Tenancy Strategy

Sarah Farrow

Strategy & Performance Team Leader

Northampton Borough Council

Background

• Localism Act – Part 7 Chapter 2 (s150-166)• Regulatory Standards• Tenancy Strategy by 15th January 2013• Tenancy Policy after April 2012

Who is Tenancy Strategy aimed at?

• Covers all housing providers in Northampton

• PRP’s have to have regard to it, but not compulsory under Localism Act.

• New tenants

Purpose• What kind of tenancies to offer• Circumstances in which a particular tenancy will

be granted• Where tenancies granted for a certain term, the

length of the terms• The circumstances in which they will grant a

further tenancy on the ending of the existing tenancy

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

The Strategy:-

• Defines length of tenancy and types of tenure

• Details circumstances for a review and the process

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Existing Tenancy Types • NBC:

Secure TenancyIntroductory TenancyTemporary Non Secure Tenancies

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Proposed Tenancy Types • NBC:

Secure TenancyFixed Term TenancyIntroductory TenancyTemporary Non Secure Tenancies

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Proposed Length of Tenancies – Existing Tenants:-

Households moving via Homechoice (to social or affordable rented properties)

Lifetime

Mutual Exchanges Lifetime

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Proposed Length of Tenancies – New Tenants:-

Older People (state retirement age) Lifetime

Disabled ( Mobility Level 1 or 2) Lifetime

Families (inc single parents) 5 years

Single and 2 person households 5 years

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Exceptional CircumstancesExtension of introductory tenancy due to ASB 2 years

Overcrowded but no alternative accommodation 2 years

In an area where shorter tenancies would tackle ASB 2 years

Notice of Seeking Possession issued but payment plan maintained 2 years

Empty Homes Programme property with less than 5 years on lease Remainder of lease

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Succession Rights:-

•Existing tenants:- retain succession rights

•New Tenants:- succession rights limited to spouses, partners and co-habitees

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Circumstances for a non-renewal on review

• Property under occupied• Changes to Household make-up or Household Income• Property no longer suitable I.e. adapted property no longer

suitable for tenants needs• Tenant and/or advocate do not engage in review process• Possession Proceedings commenced• Disposal or refurbishment of property

What is in Northampton’s Tenancy Strategy

Review Process

• Review undertaken 12 months before end• 6 months notice given• Help and advice available from Housing Options• Min 2 months Notice Seeking Possession• Tenant has right to request a review - must be

within 21 days

Next Steps

• Consultation for 16 weeks from next week• During 16 weeks, amend existing and

create new tenancy type agreements• Revised Changes November• Cabinet December