All social landlords have to publish a tenancy policy. Our policy sets out how we provide and manage our tenanted housing service, including the types of tenancy we offer.
We use flexible tenancies for most new tenants moving into our homes.
The aim of the flexible tenancy policy is to assist residents who most need our support whilst recognising that this may only be a short term need. In the longer term, many new tenants may not need the assistance of a lifetime tenancy at a low rent, and at some point in the future may be able to consider other housing options such as shared ownership, shared equity or renting privately.
A flexible tenancy has many of the same rights as secure or lifetime tenancies, including twelve months as an introductory tenant, but has a fixed end date.
In most cases a flexible tenancy will be for five years and can be renewed for a further five or two years, depending on your circumstances.
The five year flexible tenancy period starts after a successful introductory tenancy of 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tenancy policy?
What is the purpose of the tenancy policy?
The policy is intended to assist residents who most need our support. It recognises that the supply of housing at a low rent for life is a limited resource. We aim to balance the needs of all our residents against this scarce resource.
What is an introductory tenancy?
This is a one year tenancy issued to new tenants for their first year. In exceptional circumstances it can be extended for a further six months. Introductory tenants have reduced rights compared with flexible or lifetime tenants.
What rights do tenants that hold a flexible tenancy have?
They will have similar rights to those tenants with secure tenancies. These rights include:
- right to statutory succession
- right to exchange
- right to repair
- right to take in lodgers
- right to be consulted
- right to buy
Do I have to move out at the end of my flexible tenancy?
Your flexible tenancy will be reviewed between six and nine months before it is due to end.
You will only be required to move out if we serve you with a notice of non-renewal at least six months before your tenancy is due to end, or we serve you with a notice seeking possession of your home at least two months before your tenancy is due to end.
What does a review of my flexible tenancy involve?
Your community officer will conduct a review between six and nine months of your tenancy end date. They will consider a number of factors including:
- how many people live at the property
- the age and personal circumstances of each person living at the property
- the size and type of property you live in
- whether your property is overcrowded or you are under-occupying your home
- whether you or any member of your household need adaptations for people with disabilities that your home might have
- any other relevant facts resulting in a change of circumstances
What will happen if I am granted a further tenancy?
If you are granted a further tenancy it may be another flexible tenancy or could be a secure tenancy. In most situations it would be for your existing home.
What can I do if you do not offer me another Selby locality tenancy?
If we are not going to grant you another tenancy we will notify you of our decision in writing. You have the right to request a review of our decision.
Following the review you will be notified of our final decision in writing and be given clear reasons for our decision. If we confirm our original decision, you will be given advice about your future housing options.
If you are unsuccessful in finding alternative accommodation, you will be served with a notice two months before the end of your tenancy advising that we intend to seek possession of your home.
If the matter goes to court, an order requiring you to leave will be made, provided we have followed the correct procedure.