Secure tenancies
Introductory tenant to secure tenant
You will automatically become a secure tenant after 12 months, provided you observe the conditions of your tenancy, and we have not started legal action against you.
As a secure tenant, you will have greater protection in law, but you still have responsibilities. We expect you to continue to look after your home, pay your rent on time and respect your neighbours.
Responsibilities of a secure tenant
Your responsibilities are to:
- live in the property as your main and only home. If you do not, you may lose your rights as a secure tenant
- keep your home properly heated and ventilated
- pay the rent and other charges on time
- take care of the property and keep the inside properly decorated
- complete any repairs that are your responsibility
- ensure that everyone in your household and any visitors behave responsibly to others, including our staff
- not overcrowd your property
You should let us know if:
- you are going away and leaving your home unoccupied for more than four weeks
- you intend to end your tenancy, at least four weeks before you leave
- your home needs repair
Rights of a secure tenant
The council’s main responsibilities to you are to:
- consult you on any proposed changes to the tenancy
- keep your home wind and watertight and in good repair
- keep all pipes, drains, gutters and installations for heating, water, gas or electricity supply in working order
- provide you with information about our services if you request them
- advise you of new changes to your rent or other service charge payments at least four weeks before it is due to be paid
- come into your home to carry out inspections or repairs, or to service appliances. We must give you at least 24 hours’ warning, unless it is an emergency
As a tenant, you also have certain rights under acts of Parliament and government regulations.