Assured shorthold (starter) tenancy
Your assured shorthold starter tenancy agreement is a legal contract. It sets out your rights and responsibilities as the tenant, and our rights and responsibilities as your landlord.
All new residents at Merlin – except those who are coming to us from another housing association or council tenancy – are provided with a starter tenancy. This has less security and rights than a full assured tenancy for the first 12 months in order that we can see as a landlord that you are able to sustain the tenancy properly and meet all its responsibilities. If this is the case, the starter tenancy at the 12 months point is converted to a full assured tenancy.
If, however, this is not the case and the tenancy has not been satisfactorily maintained then the 12 month starter period can be extended for a further 6 months – or the tenancy brought to an end by service of legal notice.
By signing the tenancy agreement, you agree that you understand and accept all of the rights and responsibilities for your new property.
Your tenancy agreement will include details about the address, the rent charged, what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. We will discuss this with you when you sign the agreement. If you are not sure about any part of your tenancy agreement, even if it is after you have moved in to your new property, please contact us.
We can also provide tenancy agreements in different languages and formats, such as Braille. If you would like your tenancy agreement or the conditions booklet in a different format, please contact your area housing office.
It is important that you keep your copy of the tenancy agreement somewhere safe because you may need it in the future. This is especially important if you receive any state benefits.
Key points of your tenancy
- You do not have the right to exchange your house with another tenant from a council or another registered social landlord, take in lodgers, claim compensation for improvements or the right to acquire your home during the starter tenancy period – though these rights do become available once the starter period has been completed satisfactorily.
- You will be kept closely informed as to the progress of your starter tenancy period, and we will provide you with every possible means of support, advice and assistance to ensure that you have the best possible chance of completing the starter period successfully.
- If you have any concerns or queries regarding your assured shorthold starter tenancy please contact your local housing office
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