Bucks Tenancy Strategy

2.1 The Partnership expects that RPs issue tenancies compatible with the purpose of the accommodation, the needs of individual households, the sustainability of the community, and the efficient use of housing stock. In particular, it expects that each RP that is developing and letting accommodation in Buckinghamshire will:

a) Publish a clear and transparent Tenancy Policy (including details of when fixed-term tenancies will be utilised and the circumstances in which they will and will not be renewed) and make this available on request to the district councils and prospective tenants.
Contact the respective RP for a copy of their tenancy policy

b) Issue a one year starter/introductory tenancy for all new tenancies (unless a lifetime tenancy is granted).

c) Issue a fixed-term tenancy for a minimum tenancy term of five years following the end of the starter/introductory tenancy (unless the RP chooses not to grant a further tenancy because the tenant has breached the terms of the starter/introductory tenancy).

d) Consider lifetime tenancies where appropriate. e) Renew a fixed-term tenancy at the end of the tenancy term if: - there have been no significant changes to the circumstances of the household, and - there have been no major breaches of the tenancy agreement

e) Renew a fixed-term tenancy at the end of the tenancy term if:

• there have been no significant changes to the circumstances of the household, and
• there have been no major breaches of the tenancy agreement.

(This approach will have the benefit of:

• providing the RP with a reliable income,
• providing more security for the tenants,
• helping to prevent homelessness, and
• allowing for the best use of stock)

f) Assist households who have not had their tenancy renewed and are still in housing need to secure a transfer or exchange into more suitable replacement accommodation on a fixed-term tenancy (e.g. support a household whose children have moved on to secure a move to smaller accommodation).

g) Ensure that the tenant and the relevant district council are given at least six months’ notice of the expiry of the tenant’s fixed-term tenancy (in the event of the RP deciding that the tenancy will not be renewed) and work with the tenant and district council to provide the necessary advice and assistance to prevent the tenant becoming homeless on the expiry of the notice.

h) Include in their Tenancy Policy - managing successions and assignments that has due regard to legal requirements and which focuses on securing an outcome that secures the best use of accommodation and prevents homelessness.

i) Consult with the relevant district council on any proposed disposals or tenure changes within its stock and, seeking agreement, ensure that any disposals have due regard to the terms of any relevant planning agreements and that all proceeds are re-invested in the district concerned where possible.

j) Provide full information on fixed-term tenancies so that they can be clearly advertised on the countywide allocation system, which is currently Bucks Home Choice. More information on the preferences for the allocation of new tenancies is outlined in section 4.

2.2 The expectations set down in paragraph 2.1 apply to tenancies that are being let at Social Rent or Affordable Rent levels.