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tenancy
A new type of tenancy
The 2011 Localism Act gave local authorities the right to grant
flexible fixed term tenancies, instead of the lifetime tenancies they
used to offer. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has
adopted these new tenancies. You can read the Councils tenancy
policy on its website www.rbkc.gov.uk
From January 2014 all new Council tenants in the Royal Borough
will have a fixed term tenancy. This will last for five years or, in
some circumstances, two years.
If the Council offers you a property the offer letter will explain the
type and length of the tenancy.
Introductory tenancies
Most people start their tenancies as an introductory tenant. This
will apply to you unless you are transferring from another council
or housing association property, or you were an introductory tenant
or a housing association tenant with an assured shorthold tenancy
immediately before you were made the offer.
1
While you are an introductory tenant, you do not have the right to:
take in lodgers or sub-let part of the property
swap your home or transfer to another landlord
buy your home
make improvements to your property, other than decorating and
minor improvements.
Please make sure you tell us if you are having problems, as we can
usually offer practical help and advice.
2
Secure fixed term tenancies
Yes, you can appeal if you believe that the length of the tenancy is
not in line with the Councils tenancy policy. When you are given
the secure fixed term tenancy, your neighbourhood officer will give
you a notice that explains how you can appeal. If you decide to
appeal, you must do so within 21 days of being given the notice. If
you are moving into a new property, you will still need to move in
while the appeal takes place. If it is successful, any changes to the
length of the tenancy will be made afterwards.
You have the right to live in your home for the length of your fixed
term tenancy as long as you do not break the rules of your tenancy
agreement. If you do, we can take legal action to end your tenancy
and evict you.
You will need to make sure that you keep to the conditions of your
tenancy agreement including paying your rent on time, not getting
into rent arrears and not causing anti-social behaviour.
3
Your neighbourhood officer will visit you every year to carry out
a tenancy check. It is important to tell us if your circumstances
change, for example if a new person comes to live with you or if
somebody moves out.
4
When will I know the outcome of the review?
You can make an appeal on the basis that the decision not to renew
is not in line with the tenancy policy. You must appeal within 21
days of receiving the notice that the tenancy will not be re-issued.
The notice will explain how you can appeal.
How can I end my tenancy before the end of the fixed term?
You must give four weeks notice in writing the notice period must
end on a Monday. You must also return your keys to a KCTMO office
by 5pm on the Monday your tenancy is due to end. If you are late
returning keys we will continue to charge you rent for the property.
5
Where to get further advice
You will receive the Tenants Handbook, which tells you about your
rights and responsibilities.
Your neighbourhood officer will also give you a list of local advice
agencies at sign up so you can seek independent advice if you
would like it.
You can also contact your neighbourhood officer on 0800 137 111
or mobile friendly number 020 3617 7080.
Town Hall
Hornton Street
London W8 7NX
Housing line: 020 7361 3008
6
January 2014