DEVELOPING HOMES AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITHIN WEST NORFOLK

FIXED TERM TENANCIES A GUIDE TO FIXED TERM TENANCIES

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Disclaimer - While every attempt is made for accuracy, Freebridge Community Housing cannot be held responsible for incorrect or out of date information in this booklet. Freebridge Community Housing accepts no responsibility for any loss incurred whilst using this material or information, or from any actions or decision taken as a result of using any such information. The information in this booklet is for general guidance only and is correct at the time of production.

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FIXED TERM TENANCIES

CONTENTS

From April 2014 we will be issuing a new type of tenancy agreement, a Fixed Term Tenancy. These tenancies will mainly be used for new Freebridge tenants, however there are some exceptions to this, such as if existing tenants move to a property with an affordable rent.

If you currently have an Assured Tenancy with Freebridge then you will only be affected if you move to an affordable rent property - or if you move and your tenancy started after 1 April 2012.

What is a fixed term tenancy? Page 04How long will a fixed term tenancy be for? Page 04Who will be offered a fixed term tenancy? Page 05What is an affordable rent? Page 05What happens during a fixed term tenancy? Page 07Can I end a fixed term tenancy? Page 07Can I apply for a mutual exchange whilst on a fixed term tenancy? Page 09Can I make changes to my Fixed term Tenancy Agreement? Page 09Can I pass my tenancy on to a family member? Page 11Do I have the right to buy my property? Page 11What happens at the end of the fixed term? Page 13What happens after the final review of the fixed term tenancy? Page 14What happens if Freebridge do not renew my tenancy? Page 14Can I appeal the decision to end the fixed term tenancy? Page 15Who can I contact if I have any questions? Page 15

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What is a fixed term tenancy?

A fixed term tenancy is a tenancy that will only last for a certain number of years and it is legally known as an ‘assured shorthold fixed term tenancy.’ At the end of any fixed term tenancy there will be an assessment to determine if another fixed term tenancy will be issued.

How long will a fixed term tenancy be for?

Freebridge will usually offer a fixed term tenancy for 5 years. Before the fixed term tenancy is offered a satisfactory starter tenancy will need to be completed which will be for 12 months (extended to 18 months in some circumstances).

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• If you are new to social housing you will be offered a fixed term tenancy following a satisfactory starter period.

• If you have not been in social housing prior to and continually since 1st April 2012

• If you are an existing Freebridge tenant and move to another Freebridge owed property with an affordable rent.

• If you are a tenant of any other registered provider or Local Authority and move to a Freebridge owned affordable rent property.

What is an affordable rent?

An affordable rent is up to 80% of what a similar type of property would cost to rent from a private landlord. An affordable rent is set when a property is first advertised.

Who will be offered a fixed term tenancy?

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What happens during a fixed term tenancy?

All customers with a fixed term tenancy will receive a tenancy review this will usually be once a year. You will have an appointment with a Freebridge Advisor to talk about your current circumstances and housing needs and you will also have a visit to your home.

To end your fixed term tenancy agreement with us you need to tell us in writing by completing an Ending your tenancy form. You will need to do this at least four weeks before you want to leave your home.

In the case of joint tenancies the tenancy agreement can be brought to an end by one tenant. This is because of an extra clause we have added in to our tenancy agreement

Can I end a fixed term tenancy?

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Can I apply for a mutual exchange whilst on a fixed term tenancy?

You can apply to mutual exchange.If permission is given the security and length of your tenancy could be affected. We will discuss this with you at the application stage.

Can I make changes to my Fixed term Tenancy Agreement?

It is possible to apply to make the following changes to your tenancy agreement:

• Remove a joint tenant • Change your name

Joint tenants will not be added to a fixed term tenancy once it has started.

Instead you may be able to apply to add a joint tenant at the final review if you are going to be issued with a further fixed term tenancy.

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Can I pass my tenancy on to a family member?

In some circumstances it may be possible to pass your tenancy on, you can contact the Lettings Team on 03332 404 444 who will be happy to answer any specific questions about this.

Do I have the right to buy my property?

The right to buy/acquire will depend on the following:

• Number of years that you have been in social/council housing

• The location and type of property that you live in.

If you feel you are in a position to buy your property then please contact Freebridge for further information based on your circumstances.

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What happens at the end of the fixed term?

You will have a review at least 12 months before the tenancy end date.

You will have an appointment with a Freebridge Advisor to talk about your current circumstances and housing needs and you may also have a visit to your home.

All of your current circumstances and housing need will be discussed with you and this will include:

• Amount of people living in your home• Any changes in your financial circumstances• If the property is suitable for your medical needs• If any adaptations to the property are still needed

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What happens after the final review of the fixed term tenancy?

Freebridge will usually take one of the following actions:

• The fixed term tenancy is renewed for a further period, usually 5 years

• The fixed term tenancy is renewed but other suitable accommodation may be offered in some cases where there is overcrowding or under occupation.

• The fixed term tenancy is not renewed.

What happens if Freebridge do not renew my tenancy?

You will be given 6 months written notice if the tenancy is not to be renewed. You will be allocated an Advisor who will offer housing options advice and assistance. The advice and assistance provided will be tailored to the needs of each customer.

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Can I appeal the decision to end the fixed term tenancy?

Freebridge will provide access to an appeals process for customers wishing to appeal the decision not to renew your fixed term tenancy.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

If you have any questions about fixed term tenancies or our Tenancy Policy, our Lettings Team will be happy to help. You can contact them on 03332 404 444 or by visiting us at our Juniper House Office in King’s Lynn.

Freebridge Community HousingJuniper HouseAustin StreetKing’s LynnNorfolk PE30 1DZ

Email: enquiries@freebridge.org.ukMain Switchboard Telephone: 03332 404 444

Office Opening Hours:8:45am - 5.15pm (Mon-Thurs)8:45am - 4.45pm (Fri)Bank Holidays, Saturday and Sunday Closed

Out of Office Hours:The main telephone number (03332 404 444) will divert to our 24 hour emergency service.

IF YOU NEED ANY HELP TO UNDERSTAND THIS LEAFLET PLEASE GET IN TOUCH

If you still have questions about Fixed Term Tenancies please call our Lettings Team on 03332 404 444.

DEVELOPING HOMES AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITHIN WEST NORFOLK

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