In this article Lis Bradshaw explores important provisions of the Housing Bill in relation to secure tenancies.
Section 146 - Extension to Introductory Tenancies for 6 months
This section allows a local authority to extend an introductory tenancies (“IT”) for a period of 6 months if:
- they have served Notice of Extension on the tenant:
- at least 8 weeks before the original term of the IT was to expire; and
- no review request has been received or, if a review request has been received, the review has been dealt with and a decision has been made to extend.
The notice should set out the reasons and state that the tenant has a right to request a within a time limit of 14 days.
If a review is requested and the Review Board decides that the IT should be extended, the tenant should be notified and given reasons before the expiry of the original IT.
Section 147 – Extension of the Right to Buy Qualification Period From 2 years to 5 years
This section simply extends the time period in which a local authority tenant must reside in local authority accommodation before he/she is entitled to the right to buy. It is extended from 2 to 5 years. This provision is not retrospective.
The Bill also adds an exception to granting the right to buy where a dwelling-house is to be demolished within 18 months.
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