One year probationary periods for new social housing tenants
Plans to introduce initial one-year probationary periods followed by fixed term tenancies for new social housing tenants have been agreed by Hounslow council.
The changes have been made to try to make better use of the council’s social housing stock.
Last year, the council consulted on proposals to change to how social and affordable tenancies are granted, their length, and how they are renewed.
Cllr Steve Curran, cabinet member for housing at the council, said: “The council and housing associations currently own about 20,000 homes in the borough, which are rented out to social tenants. This sounds a lot, but we have more then 13,000 people waiting for housing, and only around 900 properties become available for new tenants every year.
“This means we need to try to make the best use of our existing housing stock in the borough, to make sure homes are available for those who need them.”
The new policy includes introducing a one-year probation period for all new tenancies which would be followed by a five year fixed term tenancy. After five years, the tenancies would be reviewed and a further five year tenancy may be awarded.
It was also agreed that lifetime tenancies could be awarded to former members of the armed forces, social tenants fleeing domestic violence, and the over 60’s moving into sheltered housing
The new Tenancy Strategy applies to the council’s own social housing stock, managed by Hounslow Homes, and other registered providers in the area should take it into account when putting together their own policies.
Existing tenants will not be affected by the changes.
February 7, 2013
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