Introductory tenancies last for 12 months. During this time we make sure you're happy in your home and manage it well.

The trial period ends 12 months after the start of your tenancy. If your tenancy is conducted in a satisfactory way during this time you will automatically become a secure tenant. However, if you break any rules set out in your tenancy agreement, you can be evicted quickly and easily.

Why have introductory tenancies in York?

The council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and breaches of tenancy.

We're using introductory tenancies to help make sure estates are safe and pleasant places. Using introductory tenancies makes it easier to evict new tenants whose behaviour is anti-social and affects other residents' quality of life.

Rights and responsibilities

As an introductory tenant you have the same responsibilities as a secure tenant but, you do not have the same rights. If you break any rules in the tenancy agreement we will serve you with a notice and as long as we've followed our procedures the court must grant a possession order.

As an introductory tenant you must:

• pay your weekly rent
• keep your home and garden clean and tidy
• respect your neighbours and not cause, or allow, a nuisance to be caused
• keep to the tenancy agreement.

As an introductory tenant you cannot:

• exchange your home
• transfer the tenancy to anyone else
• take in lodgers
• sub-let any part of your home
• buy your council home
• carry out improvements to your home.

Sometimes you may be able to make small improvements to your home. However, you MUST get written permission from your estate manager before you start any work.

Reviews of your tenancy

During the trial period your estate manager will visit you to make sure every thing is going OK. You will be visited after:

• six weeks
• six months
• nine months

These visits offer you support, advice and guidance on how to manage your tenancy and discuss any problems you may have.

However, we will also want to make sure your tenancy agreement has not been broken.

Information and advice

If you need more information contact your estate manager tel: (01904) 551200.

If you want independent advice your contact the customer advice centre or a solicitor or any Housing Advice Centre.

See also York Citizen's Advice Bureau website.