Sheffield Property Shop

The Council is reviewing its Allocations Policy and wants you to have your say on the draft Allocations Policy!

The consultation is live until 17th November 2025 - just follow the link Housing Allocations Policy Review | Have Your Say Sheffield]

A copy of the draft Allocations Policy document and a summary of the proposed changes can also be found on the survey homepage on Have Your Say.

* The responses you provide in this survey may affect existing households on our current Housing Register * 

If you, or someone you know, reqire help and support due to domestic abuse, please find information via the following links:

For housing help with domestic abuse:

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/housing/help-if-you-are-homeless

For further advice:

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/public-health/get-help-with-domestic-abuse

The Council is reviewing its Allocations Policy and wants you to have your say!

The consultation is live until 173th November 2025 - just follow the link Housing Allocations Policy Review | Have Your Say Sheffield]

* The responses you provide in this survey may affect existing households on our current Housing Register * 

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