Your new home and tenancy in Selby

Introductory tenancies are commonly referred to as probationary tenancies. They are usually given to new tenants and last for 12 months.

You will have the same responsibilities as flexible and secure tenants but not the same amount of rights. During this time, we will make sure you are happy in your home and are able to meet the conditions set out in your tenancy agreement.

We are committed to tackling anti- social behaviour and use introductory tenancies to help make our communities safe and pleasant places to live.

If your tenancy is conducted in a satisfactory way you will automatically become either a flexible or secure tenant, depending on your situation. If there are some issues with your tenancy that you are addressing, we may look to extend the probationary period for a further six months.

If you do not meet the conditions of your tenancy, which includes keeping your rent account up to date, we may serve notice on you. This could result in you losing your home.

Within your first 12 months as our tenant, your neighbourhood officer will complete a minimum of three home visits to ensure that there are no issues with your tenancy and provide, or signpost you to, the support you require. You will get advance notification of the visits.

A secure tenancy is commonly referred to as a lifetime tenancy. You can remain in your home for as long as you like, as long as you keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement.

People are offered a secure tenancy for one of the following reasons:

1. They are one of our existing secure tenants and are moving to another of our properties.
2. They are an applicant moving into sheltered housing.
3. They are an applicant of state pensionable age or over.
4. They are an applicant who is vulnerable, unable to take care of themselves, protect themselves from harm or prevent themselves from being exploited.

Flexible tenancies last for a fixed period. In most cases they are initially granted for a period of five years and can be renewed for a further five or two years.

Flexible tenants have the same rights and responsibilities as secure tenants.

This tenancy type allows us to make better use of our available properties and manage them more effectively. Longer term, many new tenants may not need the assistance that social housing provides. They may be able to consider alternative housing options such as renting privately, renting to buy, or shared ownership.

Within six to nine months of your flexible tenancy coming to an end, we will conduct a review to consider whether you will be offered a further tenancy, or whether an alternative property may be more appropriate for you. 

A joint tenancy is when you sign your introductory, secure or flexible tenancy agreement with someone else.

As joint tenants, you are both responsible for meeting the conditions set out in the tenancy agreement. A joint tenancy can be ended by either tenant and will bring the tenancy to an end for both of you.

If you start off as a sole tenant, you may later request to enter into a joint tenancy with someone else, such as your partner. We will decide whether or not we can grant your request. We will consider factors such as whether you have any rent arrears, how long the other person has lived with you and whether the person owns a property or holds a tenancy elsewhere.