Tenancy strategy

Types of tenancy

Introductory Tenancies

Welwyn Hatfield Council do not use Introductory Tenancies for new tenants; however it is our understanding that some Registered Providers may choose to offer an introductory, probationary or a starter tenancy for new tenants.

Tenancies will remain introductory until the end of a “trial period” which lasts for one year after the date on which the tenancy was entered into, or the date on which the tenant was first entitled to possession, whichever is later. We would ask that an introductory/ probationary or starter tenancy will be extended by a further six months, only once, if there has been a breach of the tenancy conditions during the trial period. The tenancy conditions are clearly listed in the Tenancy Agreement.

The introductory tenancy will be ended by serving a Notice of Possession Proceedings if:

  1. the tenant breaks the tenancy conditions;
  2. or a false or misleading statement had been made to obtain the tenancy.

We would ask that tenants be provided with support by their provider to enable them to conduct their introductory tenancy successfully. Where the tenant has met the conditions of their introductory tenancy at the end of the period, they should be immediately issued with a lifetime tenancy.

Life-Time Secure Tenancies

The Council’s preference is for lifetime tenancies; we consider lifetime tenancies to be the best approach to address social housing need and create safe, healthy, and cohesive communities in Welwyn Hatfield.

This means that we would like all Registered Providers working in our area to issue lifetime tenancies for all new tenants. For those currently on fixed-term tenancies, we ask Registered Providers to have a process in place to move tenants on to lifetime tenancies when appropriate. This guaranteed level of security allows tenants to put down roots and build support networks within the surrounding community.

Fixed Term Tenancies

With the council’s preference for secure lifetime tenancies, we would discourage Registered Providers from using fixed term tenancies.

Where a fixed term tenancy is to be used, in line with the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 Tenancy Standard Registered Providers will be expected to:

  • grant a minimum fixed term of 5 years, with a longer term encouraged for families with children aged 5 years and under or if a family member is affected by special educational needs or disabilities.
  • clearly advertise properties available for letting where a fixed term tenancy of a minimum of 5+ years applies.
  • not allow a fixed term tenancy to go beyond its fixed term without renewing it or bringing it to an end.
  • support tenants with advice and assistance to help them find suitable alternative accommodation to prevent those becoming homeless where fixed term tenancies are not being renewed.

Assured Short-Hold Tenancies

An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) usually lasts for 6-12 months and is the most common type of tenancy in the private rented sector for tenancies started on or after 15 January 1989.

It is recommended this type of tenancy is not used by Registered Providers for Social Rent, or Affordable Rent properties. As a local authority, Welwyn Hatfield Council cannot offer our tenants Assured Shorthold tenancies.

Demoted Tenancies

A secure tenancy can be demoted to a 12- month introductory tenancy if the tenant has engaged in housing related anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, causing a nuisance to neighbours or noise disturbance, or has used the property for unlawful purposes.

Welwyn Hatfield Council does not use demoted tenancies. Our expectation is that all Registered Providers in our area, should not consider demoting tenancies unless all other options have been explored without success and are expected to have robust support systems in place to help tenants address any issues before any decision to demote is made.