This information explains what an Introductory Tenancy means, your rights and responsibilities, and what you can expect during the introductory period.
An Introductory Tenancy is a probationary tenancy that is normally granted for an initial period of 12 months. In certain circumstances, Rykneld Homes may extend this period, up to a maximum of 18 months, where concerns exist about the conduct of the tenancy.
If the tenancy is managed satisfactorily and the terms of the tenancy agreement are complied with throughout the introductory period, the tenancy will automatically convert to a Secure Tenancy at the end of the 12-month trial period.
However, where the Rykneld Homes considers the tenancy has not been conducted satisfactorily, i.e. you are in breach of the tenancy agreement, we may take action to end the tenancy. If all appropriate legal procedures have been followed, the Court must extend the probationary period or grant possession.
Introductory Tenancies are normally granted to all new tenants. The exception is where an applicant is already a Secure or Assured Tenant of Rykneld Homes or another social housing landlord or Registered Provider. In these circumstances, a Secure Tenancy will usually be granted from the outset.
Introductory Tenants have fewer rights than Secure Tenants. The main differences are summarised in the table:
| Legal Rights |
Secure |
Introductory Tenant |
| Right to stay in your home | Yes | Yes |
| Right to exchange | Yes | No |
| Right of succession | Yes | Yes |
| Right to take in lodgers | Yes | No |
| Right to sub-let part of your home | Yes | No |
| Right to assign | Yes | No |
| Right to repair | Yes | Yes |
| Right to make improvements | Yes | No |
| Right to be consulted | Yes | Yes |
| Right to information about how we manage your home | Yes | Yes |
| Right of access to personal information | Yes | Yes |
Your responsibilities as an introductory tenant are set out in your tenancy agreement. In general, you must:
- Pay your rent and any service charges in full and on time
- Keep your home and garden in a clean and reasonable condition
- Report repairs promptly
- Provide access for inspections, safety checks, and visits where required
- Be a good neighbour
- Ensure yourself, members of your household and any visitors do not cause nuisance, harassment or anti-social behaviour
- Occupy the property as your sole and principal home
- Not use the property for any illegal or immoral purposes.
During your Introductory Tenancy, we will monitor your tenancy to ensure that you are meeting the responsibilities set out in your tenancy agreement. Our aim is to support you in maintaining a successful tenancy and to address any issues at an early stage.
To help you settle into your new home, a member of the Housing Team will visit you around five weeks after your tenancy starts. We will then meet with you again at four months to review how things are going, and finally at eight months to complete a final tenancy check.
If a breach of the tenancy agreement occurs, we will contact you to explain the issue and give you the opportunity to resolve it. All reported breaches of tenancy conditions will be investigated thoroughly and fairly. Where a breach is substantiated and remains unresolved, Rykneld Homes may take action to end the tenancy.
Rykneld Homes can take action to terminate an Introductory Tenancy at any stage during the introductory period. In cases involving serious tenancy breaches, such as drug-related activity, the use of the property for unlawful purposes, or acts of violence, Rykneld Homes may decide to seek possession without offering an opportunity to remedy the breach.
Where minor tenancy breaches have occurred during the introductory period, Rykneld Homes may decide to extend the Introductory Tenancy for a further 6 months. You can ask us to review this decision and must do so within 14 days of us giving you the notice.
If you demonstrate a commitment to improving your behaviour and there is evidence of sustained improvement or no further breaches, at the end of the extended 18-month period, Rykneld Homes will review the tenancy and decide whether to:
- Allow the tenancy to convert to a Secure Tenancy; or
- Take action to terminate the tenancy where concerns remain.
The purpose of an extension is to provide you with additional time to demonstrate that you can sustain your tenancy successfully and comply with the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Rykneld Homes will act fairly and follow the correct legal process when dealing with any alleged breach of tenancy.
If the Rykneld Homes decides to seek possession of your home, you will be issued with a Notice of Proceedings for Possession. This notice will:
- Explain the reasons why the Rykneld Homes is seeking to end your tenancy
- Give the date after which Rykneld Homes may apply to the County Court for a Possession Order. This date will be at least 28 days after the notice is served
- Explain your right to request a review of the Rykneld Homes decision to end your tenancy
- Advise you to seek independent advice as soon as possible.
If you receive a Notice of Proceedings for Possession, you should seek advice immediately. Help may be available from:
- Citizens Advice
- A housing advice centre
- A law centre
- A solicitor.
Getting advice early may help you understand your options and what steps you can take to respond to the notice.
Your Introductory Tenancy will normally become a Secure Tenancy after 12 months provided that:
- You have complied with the terms of your tenancy agreement
- There are no legal proceedings in place to recover possession of the property
- The tenancy has been managed satisfactorily throughout the introductory period
- The rent has been paid and there are no significant rent arrears.
You will be notified when your tenancy converts to a Secure Tenancy.
As an introductory tenant, you are entitled to the same level of support as a secure tenant. If you experience anti-social behaviour, have difficulties paying your rent, or encounter any other tenancy-related problems during your introductory period, we will work with you in the same way we would with a secure tenant.
If you have any questions about your tenancy or need advice, please contact Rykneld Homes on the details below. We will:
- Explain your rights and responsibilities as an introductory tenant
- Provide advice and guidance if you are experiencing difficulties
- Help you address issues that may affect your tenancy
- Refer you to specialist support agencies where additional assistance is available.
If you are having problems, it is important to contact us as soon as possible. The earlier we are aware of any difficulties, the more support we can provide to help you resolve them and reduce the risk of your tenancy being affected.
We are committed to helping you maintain a successful tenancy and can provide information, advice, and referrals to organisations that offer further support where needed.
