Your tenancy

Most tenants will have a secure tenancy. Some tenants who are new to Hackney will start with introductory tenancies.

Your questions answered

Can the terms of my tenancy be changed?

Apart from changes to the level of rent and services charges, the Council can only change the terms of the tenancy agreement if we have consulted with you and all other tenants affected. See Consultation. However, if you breach your tenancy agreement and we take you to court, the court may order that your tenancy is changed to a demoted tenancy.

Can I stay in my home for as long as I want?

If you are new to Hackney Council you will probably have an introductory tenancy, which is just for 12 months. Provided you keep to the terms of that tenancy, you will be given a secure tenancy at the end of the period.

If you are a secure tenant you have the right to stay in the home for as long as you want provided you keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement. See Breach of tenancy. Partners and relatives who live with you may be allowed to take over the tenancy if you die, and if your family breaks up joint tenants and named partners may have certain rights. See Household changes.

If you do not live in your home or do not use it as your main home, you may lose your rights as a secure tenant or even lose your home.

What are my rights?

You have contractual and statutory rights. Your contractual rights are all set out in your tenancy agreement and are those laid down by Hackney Council. See The tenancy agreement. Your statutory rights are laid down by Acts of Parliament. See Tenants’ rights.

Introductory tenancies

If you are new to Hackney Council you will have an introductory tenancy. Provided you keep to the terms of the tenancy you will be given a secure tenancy after 12 months. An introductory tenant does not have the right to buy their home, exchange tenancies with another tenant or sub-let.

Secure tenancies

If you have had your tenancy for at least one year, you will normally have a secure tenancy. With a secure tenancy you have full tenants' rights. These are set out in Tenants’ rights.

Demoted tenancies

If we need to take you to court because you do not keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement, the court may decide to change your secure tenancy to a demoted tenancy. This will affect your rights. See Tenants’ rights.

Breach of tenancy

This is the term used when you fail to keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement, for example, not paying your rent, harassing your neighbours or giving us false information to get your tenancy.

If you do not correct your breach of tenancy we may have to take you to court. You and your family can be made to leave your home. We do not want this to happen and will provide you with support and advice to help prevent this.

If we decide to take you to court: