Tenancy policy

Read the summary of the policy on the page below, or download the full policy document:

Tenancy policy (346 KiB)

Tenancy policy quick guide

Purpose of the policy

To ensure fair and consistent management of council homes and support tenants to manage their tenancies.

What the policy covers

• Types of tenancies
• How tenancies are ended
• Changes to tenancy agreements
• Mutual exchanges
• Succession rights (inheriting a tenancy from a partner or close family member)
• Lodgers and sub-letting
• Complaints and appeals

Types of tenancy explained

• Non-secure: for temporary housing (such as in cases of homelessness)
• Introductory: for new tenants. Reviewed after 12 months
• Secure: for long-term tenants with more rights
• Assured or assured shorthold: for homes built by Cheltenham Borough Council
• Fixed-term: usually five years. Reviewed before renewal

Ending a tenancy

• Tenant: must give four weeks written notice
• Cheltenham Borough Council: May end tenancy for serious breaches (for example rent arrears or anti-social behaviour)

Changing tenancy

• Allowed for marriage, civil partnerships, or living together long-term
• Joint to sole changes can only be made with agreement or court order

Mutual exchanges

• Cheltenham Borough Council supports swaps with other tenants if criteria are met
• Must not have rent arrears or legal issues

Succession

• A partner or close family member may inherit the tenancy if they lived with the tenant
• Only one succession is allowed (unless ordered by court)

Lodgers and sub-letting

• Lodgers are allowed with notification
• Sub-letting part of the home needs permission
• Tenants cannot sublet the whole property
• Tenants are responsible for lodger and sub-tenant behaviour

Complaints and appeals

• Formal complaints can be made if you’re unhappy with our services
• Appeals are allowed on tenancy decisions within 10 working days

Support and fairness

Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to:

• Supporting vulnerable tenants
• Promoting equality and diversity
• Keeping our services fair and transparent