Some councils run an introductory tenancy scheme, which usually run for 12 months and are like a ‘trial’ tenancy to see if a tenant is able to respect the rules of the tenancy agreement, such as paying their rent on time.
During this period, the council will find it easier to evict a tenant than if they are on a longer-term agreement. The council does not need to prove grounds for eviction to a court, merely identify reasonable factors, such as:
Unpaid rent or regular late payments
Anti-social behaviour or nuisance to neighbours
Causing damage to the property
Using the property for illegal activities, or as a place of business.
The council must provide one month’s notice of eviction, stating the reasons and how to appeal.
Introductory tenants cannot make major improvements to the property, swap the property with another council tenant, or apply to buy through the Right to Buy scheme. On satisfactory completion of the introductory period, the tenant will automatically become a secure or flexible tenant.