Further information
Current fixed term tenancies options
In the past, we have leased properties from private owners for fixed period of between 10 and 15 years. This has been for the purposes of refurbishing those properties. We then use them to provide more housing within its housing stock.
For these properties, we offered fixed term tenancies.
Fixed term tenancy duration
The expectation is that fixed term tenancies will be for a 5-year-period. This is unless the tenant has children living in the household. Included are those temporarily living away. In this circumstance, the tenancy would be up for review on its first complete year. This is following the youngest child’s nineteenth birthday.
The reasons for this proposal are -
- it is reasonable in managing the resources involved in reviewing tenancies
- to give the tenant a time of stability to build their life chances for themselves and their family
- to allow reasonable period for tenants to engage in the local area. This helps with cohesion in communities
- to give the tenant degree of certainty around their tenancy and time to plan for their future move
Renewal of fixed term tenancy
Fixed term tenancies approaching expiry will usually be renewed where -
- the household still requires property of that size. We recognise that children stay with their parents well into adulthood for valid reasons. This is taken into consideration
- the tenancy was offered in response to particular set of circumstances or vulnerabilities. For example, if the household was fleeing domestic abuse
- the property has been heavily adapted to meet the needs of disabled person. The person still resides in the property and needs the adaptations
- there is household member is seriously or terminally ill
- the tenant can prove that they carry out caring responsibilities for neighbour or relative who lives nearby. There must be no suitable alternative accommodation in the same area
Fixed term tenancy will not be renewed if -
- there has been material change in household size. The occupants are now under-occupying the property by more than one bedroom. An alternative tenancy may be offered in suitable location
- members of the household, or their invited guests, engaged in anti-social activities within the locality of the home. Or it can be activities that have a detrimental effect upon the community
- there is evidence that another serious breach of tenancy agreement has occurred. For example, property neglect or rent arrears
- the property was adapted during the tenancy period for someone with disability. The person could not be a resident there or they do not need the adaptations. Other households may need this type of adapted accommodation. In these cases, we will arrange for alternative suitable accommodation to be secured
Our larger homes stock
- 4-bedroom properties - 942
- 5-bedroom properties - 93
- 6-bedroom properties - 9
- 7-bedroom properties - 1
In the last 12 months only 39 houses of this size have become available to let, 36 of which were 4 bedrooms.
What we are doing to address the shortage of, and huge demand for, social housing
We are building new homes.
This is slow and expensive process, often constrained by various factors such as -
- planning permission
- funding
- construction timelines
We understand the need for more housing and are building as many suitable homes as we can. By implementing fixed term tenancies, we could also help to fulfil our duties as social landlord. This is by making the best use of our existing housing stock. We want to reduce the pressure on the housing register. We want to help more people to move into homes of the right size for their family.
We are working with registered social housing providers in the city. This is to provide more new social homes. Housing Associations are an example of this. We also have nomination rights to many of the registered providers homes. We can nominate people from our housing register when one of their properties becomes available. We want to further build on these arrangements.
We work closely with private rented sector landlords. We want to help applicants needing housing to secure an affordable private rented property. This is not always possible with larger homes as the rents in the private sector continue to climb.
Tenants living in larger houses they no longer need are encouraged to consider moving into a smaller property. There are range of incentives and practical support to help with this.
Next steps
Implementing a timeline for introducing a fixed term tenancy policy on larger properties depends on various factors. We will be conducting thorough engagement, research and analysis with the relevant people. This is to assess the potential impact and feasibility of the policy. The policy also needs to go through appropriate decision-making processes before it is approved and established.
If a decision is made to introduce fixed term tenancies on larger properties, we will outline clear timeline for implementation. This will include information about when the policy will officially start.