Sheffield Property Shop

Introductory tenancies

Your Questions Answered

From October 1st 2023, all new council tenancies will be Introductory.

This page answers a number of questions about your rights and responsibilities as an Introductory tenant. Please also see ‘You and Your Home’ and your tenancy agreement for further details.

Introduction

We aim to provide good-quality, affordable and well-managed homes that meet the needs of our tenants.

We can only do this if our tenants pay their rent on time, keep to the terms of their tenancy agreement and treat their neighbours and others living locally with respect. We aim to use Introductory tenancies to ensure we are doing everything we can to encourage people to behave responsibly and to make sure the tenant has all the help and support they need.

What is an Introductory tenancy?

An Introductory tenancy usually lasts for 12 months. It functions much like a trial period, and during this time tenants are effectively on probation.

If there are no problems during the trial period, the tenancy will automatically become a Secure tenancy 12 months after the tenancy started. We may take the decision to extend the Introductory period for a further six months or end the tenancy before it becomes secure. We will always look to support tenants to sustain their tenancy in the first instance.

Introductory tenants have fewer rights than Secure tenants and can be evicted more easily.

What is a Secure tenancy?

A tenancy where the landlord is a local authority is normally a Secure tenancy. A Secure tenancy can only be ended by a landlord obtaining a possession order from court and has additional statutory rights, such as the right to take in a lodger or sub-let, make improvements and the right to buy.

We are here to help you.

This page tells you what happens if there are problems with your Introductory tenancy. This is to show you that we are serious about collecting rent and protecting people from anti-social behaviour.

As an Introductory tenant you will get as much help as a Secure tenant. If you experience anti-social behaviour or have any other problems during your probationary period, we’ll help you in exactly the same way as we would help a Secure tenant.

If you have any questions about your Introductory tenancy, please contact your Neighbourhood officer. They are here to help you.

Please click here for further information

 It is a condition of tenancy to pay your rent by direct debit.

his process is simple to set up and manage, with several payment date options including weekly, monthly, and fortnightly, and it saves you and the Council time when paying your rent. It is also more cost effective for the organisation and allows us to continue to invest in services throughout the Council. It is the only method of payment that comes with a guarantee.

Some other useful information about Direct Debit:

• It is quick and easy setup, either over the phone or by filing in a form which can be found  https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/council-housing/pay-my-rent

• You will not need to remember to pay your rent, and therefore will not miss any payments.

• It avoids arrears and helps sustain tenancies.

• You will still benefit from any rent-free weeks whilst paying by Direct Debit (these are calculated into your regular payment).

• Changes to the amount due is done automatically when the rent changes.

Rent is calculated weekly and is payable as soon as the tenancy agreement is signed. Our Direct Debit payment cycles can be tailored to suit your needs (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) and which option you prefer will be discussed with you when you view your potential home.

For more information, please visit the following link:

Paying your rent | Sheffield City Council

• Crystal Peaks - Mon, Wed & Friday 9.00 – 12.30 1.00 – 4.00, Tue & Thur - closed
• Manor Top - Mon & Wed 10.00 - 4.30, Tue 10.00 - 2.00 and Fri 12.30  – 4.30
• Newfield Green - Mon, Tue Thu & Fri 9.00 – 4.00.     Wed - closed
• Wordsworth Avenue - Mon, Wed and Fri 9.00 – 12.30, 1.30 - 4.00 Tue & Thur closed
• Sorby House - Mon,Tue and Thur 1.00 – 4.00,  Wed  & Fri - closed
• Chapeltown - Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur and Fri 9.30 – 12.30 , 1.30 - 4.00
• Hillsborough - Mon, Tue, Fri  9.00 – 5.00, Wed & Thur - closed
• Stocksbridge - Tue 9.30 - 12.30, 1.00 - 4.00, Thurs 9.30 - 12.30, Mon,Wed & Fri - closed
• Sheffield Property Shop,Howden House - Mon,Tue, Thur & Fri 9.00 - 5.00, Wed 1.00 - 5.00

Providing ID and a Reference

Before applying to join the Housing Register, you must make sure you have the relevant ID ready for uploading, as these should be uploaded at the same time as you submit your online application.  We need all of your ID at the same time (and a landlord reference where appropriate).  If we do not receive your ID, your application will be cancelled, and you will need to re-apply.

In exceptional circumstances we may accept your ID at Howden House, Sheffield Property Shop, but only if you have everything that is required.  If you do not have everything that is required, we will not accept any of your ID and your application will be cancelled.  If you are having difficulties, please visit your local housing office or contact us on 0114 205 3333 or 293 0000.

Take our short survey

Tell us what you think about changes we’d like to make to our rent recovery policy.

The general theme is a bigger emphasis on prevention and support, as well as encouraging people to pay their rent by Direct Debit. Your feedback is important to us – complete our short survey here https://bit.ly/SCCrentconsultation

Have your say on how we let social housing in the future. We are looking at making some changes to the way we let Sheffield’s social housing, to better meet the needs of our customers and the demand in our city.

We want to gather as much feedback as possible on the proposals so please spare 15 minutes if you can to complete our survey.

It is available here: http://bit.ly/lettingsconsultation

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