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Introductory tenancies

Introductory tenancies were introduced by Part 5 of the Housing Act 1996.  In Camden all new tenancies from 7 April 2008 have been introductory tenancies.

The guidance is quite prescriptive as there are various  timeframes for taking certain kinds of legal action.

You can read the full guidance here

An introductory tenancy (sometimes called a probationary tenancy) is for a trial period of one year before a tenancy becomes secure. The trial period can be extended to 18 months if the Council has good reason such as breaches of the tenancy conditions that either have occurred or are likely to occur.

The following are introductory tenants:

  • Applicants who have not had a secure or assured tenancy from either a council or registered social landlord before.
  • If there is a gap between the current tenancy starting and a previous secure or assured tenancy ending the tenant will start again as an introductory tenant.

The following are not introductory tenants:

  • Secure tenants moving from one home to another (transfer cases).
  • Registered social landlord assured tenants moving to a Camden tenancy.
  • Licensees
  • Service tenants (and all other tenants granted a non-secure tenancy under Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1985).

Last updated: 23 September 2019