secure tenant means you may live in your home as long as you want to, unless there is a legal reason why the Council wants to take it back.
A brief summary of the different rights available to Introductory and Secure tenants is as follows:
| Secure tenants | Introductory tenants | |
| Right of succession of partner/family member | Yes | Yes |
| Right to Repair | Yes | Yes |
| Right to be consulted on housing management issues | Yes | Yes |
| Right to Assign | Yes | Yes |
| Right to buy | Yes | No* |
| Right to take in lodgers | Yes | No |
| Right to sublet | Yes | No |
| Right to improve | Yes | No |
| Right to exchange | Yes | No |
*but the introductory period counts towards discount
If you have a problem with your tenancy of any kind or if you wish to report something, contact your Neighbourhood Champion.
If you wish to compliment or complain about any aspect of our services, visit the Complaints, Comments and Compliments section.
If you wish to report a repair, click here to find out the different methods you can use (including an online form).
If you want to find out about our plans to improve your home, see the Decent Homes section.
If you want to get involved in issues effecting you, your housing and your community, visit the Community Involvement section.
If you want to find out about buying your council home (the right to buy), see the Buying your Home section.
Further details are available here on the following topics. These are:
Transfer your tenancy
Home improvements
Repairs you have to do
Vehicles and parking
Gardens
Illegal occupation or squatters
Reasons for eviction
Ending your tenancy
