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Introductory Tenancies
What is an Introductory Tenancy?
When we offer you a property we are asking you to become a tenant of Barnsley Council.
You will become either a secure or an introductory tenant.
You will become an introductory tenant if you are not currently a secure tenant or an assured tenant of a housing association.
Introductory tenancies are a 12-month trial tenancy, which will automatically become secure at the end of the 12-months as long as we have not started legal action against you before this date. We will take legal action if you break the terms of your tenancy. So, if you keep to the terms of your tenancy you do not have to worry.
What is main difference between a Secure Tenancy and an Introductory Tenancy?
Introductory tenants have fewer rights and less protection than secure tenants.
You will not have the right to:
- buy your property or improve it;
- take in lodgers or sublet;
- exchange with another tenant; or
- transfer to another property.
But we will consider an application from an introductory tenant to:
- improve your property;
- exchange with another tenant;
- take in lodgers; or
- transfer to another property.
If you break the terms of your tenancy it is easier for us to take action against you and evict you.
When will I be offered an Introductory Tenancy instead of a Secure Tenancy?
You will become an introductory tenant if you are not currently a secure tenant or an assured tenant of a housing association.
What is the procedure when I am offered an Introductory Tenancy?
We will tell you when you sign your tenancy agreement what type of tenancy you will have.
Your tenancy agreement will also tell you the date you will become a secure tenant.
We will give you a leaflet Introductory tenancies, which explains your rights in more depth.
Alternatively we can send you a form or leaflet in the post. Contact us by e-mail at CustomerServices@berneslaihomes.co.uk for a copy.
Who can I contact regarding general enquiries?
For more information about introductory tenancies please contact your local Barnsley Connects office on 01226 775555. Barnsley Connects Offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
What can I do to help?
When you apply to join the Housing Register you will complete an application form.
This form asks you what type of occupant you are in your current home. For example are you a council tenant? You need to answer the question so that we can be sure to offer you the right type of tenancy.
What leaflets are available?
You can download a copy of the following leaflets:
- Introductory Tenancy
- We have given you a Notice of possession proceedings - what happens next?
What laws do we work to regarding Introductory Tenancies?
Introductory Tenancies are covered by the Housing Act 1996.
Frequently asked questions
If you want to end my introductory tenancy do you have to ask the court?
Yes, we have to ask the court for an order to evict you. But the court has to give us an order as long as the judge is happy that we have followed our procedures.
Can I appeal against the decision to end my introductory tenancy?
You can appeal within 14 days of us giving you notice to end your tenancy. If we give you a notice we will tell you how you can appeal.
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