Introductory Tenancies

Waltham Forest Council operates a system of three types of tenancies: introductory, secure and demoted.

What is an Introductory Tenancy?

An Introductory Tenancy is a trial period for all new tenants. After this trial period (initially for 12 but maybe extended by the Council to a maximum of 18 months in total) if the tenancy is deemed to have been conducted satisfactorily, the tenancy will automatically become secure. However, if the Council believes that the conduct of a tenancy has been unsatisfactory, it may be terminated by an administrative decision by the Council, subsequently confirmed by the Court if the process has been followed correctly.

What will happen during the 12-month tenancy?

The tenancy will be monitored and Council Officers will carry out random spot checks, ensuring the tenant is complying with the tenancy agreement. If there are any breaches of tenancy, the Council will let the tenant know, so that they can put them right. Breaches of tenancy conditions will be investigated carefully and if proven and not resolved, the Council will take action to end the tenancy.

What are breaches of tenancy conditions?

The Council may decide to end the tenancy if any tenancy conditions are breached, for example:

damage to the property
not maintaining gardens
antisocial behaviour in communal areas
failure to pay the weekly rent
causing any type of harassment
using the property for illegal purposes, for example drug dealing, prostitution
if the tenancy was obtained by giving false information
committing domestic violence
committing behaviour which causes distress or annoyance to neighbours
not occupying the property as their only or principal home
throwing things from the property or
breach of any other tenancy condition

Click here for full tenancy terms & conditions

Ending an Introductory Tenancy

The Council follows strict guidelines to make sure they are being fair and equitable when dealing with an alleged breach of tenancy. If the Council decide to end an Introductory Tenancy, they will send the tenant a Notice of Termination. This would mean that after 28 days, the Council intends to apply to the County Court for a Possession Order. This Order is called Notice of Possession Proceedings and will also explain the reasons for ending the tenancy.

Reviewing a decision

An introductory tenant has the right to ask for a Review, if the Council serves a Notice of Extension or Notice of Notice of Possession Proceedings. Reviews Hearings are held by a panel of experienced senior housing officers.

If the tenant asks for a Review, they will also have the right to attend, take someone with them, send someone to represent them to the Review and speak or ask questions. They could also make a written representation. The tenant only has these rights if they tell the Council that they want to make use of them, by returning the Review Request Form within 10 working days of receiving the Notice. The Council will then arrange a Review and inform the tenant of the time and place, within 5 working days.

However, if the tenant does not request a Review within 10 working days, they will lose their right to a Review and cannot ask for another one.

The Review Request Form and its Guidance Notes are enclosed with the Notice that is served at the time. However, if you wish to download a copy of Review Request Form or its Guidance Notes, please click on the links provided.

If you have any queries about this tenancy, please contact Ascham Direct on 020 496 4197 and ask to speak to the Tenancy Services Department.

To find more about Introductory Tenancies in detail, please download the full Introductory Tenancies Guide below.