Consultation on flexible tenancies

In most cases, the Council grants secure tenancies to new tenants once they have successfully completed an introductory tenancy which normally lasts for a year. This means that, after the introductory period, the tenant can rent the home for as long as they want providing they do not break the terms of their tenancy agreement.

To help ease the demand for social housing, the Council is considering introducing flexible tenancies – also known as fixed term tenancies for new tenancies of certain properties that are in short supply and / or high demand.

Homes identified as being in short supply or high demand are:

•  Properties with three or more bedrooms

•  Properties that have been significantly adapted for a tenant with disabilities. This will include properties that have undergone structural alterations or extension to accommodate the needs of a disabled person

Using flexible tenants for these homes would allow more people in housing need to benefit from larger or adapted properties when they need them.

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What are flexible tenancies?

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Flexible tenancies are a form of secure tenancy that can be granted for a minimum of two years, although they are more normally granted for a period of five or more years. Tendring District Council is proposing to grant these tenancies for a maximum period of five years.

These tenancies would only be granted for new tenancies. This proposal will not affect you if you currently already have a secure tenancy.

The Council will be required to review these flexible tenancies before the end of the fixed period to see if the tenant’s circumstances have changed and whether their current accommodations still appropriate for their housing needs. This will avoid people being given lifelong tenancies when their circumstances may change in the future.

Households who no longer need this type or size of home will be supported to move into alternative accommodation.

Where a property will be subject to a flexible tenancy, the Council will make this clear when that property is offered to a new tenant.

Tenant who are given a flexible tenancy will still have the same rights as a secure tenant, including the right to exchange, the right to buy and the right to succession.

Please let us know your views on this proposal by answering our survey by 20 April 2025.

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